Scoliosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Scoliosis, or an abnormal curve of the spine,that can be very painful and debilitating. Luckily, there are ways to avoid scoliosis if you are at risk, and it’s important to keep track of symptoms if you suspect scoliosis as a possibility. This article will teach you everything you need to know about scoliosis, from how to recognize its signs and symptoms to how best to treat it if left untreated.

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition that causes the bending of  spine to the side. The spine is supposed to be straight, so when it curves, it can cause pain and problems with movement. Scoliosis can happen to anyone, but it most often affects girls during their teenage years.

 There are two kinds  of scoliosis: structural and functional. 

Structural scoliosis means that there is something wrong with the bones in the spine.

 Functional scoliosis happens when something else in the body, like muscles or ligaments, pulls the spine out of alignment. Scoliosis can be mild or severe. In mild cases, the curve is small and doesn’t cause any pain. In severe cases, the curve can be large and cause pain or problems with movement.

Different types of Scoliosis

There are three main types of scoliosis: congenital, juvenile idiopathic scoliosis , and neuromuscular.

 Congenital scoliosis is caused by a problem with the development of the spine. 

Idiopathic scoliosis has no known cause.

 Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by a problem with the nervous system or muscles.

What are the causes of scoliosis?

There are many possible causes of scoliosis, but the most common is unknown. It is believed that some cases are caused by an abnormality in the central nervous system, while others may be due to genetic factors. Scoliosis can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. In most cases, , the cause of scoliosis  is unknown.

Signs and symptoms of scoliosis

The most common symptom of scoliosis is a curve in the spine bone. The curve can be either S-shaped or C-shaped. The degree of the curve is measured using the Cobb angle. A curve of 10 degrees or more is considered to be scoliosis.

Diagnosis & Tests

Most cases of scoliosis are diagnosed during a physical exam. Your doctor will look at your back for signs of a curve. He or she will also ask you to bend forward from the waist. This is called the Adam’s forward bend test. If your doctor sees a curve, he or she will order an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may be ordered to get a better look at the spine.

Treatment Options

The goal of scoliosis treatment is to stop the progression of the curve and relieve pain. In some cases, the goal may be to improve cosmetic appearance. Nonsurgical treatments include: 

Physical Examination.

Your doctor will probably want to monitor your child's condition every four to six months. This may be all that's needed if the curve is mild. 

-Bracing.

 A back brace can be used to hold the spine in its proper position while it's still growing. It may also be used after surgery to keep the spine from moving while it heals. The type of brace prescribed depends on the severity of the curve and how much growth is still expected. One common brace is a Charleston Bending Brace. There are two basic types of braces: rigid braces and flexible braces. A rigid brace holds the spine straight at all times, while a flexible brace allows more movement but can't correct an extreme curve. Both types have straps over the shoulders to help support them when they're bending forward or backward; this should help relieve pain caused by muscle spasms or nerve pressure as well as provide protection against injury during falls or sports activities. However, bracing may not be recommended for children who are highly active or who plan to play contact sports because it could increase their risk of injury. Rigid braces can't adjust with growth and must be adjusted periodically by a medical professional. Flexible braces need periodic adjustments too, but they allow more flexibility so kids don't feel like their backs are being held together all the time. Braces often need to be worn 23 hours per day for long periods of time--sometimes years--to prevent curvature progression. Complications may arise from wearing braces 24/7, such as skin irritation where the brace touches the skin. Specialized clothes made of fabric such as cotton can reduce irritation and absorb sweat from under the brace. 

Your doctor will recommend specific exercises that are designed to strengthen back muscles, which should decrease spasm episodes and muscle pain associated with scoliosis. When there is significant rotation (spinal column twisting), your doctor might prescribe physical therapy that includes gentle stretches for neck muscles, lower-back exercises, abdominal strengthening exercises and balance training to compensate for lack of use due to immobility in upper body postures.