Scoliosis is a condition where a person’s spine curves or twists. This condition often leads to a three-dimensional shift in the spine, resulting in a curvature to one side or the other. The twisting can pull the ribcage out of position, causing the spinal curve to develop as one curve known as “C-shaped” or two curves looking like the letter “S.” The condition can lead to muscle weakness, changes in posture, or problems while breathing. If you or your loved one has scoliosis, you should contact an experienced spine expert. The treatments for scoliosis can include physical therapy or surgery in severe cases. The ideal treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
Types Of Scoliosis
The following are the common types of scoliosis:
Degenerative Scoliosis or Adult-Onset Scoliosis
A side-to-side curvature of the spine characterizes this condition. It is caused by degeneration of the intervertebral discs and facet joints, which are the moving parts of the spine. Spinal asymmetry and degeneration can happen slowly as you advance in age. This is a different form of scoliosis from the common adolescent-onset scoliosis.
Early-Onset Scoliosis
This condition is common in young children. It is called infantile scoliosis in babies and minors below three years. Doctors also refer to it as juvenile scoliosis if it develops when a child is between three and ten years old. In infantile scoliosis, the spine often curves to the left from the chest area.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
This condition is caused by conditions that affect the muscles or nerves in the back. Some conditions that can lead to neuromuscular scoliosis include cerebral palsy and spina bifida. The condition can become severe, making you unable to walk easily. You might require scoliosis surgery if the curve continues to get worse.
Syndromic Scoliosis
Syndromic scoliosis is part of a recognized syndrome, like Rett syndrome, Marfan syndrome, or Down syndrome, with musculoskeletal issues. Marfan syndrome and scoliosis affect the connective tissues of the body. On the other hand, Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects women, causing severe mental and physical disability.
Idiopathic Scoliosis
This condition is also known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It often affects healthy individuals aged 10 to 18 years. This is a common form of scoliosis, with eight in ten people having scoliosis suffering idiopathic scoliosis. Idiopathic means that the cause is not known.
Congenital Scoliosis
You can be born with abnormalities in the structure of your spine. Your spine can fail to form well and bend as you grow. The problems with the spine can be associated with other organ problems because of how a baby develops during pregnancy. Kidney problems can cause spine issues in children.
Diagnosis Of Scoliosis
The diagnosis of scoliosis often begins with a comprehensive physical examination. Your doctor will look at the curvature of the spine during the examination. He/she can conduct Adam’s forward bend test to find abnormalities. The doctor can also use imaging tests like MRI scans, CT scans, or X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and understand the severity of the condition. The tools will help the doctor to develop a treatment plan that fits your specific curvature and health needs.
Complications Associated With Scoliosis
Scoliosis can cause problems, like breathing and chronic back pain, because the lungs have less space for the growth of the spine. Changes in body image can also cause psychological issues. The spinal curvature can worsen in severe cases, reducing the range of motion. This can affect movement and cause damage to internal organs. You require spinal fusion surgery in severe cases to fix the spine’s alignment. Early diagnosis and appropriate care are necessary because they minimize the risk of complications. Timely treatment also helps enhance the quality of life in patients.
Treatment Options For Scoliosis
Scoliosis treatment options vary from the small curve camp to different types of scoliosis surgery. The ideal treatment depends on the severity of the curvature. Keeping an eye on the curve will be sufficient in mild cases. Moderate curves require a brace or the Scoliosis Boot Camp to prevent the curve from getting severe. Surgery, like spinal fusion, might be necessary in severe cases. This can help straighten and stabilize the spine. Physical therapy is essential after scoliosis surgery because it enhances recovery and builds strength. Your doctor will put you under a treatment plan that suits your condition and needs.
ScoliSMART Boot Camp
ScoliSMART Boot Camp is a specialized program meant for patients with scoliosis, focusing on personalized treatment plans and physical therapy. This program improves flexibility, strengthens core muscles, and enhances spinal alignment. It is also tailored to solve unique challenges that scoliosis patients face. Participants focus on specific exercises that assist in correcting posture. They also engage in exercises that lower pain while fostering a supportive community among people who have experience living with scoliosis.
