Scoliosis is most common in the later stages of childhood or the early teenage years when the person is still growing fast. It is more common in females than in males.
Scoliosis is not always noticeable, but some people with this condition may lean to one side or have uneven shoulders or hips due to the curve of the spine.
In most cases, the person does not need treatment because the curve often does not progress a significant amount. However, depending on the degree of curvature and the age of the child, doctors may recommend a combination of back bracing and physical therapy.
A very small number of people with scoliosis may need surgery. Possible complications of scoliosis include chronic pain, breathing difficulties, and a reduced capacity for exercise.
What is scoliosis?
A person with scoliosis will have a sideways C- or S-shaped curveTrusted Source in their spine. For a doctor to diagnose scoliosis, the Cobb angle — a measure of the curvature — must be at least 10 degreesTrusted Source.
Scoliosis can appear at any age, but it oftenTrusted Source presents between the ages of 10 and 12 years or during a person’s teens. While scoliosis is rare in infants, infantile scoliosis can affect people before the age of 3 years.
In most cases, there is no known cause of scoliosis. Doctors call this idiopathic scoliosis. In other cases, scoliosis may have an association with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida. Alternatively, it may be a birth abnormality.
Doctors will classify spinal curves as structural or nonstructuralTrusted Source. A structural curve is permanent and may be due to a medical condition or injury. A nonstructural curve is temporary, meaning that the spine is structurally normal. In either case, a doctor will try to find and correct or treat the cause.
Treatment
In most cases, childhood and adolescent scoliosis is mild and does not need treatment. With a curve of 10 to 25 degrees, a doctor will usuallyTrusted Source have checkups with the person at 3, 6, or 12 month intervals to check whether the condition is changing.
For a 25 to 40 degree curve, a doctor may recommend bracing. If the curve is greater than this, and the skeleton is still immature, a doctor may recommend surgery.
The doctor will consider the following factors when deciding on treatment options:
Sex: Females are more likely than males to have scoliosis that gradually gets worse.
Severity of the curve: The type and severity of the curve may affect how it progresses. S-shaped curves are typical in those with idiopathic scoliosis, whereas C-shaped curves are more common among those with neuromuscular scoliosis.
Curve position: A curve in the center part of the spine is more likely to get worse than a curve in the lower or upper section.
Bone maturity: The risk of worsening is lower if the person’s bones have stopped growing. Braces are more effective while the bones are still growing.
Casting
In infantile scoliosis, a doctor may use plaster casting instead of bracing to help the infant’s spine grow into a typical position. The cast attaches to the outside of the infant’s body, and they will wear it at all times. As most infants grow rapidly, the doctor will need to change the cast regularly.
Bracing
If a person has moderate scoliosis, and the bones are still growing, the doctor may recommend a brace. The brace will prevent further curvature, but it will not cure or reverse scoliosis.
The person will usually need to wear the brace all the time, even at night. Its effectiveness tends to correlate with the number of hours per day that the person wears the brace.
The brace does not generally restrict what the person can do. If they wish to take part in physical activity, they can take the brace off.
When the bones stop growing, a brace is no longer necessary.
There are two types of brace:
Thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO)
The TLSO is plastic, and its design means that it fits neatly around the body’s curves. It is not usually visible under clothing.
Milwaukee brace
This type is a full torso brace that has a neck ring with rests for the chin and the back of the head. Doctors reserve the use of the Milwaukee brace for when the TLSO is either not suitable or not effective.
Symptoms
Scoliosis usually becomes apparent from infancy or adolescence. The symptoms differ depending on the person’s age.
Symptoms in adolescents
The most common form of scoliosis appears in adolescence and is known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It can affect people between 10 and 18 yearsTrusted Source of age.
Symptoms can include the following:
the head may appear a bit off center
the ribs on each side may be slightly different heights
one hip may be more prominent than the other
the clothes may not hang evenly
one shoulder or shoulder blade may be higher than the other
the person may lean to one side
the legs may be slightly different lengths
Some types of scoliosis can cause back pain, but it is not usually very painful. This symptom is more common in older adults.
Symptoms in infants
In infants, symptoms can include:
a bulge on one side of the chest
consistently lying with the body curved to one side
in severe cases, problems with the heart and lungs, leading to shortness of breath and chest pain
If an infant does not receive treatment for scoliosis, they will be more at risk of problems later in life, such as impaired heart and lung function.
Causes
Below are some of the possible causes of scoliosis:
Neuromuscular conditions: These conditions affect the nerves and muscles. They include cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, and muscular dystrophy.
