Scoliosis

What is scoliosis?

Your spine creates natural curves from front to back, but when it curves to the side, it’s scoliosis. Scoliosis is measured in degrees of severity. Here’s how the numbers break out:

• Less than 20 degrees: Mild
• 20-50 degrees: Moderate
• 50-70 degrees: Potentially problematic
• Over 70 degrees: Severe

The abnormal curvature affects the 12 vertebrae in the thoracic spine (mid back) and the five vertebrae that make up the lumbar spine (low back). Scoliosis is typically diagnosed in children between the ages of 10 and 15, though the condition usually begins to develop when they’re toddlers. Curve progression is also 10 times more likely to develop in girls.

What are the signs of scoliosis?

Scoliosis usually doesn’t cause any discomfort, so you have to be on the lookout for the following:

• Uneven shoulders
• Uneven hips
• One shoulder blade that’s more prominent than the other

Most pediatricians routinely check for scoliosis, but you should double-check that your child is being monitored because the earlier the scoliosis is diagnosed, the more treatment options you have available to you.

What causes scoliosis?

Most cases — 80% — of scoliosis are considered idiopathic, which means there’s no known cause of the condition. That said, in 20% of cases of scoliosis, there’s a relative who has the condition, which suggests that genetics may play a role.

In less common instances, scoliosis can be caused by:

• Birth defects
• Injury to the spine
• Infections
• Neuromuscular diseases, such as cerebral palsy, polio, and muscular dystrophy
• Tumors
• Connective tissue disorders
• Rheumatic diseases

Regardless of the origins of the scoliosis, if the curvature is having an impact on your child’s or your life, early intervention can play a key role moving forward.

How is scoliosis treated?

Treatment depends on the degree of the scoliosis. In mild and moderate cases, the doctors at Neuro Pain Consultants may recommend vigilant monitoring, as well as bracing and exercise to prevent the curvature from worsening.

If the scoliosis is severe, your doctor may recommend a surgery to correct, stabilize, and fuse the curve.

To, literally, stay ahead of the curve with scoliosis, call Neuro Pain Consultants or use the online scheduling tool to set up an appointment.

Individual results may vary.