Scoliosis causes an abnormal curving of the spine, into either a C-shape or S-shape form. The curves develop as mild, moderate, and severe, and can affect people of all ages. The condition has known and unknown causes, and the treatment for scoliosis depends on various factors including age, growth, degree and pattern of the curve.
Observation
According to the Mayo Clinic, most mild cases of scoliosis probably don't need treatment with a brace or surgery, but should be observed at scheduled check-ups by a doctor. A doctor may request an examination of the spine every four to six months to see if any changes occur to the spine, as in a worsening of the curvature, explains the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. If a child's bones have reached maturity or stopped growing, the risk of curve progression remains low, but in children whose bones continue to grow, they may develop a worsening curvature of the spine. If this is the case, the doctor may recommend additional treatment.
Braces
A doctor may advise wearing a brace to stop the progression of a curve in the spine, reports the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. A doctor recommends a brace in a moderate case of scoliosis, especially while the bones continue to grow. The braces need be worn throughout the day and evening, because the efficacy rate of a brace coincides with the number of hours worn. In other words, an increased number of hours in wearing the brace, results in less deterioration of the condition. However, the Mayo Clinic explains that wearing a brace won't cure scoliosis, or reverse the curve, but it usually prevents further progression of the curve.
Surgery
A doctor might suggest scoliosis surgery for a severe case of scoliosis, or if the braces fail in preventing further progression of the curve. Surgery reduces the severity of the spinal curve and prevents it from getting worse. According to Medline Plus, the surgery involves correcting the curve, though not all the way, and fusing the bones in the curve together. The doctor may also put in a metal rod or other devices called implants. The implants stay in the body and help keep the spine straight following surgery.