Congenital scoliosis: Congenital means that the condition was present at birth. Scoliosis is rare at birth, but it can occur if the bones in the spine develop abnormally when the fetus is growing.
Specific genes: Researchers believe that at least one gene plays a role in the development of scoliosis.
Leg length: If one leg is longer than the other, an individual may develop scoliosis.
Syndromic scoliosis: Scoliosis can develop as part of a medical condition, including neurofibromatosis or Marfan’s syndrome.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis can cause secondary scoliosis due to bone degeneration.
Other causes: Poor posture, carrying backpacks or satchels, connective tissue disorders, and some injuries can cause spinal curvature.
Risk factors
The risk factors for scoliosis include:
Age: Signs and symptoms often start during a growth spurt just before puberty.
Gender: Females have a higher risk of scoliosis than males.
Genetics: People with scoliosis often have a close relative with the condition.
Types
The Scoliosis Association in the United Kingdom describe seven main types of scoliosis:
congenital scoliosis
early onset scoliosis
adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
degenerative scoliosis
neuromuscular scoliosis
Scheuermann’s kyphosis
syndromic scoliosis
Diagnosis
A health care provider will carry out a physical examination of the spine, ribs, hips, and shoulders. With the aid of a tool called an inclinometer, or scoliometer, the our expert can measure the degree of scoliosis. An angle greater than 10 degrees indicates scoliosis.
Imaging scans such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans can help the doctor assess the shape, direction, location, and angle of the curve.
The our expert may refer the person to an orthopedic specialist for further advice.
Summary
Scoliosis refers to an abnormally curved spine. It tends to arise in childhood or adolescence, and the cause is usually unknown. Treatments, such as back bracing and surgery, can often help.
A person should speak to a if they suspect scoliosis, as early treatment can help prevent future complications.
How The viyanacare can help you
you will know that your spine need good care all the time, and proper spine healthcare looks at the bigger picture. Your spine are connected to the function of your knees, hips and lower back, and as sport expert we build better bodies from your spine .
At The viyanacare, our team of experience, enthusiastic and highly qualified has worked with numerous professional sports athletes and recreational sport lovers. We will be happy to assess your Scoliosis, provide advice on useful exercises to adjust anything that sits outside the normal range.
So if you have any questions about Scoliosis, please come and see us at The viyanacare site.
Scoliosis is not always noticeable, but some people with this condition may lean to one side or have uneven shoulders or hips due to the curve of the spine.
In most cases, the person does not need treatment because the curve often does not progress a significant amount. However, depending on the degree of curvature and the age of the child, doctors may recommend a combination of back bracing and physical therapy.
A very small number of people with scoliosis may need surgery. Possible complications of scoliosis include chronic pain, breathing difficulties, and a reduced capacity for exercise.
What is scoliosis?
A person with scoliosis will have a sideways C- or S-shaped curveTrusted Source in their spine. For a doctor to diagnose scoliosis, the Cobb angle — a measure of the curvature — must be at least 10 degreesTrusted Source.
Scoliosis can appear at any age, but it oftenTrusted Source presents between the ages of 10 and 12 years or during a person’s teens. While scoliosis is rare in infants, infantile scoliosis can affect people before the age of 3 years.
In most cases, there is no known cause of scoliosis. Doctors call this idiopathic scoliosis. In other cases, scoliosis may have an association with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida. Alternatively, it may be a birth abnormality.
Doctors will classify spinal curves as structural or nonstructuralTrusted Source. A structural curve is permanent and may be due to a medical condition or injury. A nonstructural curve is temporary, meaning that the spine is structurally normal. In either case, a doctor will try to find and correct or treat the cause.
Treatment
In most cases, childhood and adolescent scoliosis is mild and does not need treatment. With a curve of 10 to 25 degrees, a doctor will usuallyTrusted Source have checkups with the person at 3, 6, or 12 month intervals to check whether the condition is changing.
For a 25 to 40 degree curve, a doctor may recommend bracing. If the curve is greater than this, and the skeleton is still immature, a doctor may recommend surgery.
The doctor will consider the following factors when deciding on treatment options:
Sex: Females are more likely than males to have scoliosis that gradually gets worse.
Severity of the curve: The type and severity of the curve may affect how it progresses. S-shaped curves are typical in those with idiopathic scoliosis, whereas C-shaped curves are more common among those with neuromuscular scoliosis.
Curve position: A curve in the center part of the spine is more likely to get worse than a curve in the lower or upper section.
