Scoliosis is an abnormal, sideways curvature of the spine, which normally curves front to back. It’s most often diagnosed in childhood and continues into adulthood. While many cases of scoliosis are mild and need no treatment, some cases can be severe and require physical therapy, a back brace, or surgery.
Types of Scoliosis Types Healthcare professionals typically categorize scoliosis by the suspected cause. The three main types of scoliosis are:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291a4bb15c-8584-4c1d-a147-b6d808721d11e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bac37a35-cab0-43a5-8525-2b1b2f50f3b4 Idiopathic scoliosis: Most times, the cause of scoliosis is idiopathic (unknown), though experts note it tends to run in families. Congenital scoliosis: This rare condition occurs when a baby’s vertebrae (bones) of the spine don’t develop correctly in the womb. Neuromuscular scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is caused by abnormalities in the muscles and nerves surrounding the spine. It occurs most commonly with medical conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Other times, healthcare professionals categorize scoliosis by age at diagnosis:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291a4bb15c-8584-4c1d-a147-b6d808721d11e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bac37a35-cab0-43a5-8525-2b1b2f50f3b4 Infantile scoliosis: Younger than age 3 Juvenile scoliosis: Ages 4 to 10 Adolescent scoliosis: Ages 11 to 18 Adult idiopathic scoliosis: Any age after 18
Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis Symptoms Most cases of scoliosis are mild and don’t cause any symptoms. But if you do have symptoms, they may include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629857e63f5-d149-471a-a948-4ece06edc111 Back pain Difficulty standing upright Weak abdominal muscles Numbness, pain, or weakness in the legs The signs of scoliosis may include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295bb41128-b6f8-4d0c-a1f1-199832216a8f Uneven waist Uneven shoulders Leaning to one side A shoulder blade that sticks out Imbalanced legs and hips Head isn’t centered above the spine A bulge on one side of your back Changes in skin appearance If you notice these signs or symptoms in yourself or your child, it’s important to see a doctor.
Causes and Risk Factors of Scoliosis Causes As mentioned, the cause of scoliosis is idiopathic (unknown) most times. Other common causes of scoliosis include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762993043e8c-84d8-401a-ab3a-4907b24ef452e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f79367d1-d65d-43fc-86a6-b23be45801bc Birth defects that affected the way your spine developed in utero Certain neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy Chest surgery as a baby Spinal injuries, infections, or tumors
How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed? Diagnosis Scoliosis is usually diagnosed in your doctor’s office after a physical exam. Your doctor may ask you to stand up straight to assess your hips, shoulders, and waist. They may then ask you to bend forward and touch your toes so they can assess the shape of your spine.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c514eda8-1b0d-4d72-b601-4e6bfb8fefc6 Your doctor may also complete a neurological exam to check for:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762936883b83-d8e5-4557-bcf2-e74b52f3e321 Muscle weakness Numbness Reflexes Your doctor will ask about any symptoms you’re experiencing and whether they’re causing problems for you, such as back pain, bladder issues, or bowel problems. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c514eda8-1b0d-4d72-b601-4e6bfb8fefc6 If your doctor suspects scoliosis, they may order scans to help diagnose the condition and severity. Tests may include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629baa35828-5bc0-40e2-9cda-0f9c04c47ba5 X-ray Computed tomography (CT) scan Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Spinal radiograph
Treatment for Scoliosis Treatment Not all cases of scoliosis need treatment, but some severe cases do. To determine if you need treatment, your doctor will consider:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299266a1c3-ef30-4d03-9f11-a6623dd79ba1 The type of scoliosis you have Age Family history of scoliosis The number of years you have left until your bones are done growing Degree of spinal curvature (the greater the curve, the more severe your scoliosis) Treatment for scoliosis often focuses on symptom relief and stopping the curve from progressing, not necessarily straightening the spine. Treatments fall into two categories: conservative (nonsurgical) and surgical. Conservative Scoliosis Treatments Conservative treatments for scoliosis include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299266a1c3-ef30-4d03-9f11-a6623dd79ba1 Physical Therapy A physical therapist can help you learn exercises and stretches that strengthen your core muscles and improve flexibility. Exercises may include the use of a ball or dowel to improve muscle strength in the core and around the spine.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ccea9c64-ae69-4283-bd87-829af8ee39fb Back Brace A back brace can support your spine if your spinal curvature is greater than 25 degrees to keep it from reaching 50 degrees. It can also be beneficial for children who are still growing.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d69fb409-0913-4c53-b72d-35208c6fc3cd Pain Relievers Ask your doctor for recommendations for over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications. Other Strategies Yoga , Pilates , acupuncture , and chiropractic care can also help, especially if you have back pain.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629713c3dd5-972e-454f-ae8a-e8bdb1349b2c Surgical Scoliosis Treatments Surgery may be needed for more severe cases of scoliosis to help with:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299266a1c3-ef30-4d03-9f11-a6623dd79ba1 Stability of the spine Balance Pressure relief of compressed nerves There are two primary spinal operations used to treat scoliosis. They are:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299266a1c3-ef30-4d03-9f11-a6623dd79ba1 Spinal Fusion This surgery helps stabilize your spine by fusing your spinal bones and adding metal braces to your spine to help support it. Expandable Rod This surgery helps support a growing child’s spine. A rod is placed alongside the backbone, which can be made longer as the child grows.
