List in Spine: When It Mimics Scoliosis
List in Spine: When It Mimics Scoliosis Spinal conditions can often be deceptive. One such condition is spinal list, a lateral shift of the upper body that may look like scoliosis but is very different in cause, presentation, and treatment. Let’s understand what a spinal list is, why it happens, and how we can treat it effectively using modern manual therapy techniques. What is a Spinal List? A spinal list is a lateral (sideways) shift of the trunk relative to the pelvis. It is often mistaken for scoliosis, but unlike true scoliosis, spinal list is usually a temporary and compensatory posture that develops due to underlying pain, most commonly disc herniation. Primary Reasons & Causes The most common cause of a spinal list is lumbar disc herniation, where the disc material bulges out and compresses nearby nerve roots. In response to pain and nerve irritation, the body shifts the spine to offload the pressure. Other causes include: Lumbar disc bulge or...