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What is Raynaud’s Phenomenon?
Raynaud’s Phenomenon, sometimes referred to as Raynaud’s Syndrome or Raynaud’s Disease, is a condition that affects the extremities, particularly the fingers and toes, but sometimes the ears and nose too! It is a vascular disorder that leads to lowered blood flow (ischaemia) to the digits in response to low temperatures and/or stress and anxiety. It consists of a triphasic colour change to the skin in the affected areas. To start, the blood vessels that supply the skin spasm and constrict, causing the skin to turn cold and white (pallor), which is typically followed with numbness and pins and needles. Soon after, the skin turns blue in a phase called cyanosis, which happens when the static blood in the area becomes hypoxic (oxygen deprived). After this, the skin turns bright red (rubor) when the blood vessels dilate again, and a flow of oxygenated rushes back to the extremities, paired with a warm, throbbing, tingling, or painful sensation.
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The condition can affect people of any age and gender, but is most prevalent in females in the 15-30 age bracket, with women being 9x more likely to be affected than men. Other risk factors for Primary Raynaud’s (when the condition appears alone) include living in colder climates, and having a family history of the condition. Secondary Raynaud’s is when the condition presents under the extrinsic influence of an existing condition, including but not limited to Lupus, Scleroderma, and Arthritis. This variation of the disease is more likely to lead to complications, like ulcers and gangrene, though severe complications are rare.
What is Raynaud’s Awareness month?
Held annually in the month of February, Raynaud’s Awareness Month is a global campaign to educate people about Raynaud’s Phenomenon. Throughout the month, various organisations, individuals, and healthcare professionals collaborate to provide information, support, and resources for those affected. There are many ways you can get involved, for example by spreading awareness, supporting loved ones who may be affected, sharing stories, and even donating to Raynaud’s Fundraisers. These charities work hard to empower people with Raynaud’s, and to make a difference in their lives, so by donating, you can help fund the vital support services, resources, and research that will benefit people worldwide for generations. The cause also stresses the importance of early recognition to deliver the best support moving forwards.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a 3D condition involving lateral curvature of the spine, which in turn causes some spinal rotation, visible through prominences on the ribs and back. Cases range from slight to severe, with severe cases requiring surgical intervention. 80% of cases are idiopathic, meaning they have an unknown cause, but it is most frequently diagnosed in adolescent females, aged between 10-15. Interestingly, it is most prevalent in older adults, over the age of 60, but this is most likely to be degenerative scoliosis, a type of scoliosis which forms as a result of age-related wear and tear on discs and joints. Patients with scoliosis can do most everyday activities and exercise, though some may present with pain, stiffness, uneven posture, muscular imbalances, as well as issues with other systems in the body.
What, if any, is the connection between Raynaud’s and Scoliosis?
Generally, Raynaud’s and Scoliosis are considered separate conditions, with no scientific evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship between the two. However, severe scoliosis in the upper spine may sometimes (not always) cause Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) by creating compression on the nerves and blood vessels in the narrowed space between the clavicle and first rib. If this is the case, it can potentially trigger some Secondary Raynaud’s symptoms. It can also be argued that there is an autoimmune link between Raynaud’s and Scoliosis. Raynaud’s is a classic side effect of the aforementioned autoimmune diseases (Scleroderma, Lupus, etc.). Some autoimmune conditions impact connective tissues which may lead to spinal changes, suggesting that the symptoms of both conditions can coexist from a shared root. This does not, however, suggest that Scoliosis directly causes Raynaud’s, nor vice versa.
What help can Scoliosis SOS offer?
Maybe you are already a Scoliosis SOS patient and have Raynaud’s. Maybe you are considering starting your journey with us to treat your scoliosis, but are worried about your Raynaud’s throughout treatment. We are here to support you, no matter what. Whilst our primary goal is to give you the tools to improve your posture and reduce symptoms caused by scoliosis, we will always take your health concerns into consideration, adapting exercises and therapeutic treatments where necessary. At Scoliosis SOS, we want your journey to be as comfortable and as personalised as possible, so do not be afraid to voice your concerns. Our team of professional and experienced therapists will be able to guide you. Book an initial consultation to find out more about our scoliosis treatment options, tailored to you!
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Sources
Raynaud’s disease (2024) Hand Therapy Clinic Sydney. Available at: https://handtherapyclinicsydney.com.au/raynauds-disease/ (Accessed: 09 January 2026).
Raynaud’s – NHS (2023) NHS choices. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/raynauds/ (Accessed: 09 January 2026).
(No date) What is Raynaud’s? | scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK. Available at: https://www.sruk.co.uk/about-raynauds/what-is-raynauds/ (Accessed: 09 January 2026).
