Is your back crooked? Let's talk about scoliosis

When you look in the mirror, do you also feel that your back is not straight, it seems a little hunched? Maybe your shoulders feel like they are not level? Or does one side of your back look higher than the other when your child bends forward? If you see something like this, don't just ignore it. Today we are talking about the curvature of the spine, which is seen among many people, which is what we call ' scoliosis ' in medical terms. Don't be afraid, the most important thing is to be aware of this.

Simply put, what is scoliosis?

Simply put, scoliosis is when our spine, or vertebrae, curves to the side, like an 'S' or 'C', instead of being straight. Think about it, our spine is made up of small bones stacked on top of each other. We call these vertebrae. In scoliosis, these vertebrae curve to the side or sometimes rotate a little on themselves. This is not just bad posture, but a structural change that occurs in the spine itself.

Who is most affected by this condition? What are the symptoms?

Scoliosis can occur at any age. However, it is most common in children and young adults during their rapid growth spurts. Let's take a look at how these symptoms differ in children and adults.

Symptoms that can be seen in children and young people

These symptoms usually begin to appear between the ages of 8-10. These symptoms may become more obvious as the child grows. Some children may not show any symptoms at all. However, be aware of these changes in your child.

Most of the time, this condition is not painful. However, if the back strain is severe, it can press on the lungs and cause difficulty breathing . In addition, these physical changes can affect the child's self-esteem .

Symptoms that can be seen in adults

If you had scoliosis when you were younger, it can get worse as you get older. However, there is also a type of scoliosis that starts as you get older, without any problems. We call it degenerative scoliosis . This means that as we age, the cartilage (disks) between the vertebrae in our spine wears down, causing the spine to curve.

Back pain is a common symptom in adults. However, this pain is not caused by the back strain itself, but rather by the impact it has on the bones and nerves.

Other symptoms that can be seen in adults are:

• Numbness , weakness, or pain in the arms or legs.
• Difficulty walking.
• Difficulty standing upright.
• Feeling tired quickly.
• Difficulty breathing .
• Height loss over time.
• Feeling full after eating (due to the back straining, which can cause pressure in the stomach).

How does a doctor diagnose scoliosis?

If you suspect that you or your child has any of these symptoms, the best thing to do is to see a doctor . The doctor will first ask you questions and learn about your symptoms. Then they will do a physical examination.

• Adam's Forward Bend Test: This is the most basic and simplest test. The doctor will ask you or your child to bend forward from behind and check the symmetry (evenness) of the spine and ribs. If one side of the spine appears to be higher than the other (a hump), this could be a sign of scoliosis.
• Scoliometer: Your doctor may use this device to give you a rough idea of ​​the angle of curvature of your spine.
• X-ray: If scoliosis is suspected, an X-ray is done to confirm it and to measure exactly how severe the curvature is. This is used to calculate a measurement called the Cobb angle . If this angle is greater than 10 degrees, it is considered scoliosis.
• Growth monitoring: In children, it is important to plan treatment to determine how much further growth the spine has. This is done using X-ray-based methods such as the Risser sign .

When to seek immediate medical advice

Scoliosis is usually a slowly progressive condition. However, if you or your child has any of the following severe symptoms, you should see a doctor without delay . You may be referred to an orthopedic doctor.

If you have these symptoms, it is possible that the scoliosis is affecting the nervous system. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical advice immediately. An MRI scan may also be recommended.

Is it possible to live a normal life with scoliosis?

Yes, it definitely is possible! Many people with scoliosis live normal, active lives without any problems.

• Most cases are mild: 90% of scoliosis cases are mild. They do not require major treatment, just being under the supervision of a doctor is enough.
• There are treatments: If the back pain is severe, especially in children, there are non-surgical treatments, such as wearing a brace , to control it. Surgery is only recommended in severe cases.
• Exercise: Unless your doctor specifically tells you to avoid it, you can engage in regular exercise and sports. Exercises that strengthen the back muscles are very good for this condition.
• Mental health: Sometimes you can feel depressed because of your body changes or because you have to wear a brace. At such times, it is very important to talk about it with family and friends, and seek counseling if necessary.

Scoliosis, scoliosis, spine, back pain, back diseases, children's health