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Scoliosis Facts

Scoliosis Facts
Scoliosis is a spinal deviation and medical condition that results in the spine having an S curve or a C curve instead of a straight line as it should be. Scoliosis can occur because of congenital birth defects, unknown causes, or as a result of another health condition. It can be present at birth or the onset can occur up until adulthood. Scoliosis can occur as a result of physical trauma, spinal muscular atrophy, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida. Scoliosis is diagnosed when the spine curves more than 10 degrees to either the right or left. Treatment for scoliosis can include bracing, surgery, physical therapy, pain relief, and exercise to help improve or manage the condition.
Interesting Scoliosis Facts:
When children are diagnosed with scoliosis the treatment usually involves observation, bracing, special physical therapy, or surgery.
When adults are diagnosed with scoliosis the treatment usually involves pain relief, bracing, exercise, or surgery.
Milder forms of scoliosis are sometimes addressed with exercise while moderate cases often require bracing.
In some cases of scoliosis it progresses rapidly and the use of a spinal rod is placed surgically in the patient to try to direct growth of the spine in a straight line.
Scoliosis can occur as a result of osteoporosis, injuries, illness, or previous back surgery.
Some cases of scoliosis have no identifiable cause. This is referred to as idiopathic scoliosis, and is the most common.
In the United States roughly 2% to 3% of 16 year old children have scoliosis to varying degrees.
Girls are more likely to develop scoliosis than boys.
Signs that scoliosis might be present include leaning to one side, an uneven waist, uneven shoulders, or the presence of a more prominent shoulder blade.
Bracing is valuable for those who are still growing, to help direct spine growth in the right direction and to stop the progression of the curve.
Scoliosis often runs in the family so those with other family members with scoliosis should be checked regularly by their doctor as well.
When determining the type of treatment for a patient the doctor will consider the age of the patient, how much more growth is expected, the curve's degree and pattern, and the type of scoliosis the patient has.
In some cases when a patient has only a mild curve the doctor will observe the curve every four to six months to see if the curve is worsening and treatment is necessary.
In addition to traditional treatments for scoliosis some patients have tried chiropractic treatment, electrical stimulation, supplements, and exercise although these have not been shown to stop curve progression.
As people age they can develop degenerative scoliosis. This occurs because of regular wear and tear on the back over the years, leading to a curve in the spine.
Even those who have been diagnosed with scoliosis often experience fewer symptoms of scoliosis if they exercise regularly.
Losing weight can help to reduce scoliosis symptoms (if one is overweight).
Keeping your bones healthy is one way to help avoid developing scoliosis because of osteoporosis.


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