The boot camp focuses on a holistic treatment approach. It combines physical therapy and lifestyle changes to enhance spine health. Each patient gets a customized treatment plan that ensures that the curvature and scoliosis signs are treated. ScoliSMART Boot Camp helps in managing scoliosis. It also encourages patients to engage actively in their well-being and health, assisting them in living better lives.
The following are crucial elements of ScoliSMART Boot Camp:
- Group support and encouragement
- Adjustments to treatment plans and ongoing assessments
- Focus on key strengths and flexibility
- Customized exercise regimens
You can gain knowledge and valuable tools to manage your condition better by participating in ScoliSMART Boot Camp. This can also improve your quality of life.
Conservative And Surgical Treatment Methods For Scoliosis
Treatment for scoliosis curves is divided into conservative and surgical methods, depending on the severity of your curvature and individual needs. Conservative therapies involve using back braces, especially in adolescents. Bracing for scoliosis is vital because it prevents the curve from worsening. Doctors often recommend bracing for patients with moderate scoliosis. Apart from bracing, physical therapy is also essential. Physical therapy focuses on exercises that improve posture and promote core strength.
The surgical option might be necessary for severe scoliosis. Spinal fusion is a popular surgery for this condition. The surgeon fuses two or more vertebrae to make the spine stable. He/she can also use rods or screws to support the spinal structure from the side of the torso. The surgeon can recommend surgery based on various factors, including:
- Your overall health
- Your age, and
- The severity of the curvature
The following are the standard conservative treatment options:
- Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider
- Physical therapy
- Back brace
- Use of a plaster cast for proper spinal alignment
Surgical options include:
- Decompression procedures for nerve relief
- Use of rods or screws for stabilization
- Spinal fusion
Lifestyle Adjustments And Preventive Measures Of Idiopathic Scoliosis
Idiopathic scoliosis cannot be controlled with lifestyle adjustment techniques. However, exercising your spine regularly can keep it flexible and strong. You should avoid activities that exert pressure on your back, particularly in children. Strenuous activities can cause conditions like infantile idiopathic scoliosis. Using ergonomic furniture and good posture are also important for your spine health.
Regular check-ups and physical therapy are vital if a patient is at risk due to conditions like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. The doctor can track any curve development and manage symptoms of scoliosis. If the condition progresses, surgical intervention might be necessary. Keeping a healthy weight and staying active can also improve your spinal health.
Outlook For Individuals With Scoliosis
The outlook for people with scoliosis depends on the age at which it is diagnosed and the seriousness of the condition. Individuals with mild scoliosis can live a normal life without substantial limitations because the curvature will likely not progress or cause significant symptoms. However, interventions like bracing and surgical techniques might be necessary to prevent further complications in situations where the severity of scoliosis increases. You can manage your symptoms and live a quality life with appropriate intervention. Various treatment options are accessible. Your doctor can develop a treatment plan that suits your needs, ensuring you continue engaging in daily activities without undue pressure on the spine.
Challenges In Detecting Scoliosis Symptoms
Scoliosis often goes unnoticed, particularly in children and adults. The symptoms might not be apparent in children until they manifest in their teenage years. Spinal curves can also be complex to notice in adults, including degenerative scoliosis affecting the lumbar spine. Doctors claim that it is hard to see the curvature in people with back pain. This is common in patients with osteoporosis because weak bones can cause curves in the lower back. The seriousness of the curvature is vital for determining the appropriate treatment options. It also helps those affected to understand what to expect.
Knowing the subtle signs of scoliosis is crucial because they help address the situation early. Early detection helps take action to prevent the condition from becoming severe. All types of scoliosis have some level of spinal curvature, including rare conditions like congenital scoliosis that carry a higher risk of complications. However, new technologies in genetic testing have given doctors a better understanding of the causes and the severity of the disease.
