Does your spine feel like it's crooked? Let's talk about scoliosis today!

Have you ever noticed that some people's shoulders are not level, and they seem to be leaning to one side? Maybe your child brought a piece of paper from school that said, "There seems to be a slight curvature in the spine, please see a doctor." It's normal to feel a little scared and worried when you hear something like this. That's why, today we are going to talk about scoliosis, a condition of the spine that can be associated with such times. Don't worry, let's explain everything about this simply.

What is scoliosis? Simply put...

We all have some natural curves in our spine. If you look at it from the side, you'll see a slight curve in the front and back. This is normal. But scoliosis is when our spine curves abnormally to one side, either to the right or to the left. This can sometimes look like a 'C' or an 'S'.

Imagine, what is happening here is like bending a straight stick from side to side. But most of the time, this scoliosis condition is not that severe. That is, many people do not show symptoms or need special treatment. However, in some severe cases, the curvature of the spine can cause loss of balance and pain. That is when medical treatment, perhaps wearing a special support (brace) for the spine or having surgery, is necessary.

What are the main types of scoliosis?

If a doctor tells you that you have scoliosis, there can be different types. Let's look at the main types:

1. Idiopathic Scoliosis:

• This is the most common type. The word " idiopathic " means "of unknown cause." Just as some diseases are difficult to find the cause of. But research has found that this condition may run in families genetically . This means that if someone in your family has had the condition, you have a higher chance of developing it too.

2. Congenital Scoliosis:

• This is a rare condition. It occurs when the bones (vertebrae) in a baby's spine don't develop properly while they're still in the womb. Sometimes, doctors only recognize it after the baby is born.

3. Neuromuscular Scoliosis:

• This type of scoliosis can be caused by a weakness or abnormality in the muscles and nerves that support our spine. It is often seen in conjunction with other neurological or muscular disorders. For example, it can be associated with a spinal injury, conditions such as cerebral palsy , spina bifida , or muscular dystrophy .

Sometimes, when scoliosis is diagnosed in adulthood, it is called "adult-onset scoliosis" or "degenerative scoliosis." You may have had a slight curve in your spine since childhood without realizing it, but as you age, your bones, discs, and joints weaken, or you develop conditions like osteoporosis , which can lead to delayed diagnosis.

How Idiopathic Scoliosis is Known in Different Age Groups

Idiopathic scoliosis is known by different names depending on the age at which it is diagnosed:

• Infantile Scoliosis: For children under 3 years of age.
• Juvenile Scoliosis: For children between 4 and 10 years old.
• Adolescent Scoliosis: For children between the ages of 11 and 18 (this is when it is most often diagnosed).
• Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis: A condition that is diagnosed after the age of 18, after physical growth has completed.

How common is scoliosis?

Worldwide, it is estimated that about 2 out of every 100 people may have scoliosis. This means that it is not that rare.

What symptoms does a person with scoliosis experience?

Most of the time, as mentioned earlier, people with scoliosis may not have any specific symptoms. However, some people may experience things like:

• Back pain.
• It's hard to stand up straight.
• Weakness in the core muscles.
• Pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.

What are the signs that you may have scoliosis?

Even if there are no symptoms, there are some external signs that may indicate scoliosis. You should also be aware of these:

• Shoulders not being at the same level (one shoulder being higher or lower than the other).
• One shoulder blade protrudes further than the other.
• A condition in which the head is not positioned exactly above and in the middle of the pelvis.
• The hips are not at the same level on both sides.
• One hip is higher than the other.
• Always feeling like you're leaning to one side.
• Unequal length of the legs.
• Changes in the appearance of the skin along the spine (dimples, hair patches, skin discoloration).

If you or your child notice one or more of these signs, the best thing to do is to see a doctor for advice.

Over time, other signs may appear:

• Height loss.
• Pelvic and hip imbalance.

What part of the spine is most affected by scoliosis?

Scoliosis can affect any part of the spine, but there are some differences depending on age:

• Adolescents: Most often affects the thoracic spine , that is, the part of the chest.
• Adults: The lumbar spine , or lower back, is the area that is most affected as we age, and symptoms such as pain may become more common.

What are the causes of scoliosis?

The causes of scoliosis vary depending on the type. Some of the causes may include:

• Failure of the vertebrae of the spine to form properly during the embryonic stage.
• A genetic mutation.
• An injury to the spine.
• A tumor that forms in the spine.
• A disease that affects the nerves or muscles.