Bone maturity: The risk of worsening is lower if the person’s bones have stopped growing. Braces are more effective while the bones are still growing.
Casting
In infantile scoliosis, a doctor may use plaster casting instead of bracing to help the infant’s spine grow into a typical position. The cast attaches to the outside of the infant’s body, and they will wear it at all times. As most infants grow rapidly, the doctor will need to change the cast regularly.
Bracing
If a person has moderate scoliosis, and the bones are still growing, the doctor may recommend a brace. The brace will prevent further curvature, but it will not cure or reverse scoliosis.
The person will usually need to wear the brace all the time, even at night. Its effectiveness tends to correlate with the number of hours per day that the person wears the brace.
The brace does not generally restrict what the person can do. If they wish to take part in physical activity, they can take the brace off.
When the bones stop growing, a brace is no longer necessary.
There are two types of brace:
Thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO)
The TLSO is plastic, and its design means that it fits neatly around the body’s curves. It is not usually visible under clothing.
Milwaukee brace
This type is a full torso brace that has a neck ring with rests for the chin and the back of the head. Doctors reserve the use of the Milwaukee brace for when the TLSO is either not suitable or not effective.
Symptoms
Scoliosis usually becomes apparent from infancy or adolescence. The symptoms differ depending on the person’s age.
Symptoms in adolescents
The most common form of scoliosis appears in adolescence and is known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It can affect people between 10 and 18 yearsTrusted Source of age.
Symptoms can include the following:
the head may appear a bit off center
the ribs on each side may be slightly different heights
one hip may be more prominent than the other
the clothes may not hang evenly
one shoulder or shoulder blade may be higher than the other
the person may lean to one side
the legs may be slightly different lengths
Some types of scoliosis can cause back pain, but it is not usually very painful. This symptom is more common in older adults.
Symptoms in infants
In infants, symptoms can include:
a bulge on one side of the chest
consistently lying with the body curved to one side
in severe cases, problems with the heart and lungs, leading to shortness of breath and chest pain
If an infant does not receive treatment for scoliosis, they will be more at risk of problems later in life, such as impaired heart and lung function.
Causes
Below are some of the possible causes of scoliosis:
Neuromuscular conditions: These conditions affect the nerves and muscles. They include cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, and muscular dystrophy.
Congenital scoliosis: Congenital means that the condition was present at birth. Scoliosis is rare at birth, but it can occur if the bones in the spine develop abnormally when the fetus is growing.
Specific genes: Researchers believe that at least one gene plays a role in the development of scoliosis.
Leg length: If one leg is longer than the other, an individual may develop scoliosis.
Syndromic scoliosis: Scoliosis can develop as part of a medical condition, including neurofibromatosis or Marfan’s syndrome.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis can cause secondary scoliosis due to bone degeneration.
Other causes: Poor posture, carrying backpacks or satchels, connective tissue disorders, and some injuries can cause spinal curvature.
Risk factors
The risk factors for scoliosis include:
Age: Signs and symptoms often start during a growth spurt just before puberty.
Gender: Females have a higher risk of scoliosis than males.
Genetics: People with scoliosis often have a close relative with the condition.
Types
The Scoliosis Association in the United Kingdom describe seven main types of scoliosis:
congenital scoliosis
early onset scoliosis
adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
degenerative scoliosis
neuromuscular scoliosis
Scheuermann’s kyphosis
syndromic scoliosis
Diagnosis
A health care provider will carry out a physical examination of the spine, ribs, hips, and shoulders. With the aid of a tool called an inclinometer, or scoliometer, the our expert can measure the degree of scoliosis. An angle greater than 10 degrees indicates scoliosis.
Imaging scans such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans can help the doctor assess the shape, direction, location, and angle of the curve.
The our expert may refer the person to an orthopedic specialist for further advice.
Summary
Scoliosis refers to an abnormally curved spine. It tends to arise in childhood or adolescence, and the cause is usually unknown. Treatments, such as back bracing and surgery, can often help.
A person should speak to a if they suspect scoliosis, as early treatment can help prevent future complications.
How The viyanacare can help you
you will know that your spine need good care all the time, and proper spine healthcare looks at the bigger picture. Your spine are connected to the function of your knees, hips and lower back, and as sport expert we build better bodies from your spine .
At The viyanacare, our team of experience, enthusiastic and highly qualified has worked with numerous professional sports athletes and recreational sport lovers. We will be happy to assess your Scoliosis, provide advice on useful exercises to adjust anything that sits outside the normal range.
So if you have any questions about Scoliosis, please come and see us at The viyanacare site.