Getting an accurate diagnosis requires a skilled medical professional. MRI and X-ray are necessary for a correct diagnosis. You should seek medical help from doctors who deal with spine conditions. This will help address the problem well and ensure you get the proper treatment. The doctor will check the following:
- Pain in the back or neck
- A rotating rib cage
- A difference in hip heights
- A noticeable curve in the spine
- Uneven shoulders
Family History And Scoliosis
The possibility of suffering a spinal curvature is higher if you have grandparents, siblings, or parents with the condition. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reveals that about three out of ten people with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis have a family history of it. Other studies indicate that genetics is also associated with scoliosis cases. The standard type is idiopathic scoliosis found in minors aged ten or older. However, the cause of most cases of scoliosis is not known. Degeneration of spinal discs can also cause scoliosis. This occurs with conditions like osteoporosis or arthritis, but can run in families. Congenital scoliosis can occur due to:
- Injuries faced during childhood
- Very fast growth spurts
- Infections
- A significant injury or problem during birth, like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
- Some health issues can increase the chances of having scoliosis signs
Scoliosis And Abnormal Posture
Signs of scoliosis often appear because of changes in posture. These signs will show up when the spine begins to curve, leading to a visibly curved spine. As a result, the hips, waist, and shoulders will shift, making them out of line. The early changes will be gradual, but they will show up before the curve in the spine gets more noticeable. Scoliosis can also sometimes mimic other spinal conditions, impacting how the bladder and stomach work. You should see the doctor to examine these changes for further assistance.
It is essential to have the changes in posture evaluated. You can also notice other signs, like shoulders that are not the same level. It can be a shoulder blade that sticks out or an irregular waistline relative to the different parts of your body. These signs should be monitored, particularly in teens who are growing fast, because they can get worse over time. Diagnosing these issues early and getting help from a doctor will make a big difference. Your condition will be managed well to prevent any other problems later on.
Visiting your doctor for regular check-ups is necessary. This applies to individuals with a family history of scoliosis or who experience ongoing back pain or discomfort. The visits help diagnose scoliosis signs early and allow appropriate treatment. Your doctor can carry out physical assessments or imaging tests, like X-rays, to establish the Cobb angle, which checks the severity of spinal curvature. The doctor will then develop a management plan that suits your needs. Some of the signs the doctor will look for include:
- Showing of the ribs when bending forward
- A slight limp when walking
- The body is leaning on one side
- The center of the eyes is not lined up with the center of the hips
- The ear is not aligned with the shoulder tip when viewed from the side, which can be a result of an injury
- A tilted rib cage
- One hip appears higher than the other
- A shoulder blade sticks out
- Irregular shoulders
- Tilted eyes
An abnormal posture is merely one sign, not the cause of scoliosis. The cause of the condition is unknown. However, the curve gets severe because the brain does not see that the body is out of balance. The brain is unable to inform the muscles to correct the spinal curvature. As a result, the spine continues growing abnormally in one section of the spinal column. This often occurs in people with neuromuscular scoliosis, like people suffering from spina bifida.
Scoliosis And Back Pain
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves on one side in an abnormal manner, forming a sideways curvature of the spine. It does not restrict movement or cause back pain in the initial stages. This is why you might not discover it early. When the curve gets more severe, you can experience pain on either side of the spine. The pain will be severe with physical activity, particularly in severe cases. Pain can also be associated with the compression of the spinal nerve.
Adults with a curved spine can experience pain, which could make it hard for them to carry out their daily activities. However, there are several ways to address the pain without treatments. The use of a back brace is the most appropriate. The back brace can be changed as a person grows and can help prevent the spine from curving further, particularly in cases of spinal deformity. The doctor will assist you in choosing an appropriate brace and show you how to wear it. The pain can also be managed in the following ways:
- Special exercises that strengthen the muscles around the spine and help improve posture
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care, and
- Physical therapy
Find A Skilled Spine Surgeon Near Me
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. A normal spine has a slight forward/backward curve, but with scoliosis, the spine curves into a C or S shape. You might not require treatment for mild scoliosis. However, you can experience posture issues or even pain if you have severe scoliosis. The standard treatment options for scoliosis include wearing a brace or undergoing surgery. You are at a higher risk of scoliosis if you have a family history of the condition or an underlying injury or condition that affects the muscles, spine, or nerves.
You should contact a spine expert if you suspect that you or your loved one has scoliosis. The expert can recommend different treatment options depending on the type of scoliosis, severity of curvature, your age, family history of scoliosis, and the remaining time until skeletal maturity.
At LAMIS, we have expert spine surgeons who are experienced in treating scoliosis. You can count on us for reliable treatment in Los Angeles. Call us at 310-734-6088 to speak to one of our spine surgeons.