However, most of the time , doctors cannot find a specific cause. That's why, as we mentioned earlier, it's called idiopathic scoliosis .

Who is at higher risk of developing scoliosis?

You may be at higher risk of developing scoliosis if you:

• If someone in your biological family has scoliosis.
• If you have any other medical condition or injury that affects your spine, muscles, or nerves.

Scoliosis affects both men and women, but it has been shown that women are more likely to need treatment due to the greater severity of the curve .

Is scoliosis genetic?

Yes, if someone in your family has the condition, you are more likely to develop it too. However, not all cases of scoliosis are caused by genetic factors.

What complications can occur if scoliosis is not treated properly?

If severe scoliosis is not treated properly, complications such as:

• Long-term back pain.
• Physical deformity.
• Organ damage.
• Nerve damage.
• Arthritis.
• Spinal fluid leakage.
• Difficulty breathing.

If you suddenly have difficulty breathing, you should go to an emergency room immediately.

What is a screening test for scoliosis?

The first step in diagnosing scoliosis is a scoliosis screening . You may remember that you were given this test when you were in school, either by the school nurse or at a pediatric clinic. During this test, the doctor or nurse will tell you:

• Take off your shirt and show your back.
• Stand up straight.
• Bend forward (like touching your toes).

This test allows the doctor to understand your posture, spine alignment, and curvature. If a school screening suggests that you have scoliosis, they will refer you to a doctor. The advantage of doing these tests at a young age is that scoliosis can be detected early. Then, if necessary, there are more opportunities for treatment.

How is scoliosis diagnosed?

A doctor diagnoses scoliosis after a physical exam . This includes standing up straight and bending forward, as in the screening mentioned earlier. They also check the shape of your spine, the way you move, and your nerve function (reflexes, muscle strength).

Before suggesting a treatment plan, the doctor will ask you things like:

• Your and your family's medical history.
• The day you first noticed a change in your spine or the day you had the screening.
• Your symptoms (if any).
• Things like bowel or bladder problems, or difficulty moving (these can be signs of scoliosis affecting the nerves).

If necessary, the doctor may order imaging tests . An X-ray ( taken from the front and side) can take a complete picture of the spine. This can then accurately measure the extent of the spinal curve. Sometimes an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT (Computed Tomography) scan may also be ordered.

If your doctor determines that you have scoliosis that requires treatment, he or she will refer you to an orthopedic spine specialist .

When is scoliosis usually diagnosed?

Scoliosis is most often diagnosed at a young age, between the ages of 10 and 15.

However, due to the natural degeneration of the spine as we age, scoliosis can also be diagnosed in adulthood. This happens when mild scoliosis that was present in childhood goes undiagnosed and symptoms appear later.

How is scoliosis measured?

The doctor measures the curvature of the spine in degrees . Just like measuring angles with a protractor in geometry class. The severity of the condition is determined by the number of degrees of the curve:

• No scoliosis: Less than 10 degrees.
• Mild Scoliosis: Between 10 and 24 degrees.
• Moderate Scoliosis: Between 25 and 39 degrees.
• Severe Scoliosis: If it is more than 40 degrees.

A device called a scoliometer is used to measure this curve. It is measured by placing it on your back. This curve can also be accurately measured with an X-ray test.

What are the treatments for scoliosis?

The good news is that not all cases of scoliosis require treatment.

When a doctor recommends treatment, he or she will consider several factors:

• Type of scoliosis.
• The number of degrees of curvature of the spine.
• Your family history of scoliosis.
• your age.
• How much time is left for bone growth to be complete (for children).

The main goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms, stop the curve from getting worse, and improve the function of the spine, rather than completely straightening the curve.

There are two main treatments for scoliosis:

1. Nonsurgical / Conservative treatment.

2. Surgery.

Non-surgical (conservative) treatment

Most cases of scoliosis do not require surgery. Instead, doctors first suggest conservative treatments such as:

• Regular medical monitoring: Usually, you should see a doctor about once every six months to see if the curvature of the spine is increasing.
• Painkillers: If necessary, take painkillers or anti-inflammatories as directed by your doctor.
• Exercise: Exercise to strengthen core muscles and increase flexibility.
• Wearing a back brace: Some people are advised to wear this to support the spine and control the progression of the curve (especially growing children).
• Treating underlying medical conditions.

