Scoliosis

What is scoliosis? skele.jpg (3639 bytes)
A normal spine, when viewed from behind appears straight. However, a spine affected by scoliosis shows evidence of a lateral or sideways curvature -- giving the appearance that the person is leaning. Scoliosis is one type of congenital spinal deformity and should not be confused with acquired poor posture.

What causes scoliosis?
In most cases (80 to 85 percent), a specific cause of scoliosis is unknown (a condition called idiopathic scoliosis). In other cases, scoliosis may develop as a result of degeneration of the spinal disks, as seen with osteoporosis, or as a hereditary condition that tends to run in families.

The abnormal curves of the spine are classified according to their cause, including:

nonstructural scoliosis (also referred to as functional scoliosis): In this condition, a structurally normal spine appears curved due to one or more underlying conditions (i.e., difference in leg length, an inflammatory condition, etc.). This type of scoliosis is generally temporary and is often relieved when the underlying condition is treated.

structural scoliosis: The possible causes of structural scoliosis are numerous, including:

of unknown origin (idiopathic structural scoliosis)

disease (i.e., neuromuscular, metabolic, connective tissue, or rheumatoid disease)

birth defect

injury

infection

abnormal growth or tumor

Who is affected by scoliosis?
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases:

Three to 5 out of every 1,000 children develop spinal curves that are considered large enough to require treatment.

Adolescent scoliosis of unknown origin is the most common type of scoliosis -- occurring after the age of 10 and more often in girls than boys.

What are the symptoms/signs of scoliosis?
The following are the most common symptoms of scoliosis, however, individuals may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

difference in shoulder height
the head is not centered with the rest of the body
difference in hip height or position
difference in shoulder blade height or position
when standing straight, difference in the way the arms hang beside the body
when bending, the sides of the back appear different in height

The symptoms of scoliosis may resemble other spinal conditions or deformities, or may be a result of an injury or infection. Consult a physician for a diagnosis.

How is scoliosis diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures may include one or a combination of the following:

x-ray evaluation

curve measurement evaluation - with the use of a full-spine x-ray, the physician or radiologist measures the angle of the spinal curve. A determination for treatment can often be made based on this measurement.

How scoliosis is treated:
Specific treatment will be determined by the physician(s) based on:

patient’s age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disease
expectations for the course of the disease
patient’s tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
patient’s (or family’s) opinion or preference

Early detection of scoliosis is most important for successful treatment. Pediatricians or family physicians, and even some school programs, routinely look for signs that scoliosis may be present.

Treatment may include:

observation and repeated examinations - to determine if the spine is continuing to curve
bracing
surgery

Other methods for treating scoliosis have been suggested and/or tried, including chiropratics, electrical stimulation, and corrective exercise, but, to date, none have been shown to prevent the disease from progressing or worsening.

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