Many people have wondered if there happens to be a correlation with scoliosis and celiac disease, I was one of them.
I was suddenly diagnosed with mild scoliosis and presented with my X rays after my third child. I had previous X ray and they were never ”crooked.” It just so happens that a number of years later I was finally diagnosed celiac as well. Very interesting, is there a connection here?
Marion’s ( from Oregon) had asked the same question and gathered some information which she said I could share with you. Here are her results:
Thank you to everyone who responded to my question. I received 28 responses. 23 people said either they or someone in their family had both cd and scoliosis. 1 person said they are not associated, but are hereditary. 1 person said there’s no connection. Several people mentioned malnutrition as being a possible factor in scoliosis. A few people suggested that I do a Google search on the topic, which I have extensively done. I’m convinced that there’s a connection, and I’m factoring that into my daughter’s treatment plan.
Websites to check:
http://www.scoliosis-world.com/old_polls.htm
I sure hope this helps answer your questions about this too . Tina Turb
Tags: celiac, celiac disease, scoliosis, tina turbin
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This is a wonderful blog Tina. I enjoyed reading this post. It seems reasonable to suspect that undiagnosed Celiac Disease (CD) could lead to scoliosis. CD autoimmune factors, associated inflammation and malabsorption of nutrients can start demineralizing sketetal bones in infancy or childhood (rickets) and this can continue into adulthood (osteomalacia). In some, the pathological demineralizing effects of CD may not be triggered until adulthood. The bone structure becomes soft, weak, and bendable loosing it’s rigidity. This could potientially lead to disfiguring disabilities such as bow legs, pigeon chest, pelvic deformities, deformed skull, and spine deformities (ex. lordosis, scoliosis, and kyphosis) possibly decreasing mobility. Osteomalacia can coexist with arthritis and osteoporosis. The damaging life long effects can be permanent. A CD diagnosis and a gluten-free could be the perfect primary prevention for those with undiagnosed CD. The symptoms of CD can be so elusive that diagnosis is often delayed for years (97% remain undiagnosed).
Symptoms of rickets in infancy and childhood may include bone pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, seizures, failure to thrive, dental deformities and cavities, delayed or impaired growth, short stature, bone fractures, skeletal deformities (ex. bowed legs, pigeon chest, pelvic deformities, deformed skull, and/or curvature of the spine that is abnormal) muscle cramps/spasms, tetany, numbness, tingling, abnormal heart rhythms, difficulty crawling and sitting, and delayed walking. Early symptoms of osteomalacia in adulthood may initially be absent. During this initial phase, it may be diagnosed if apparent on a x-ray or other tests. As osteomalacia becomes chronic, symptoms may include muscle weakness, muscle cramps/spasms, tetany, seizures, numbness, tingling, abnormal heart rhythms, bone pain or tenderness, spine deformities, skeletal deformities, fractures, rachitic rosary, dental caries, reduced mobility, a change in gait, and a waddling gait.
More research needs to be done. For now, I believe that individuals with scoliosis may benefit from celiac screening since it may prevent further damage if it is related to celiac disease.
Best Regards,
Shelly
References are available at my blog