Your doctor may also refer you to physical therapy . A physical therapist can help you strengthen your muscles, reduce pain, and correct your posture. They can also give you advice on low-impact exercises like swimming, daily stretching, and appropriate physical activity.

Scoliosis surgery

Surgery is sometimes recommended for severe cases of scoliosis that cannot be controlled with conservative treatments. Surgery is expected to:

• Stabilize your spine.
• Restore balance in the body.
• Relieve pressure on nerves.

There are two main types of surgery for scoliosis:

• Spinal Fusion: In this procedure, the surgeon fuses several bones in the spine together and then uses metal rods and screws to hold the spine in place.
• Expandable Rod: This is a surgery performed especially for growing children. An expandable rod is inserted along the spine. As the child grows, the length of the rod is surgically adjusted periodically.

Modern surgical techniques and computer-assisted surgery have now made it possible to perform these surgeries less invasively and reduce recovery times .

Are there any complications with scoliosis surgery?

Scoliosis surgery is generally safe. However, as with any surgery, there are some complications that can occur:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Blood clots.
• Nerve damage.
• Limited movement.

Can scoliosis be prevented?

Unfortunately, there is no proven way to prevent scoliosis.

However, if you have scoliosis, your doctor may recommend stretching and strengthening exercises for your back and abdominal muscles. These can go some way to preventing the curve from getting worse.

What kind of future does someone with scoliosis have?

Although many people with scoliosis have no symptoms, as you age, symptoms can develop as the spine naturally changes. If that happens, a doctor can help you manage those symptoms.

Depending on the degree of curvature of the spine, scoliosis can cause some changes in the appearance of your body. This can also affect your mental health. In such a case , it is very important to seek help from a mental health professional .

Many people can live a normal life with scoliosis, that is, without major disruption to daily activities.

What exercises can be done safely with scoliosis?

Your doctor or physical therapist can give you the best advice on this, so talk to them about what activities are right for you.

However, most people with scoliosis can usually engage in physical activity and exercise. Regular exercise and movement can help reduce the severity of symptoms. Remember, if an activity causes pain, stop it.

Does playing sports make scoliosis worse?

Scoliosis is often diagnosed in early childhood. This is when children become very interested in sports and athletics. As a parent, you may wonder, 'Is it a good idea for my child to play this sport?'

The good news is that playing a lot of sports does not make scoliosis worse. In fact, sports that improve flexibility and core strength can help reduce a child's symptoms.

Some sports that help with scoliosis:

• Swimming: This greatly increases core strength because it works every muscle in the body at the same time.
• Gymnastics: This increases the child's flexibility and also develops core strength.

Are there any sports that should be avoided if you have scoliosis?

Talk to your child's doctor about this as well. Even sports like weightlifting are usually not a problem. However, if your child has had back surgery, it is best to avoid contact sports. For example, sports like hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, and football.

When should you see a doctor?

See a doctor if you:

• If you think you have signs or symptoms of scoliosis.
• If you feel like the treatments you are receiving are not helping.
• If your symptoms get worse.

As a parent or guardian, see a pediatrician if:

• If a screening at a school or clinic tells you that your child may have scoliosis.
• If your child is showing signs or symptoms of scoliosis.
• If the treatment given to the child does not help, or if the symptoms worsen.
• If someone in your family has scoliosis, you need to be concerned about your child's development.

Important questions to ask your doctor

Don't forget to ask these questions when you see the doctor:

• What type of scoliosis does I/my child have?
• What kind of treatment do you recommend?
• Do I/my child need surgery?
• Are there any side effects of the treatment?
• Should I/my child see a physical therapist?
• What physical activities can be done safely?

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

It's normal to feel scared when your child brings home a report card from school that says "scoliosis" or when you see a change in your own spine. But remember, most scoliosis is a mild condition. Not everyone needs treatment. Sometimes, nonsurgical treatments, such as wearing a back brace, can help. Although surgery is available for severe cases, it is now much safer.

The most important thing is to see a doctor if you or your child has scoliosis. That way, you can get the best advice and treatment you need. So, don't be afraid to ask your doctor any questions you have and get a better understanding of this condition.

` Scoliosis, Scoliosis, Spine, Back Pain, Youth Health, Bone Diseases, Physical Therapy