Episode 159: Why is 10 Degrees Diagnosed as a Scoliosis?

Podcast Show Notes: Scoliosis Treatment with Dr. Tony Nalda

Episode Title: Why 10 Degrees Is the Diagnostic Threshold for Scoliosis

🎙️ Episode Overview:

Why is scoliosis officially diagnosed at 10 degrees? In this episode, Dr. Tony Nalda explores the origin of the 10-degree cutoff, what it means for patients, and why the numbers don’t always reflect the impact scoliosis can have on daily life.

📌 Key Topics Covered:

✅ What Is Scoliosis?

• A lateral curvature of the spine of 10 degrees or more, with spinal rotation

• Must be measured via Cobb angle on a standing spinal X-ray

• Three-dimensional deformity—not just a sideways curve

✅ Cobb Angle & Severity Categories:

• Mild: 10–25 degrees

• Moderate: 25–40 degrees

• Severe: 40+ degrees

• Very Severe (Dr. Nalda’s category): 80+ degrees

These classifications were originally designed by orthopedic surgeons for surgical decision-making, not necessarily for predicting symptoms or patient outcomes.

✅ Why 10 Degrees?

• In 1977, Dr. William Kane proposed 10° as the cutoff to create diagnostic consistency

• Prior to this, some doctors diagnosed scoliosis at 5°, 15°, or even 20°

• The 10-degree benchmark became the accepted clinical standard—but not because it signified a dramatic physiological shift

✅ Why "Mild" Scoliosis Can Still Be Serious:

• Even small curves (10–20 degrees) can cause pain, dysfunction, and postural changes

• Many patients with 15–20 degree curves experience symptoms despite being labeled “mild”

• Early misalignments are like car tires out of alignment—they wear things down over time

✅ The Problem With Chasing Numbers:

• Curves less than 10° are still spinal misalignments

• Scoliosis isn’t always visible until 20–25°, meaning millions go undiagnosed

• Many people don’t realize they have scoliosis until adulthood, especially if pain is minimal in youth

✅ What Matters Most:

• Not just the degree of curvature, but the impact on your health and function

• Early detection and proactive, conservative treatment can prevent small curves from becoming severe

• Look beyond the labels—what matters is how your spine is affecting your quality of life

💡 Clinical Insight:

Every severe scoliosis case started out as a smaller curve. The earlier you intervene—regardless of whether it's “mild” or not—the better your chances are to prevent long-term progression.

📘 Free Resource:

Download the Free Guide: How to Effectively Treat Scoliosis
👉 scoliosisreductioncenter.com/free

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🌐 Website: scoliosisreductioncenter.com
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It’s not just about the number—it’s about the impact. Treat the cause, not just the curve.

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