[An unusual case of non-structural scoliosis (case report)]

The case of a female patient with conversion scoliosis is described. At 24 years, the patient underwent surgery for herniated disks in the L4-L5 and L5-S1 regions and a short-time relief was achieved. At age 28, she was admitted to our department because of severe pain and antalgic posture. Because radiographs of her spine showed no findings corresponding to her symptoms, psychological examination was indicated. This revealed traumatic emotional experience in her family of origin and later also in her foster family, which unfavorably affected her married life. Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral treatment, hypnotherapy and audiovisual stimulation, markedly improved the patient's mental and somatic state during two periods of hospitalization. The effects of psychotherapy, physical therapy and adaptation of her physical activity regimen were still evident at 1 year after her therapy was commenced.