Prevention of Scoliosis Prevention Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent scoliosis. But many cases of scoliosis are mild and don’t require treatment. If you have a more severe case, treatment may help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your healthcare provider may also recommend stretches and exercises to help strengthen your back muscles and prevent your scoliosis from worsening.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762946ea0ab4-7a64-4154-a106-e89845150324
Scoliosis Prognosis Prognosis and Outlook Because many cases of scoliosis are mild and require no treatment, many live a typical life with this diagnosis and can participate in sports or other physical activities, which can boost core strength and flexibility and help improve symptoms. But if you experience pain during exercise, listen to your body and stop.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cc7670f4-51b0-43d2-a4a1-19b74fc0d361 Sometimes symptoms may appear or worsen because of the natural degradation of the spine over time as you age. If this happens to you, it’s important to see your doctor so they can help you manage your symptoms.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cc7670f4-51b0-43d2-a4a1-19b74fc0d361 Scoliosis may also affect the way you look, depending on the degree of curvature of your spine. For some people, this change has an emotional impact. If your scoliosis is negatively affecting your mental health, talk to your doctor. They can connect you with a mental health professional who can help.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cc7670f4-51b0-43d2-a4a1-19b74fc0d361
Complications of Scoliosis Complications Mild forms of scoliosis usually don’t cause any complications, though more severe cases may result in pain, visible curvature, or trouble breathing.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290569acc8-7b2e-4ef4-9a6b-3d1926c48c57 Trouble Breathing This occurs in cases of severe scoliosis, when the rib cage presses against the lungs, limiting your ability to take a deep breath and making breathing more difficult. Back Problems Chronic back issues and pain can develop as you age, especially if your spinal curvature is large or if left untreated. Emotional Stress As you age, scoliosis can worsen, causing more noticeable physical changes in your hips, shoulders, waist, and other areas, which may impact your body image . If it does, talking to a mental health professional can help.
Research and Statistics: Who Has Scoliosis? Research and Statistics Scoliosis affects about 2 to 3 percent of the U.S. population (six to nine million people).e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f51d7bec-1bd6-4732-816f-7df7174f3811 While it can affect you at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood or adolescence between ages 10 and 15.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295acff3d4-b851-452f-9f23-de14d486c9cb Scoliosis can also develop in people who experience degeneration of the spine, such as those with arthritis or osteoporosis .e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291c522f48-6cd9-43a2-a565-b9918525f8a3
The Takeaway Scoliosis is an abnormal, sideways curvature of the spine that’s usually diagnosed in childhood. Signs of scoliosis include uneven hips, waist, legs, shoulder blades, and rib cage. The cause of scoliosis is usually idiopathic (unknown), but sometimes causes include abnormal fetal development or neuromuscular disorders. Many times, scoliosis is mild and doesn’t require treatment, though more severe cases may require physical therapy, a back brace, or surgery.
Resources We Trust Cleveland Clinic: Scoliosis Mayo Clinic: Scoliosis American Association of Neurological Surgeons: Scoliosis Yale Medicine: Scoliosis Johns Hopkins Medicine: Scoliosis
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