Scoliosis is a curvature of the spinal column that is more common when a child or young adult goes through a growth spurt. Most cases of scoliosis are mild and require no treatment, but it can progress to a severe and disabling condition. Your physician will diagnose the condition with a physical examination and confirm it with x-ray or other imaging study.
Facts
According to Mayo Clinic, severe scoliosis can reduce the amount of space within the chest cavity, making it difficult for both the lungs and the heart to function. According to the University of Virginia Health System, there are four common types of curve patterns that are named based on the area of the spine. A thoracic curve occurs in the chest area, and 90 percent will curve to the right. A lumbar curvature is in the lower back, and 70 percent will curve to the left. A thoracolumbar curve occurs between the chest and lower back, and 80 percent will curve to the right. A double major curve will curve both to the right and left sides.
Symptoms
According to iScoliosis.com there are several different warning signs or symptoms of scoliosis. Most physicians will do a scoliosis screening during a child's annual examination starting near puberty. But you may also notice other signs at home before your annual exam that will prompt you to make an appointment for an examination. These signs include shoulders that are at different heights, the head not centered over the body, the rib cage at a different height, an uneven waist or changes in the look or texture of the skin over the spine. These changes can include dimpling, hairy patch or color changes. Once scoliosis is suspected, it is confirmed with x-ray, CT scan or MRI.
Causes
According to Mayo Clinic, the cause of scoliosis is often not determined. Scientists know that people who suffer from muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy are at a greater risk for the development of scoliosis as are individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury. According to the University of Virginia Health System, other causes can be the result of osteoporosis, disc degeneration or hereditary condition.
Treatments
According to Mayo Clinic, children who present with a mild case of scoliosis will be monitored using x-rays or other imaging studies in order to initiate treatment when it becomes necessary. Some children will require a brace to stop the curve from worsening and others may need surgery if it progresses too quickly or if there isn't enough muscle development to support the spine, such as in paraplegia, muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. When the curvature of the spine is measured after an imaging study, the physician determines the treatment upon the degree of the curvature. Curves less than 15 degrees may be monitored through puberty. If you have a curve greater than 25 degrees, treatment will be initiated and any curve greater than 40 degrees is considered severe and requires aggressive treatment such as surgical stabilization.
