Scoliosis refers to a condition when a person’s spine curves sideways, in an unusual manner. The natural alignment of the spine is a slight forward with a backward curve. But in people diagnosed with scoliosis, the spine bends towards the left and right, into a C or S shape. In simple terms, scoliosis meaning state that it is a medical condition that features an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. This condition affects 2%-3% of people in the U.S., or approximately 6-9 million people.
Note that the sideway curve could range from a mild (10° inclination) to a severe curve (with 100° or more inclination). Most of the cases of scoliosis are mild, don’t show symptoms, and don’t require treatment. However, severe cases can lead to an imbalance in posture and pain. Usually, the corresponding treatment may entail wearing a brace or undergoing surgery. With this overview of what is scoliosis, let’s go through its symptoms and causes.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
There are more than one symptoms of scoliosis like uneven shoulders, uneven waist, elevated hips, may be constantly leaning to one side, and so on. Usually, this condition doesn’t show severe symptoms, let’s take a quick look on the mentioned pointers:
- Back pain
- Trouble standing upright
- Weakness in core muscle
- Leg pain, weakness, or numbness
The common signs of this condition include:
- Uneven shoulders
- Shoulder blades sticking out
- Head not aligned with the pelvis
- Elevated hips
- Uneven waist
- Leaning to one side constantly
- Uneven leg length
- Modifications in skin texture/appearance (like skin discoloration, and dimples)
If you encounter any of these signs, the indication suggests that you should contact a healthcare provider for further diagnosis.
Causes of Scoliosis
The cause varies depending on the types of scoliosis. However, the common causes are:
- Abnormal spine development before birth
- A genetic change
- A spine injury
- A tumour on the spine
- A condition affecting muscles or nerves
How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
The deep understanding of scoliosis meaning does not end here, because its diagnosis and treatment methods are yet to be read. Lets go ahead to know how to fix scoliosis. Usually, a healthcare provider diagnoses this condition after undergoing a physical exam. He/she may perform a screening that requires you to stand upright and subsequently bend forward and touch your toes. Your back will be examined to analyze your spine’s shape and check how you move around. Moreover, he/she will check your nerves by testing your muscle strength and reflexes.
Note that before your healthcare provider recommends a suitable treatment plan, he/she will ask certain questions. Some of the common questions are listed below:
- Your health history and your family’s health history
- The date you first found a spine change or your first check-up
- Symptoms if found any
- Any bladder, bowel, or motor symptoms (because they can indicate more severe nerve damage caused by scoliosis)
Scoliosis Treatment
This section will provide you in-depth knowledge of the various types of scoliosis that get treated. The scoliosis treatment relies on the spinal curvature’s severity. If the condition is mild, your doctor may monitor it periodically using X-rays to ascertain that it doesn’t worsen. The following treatment options can clear your perplexity on how to treat scoliosis.
Nonsurgical treatment
In case a spinal curvature is moderate or worsens over time then your doctor would recommend bracing or casting. Note that casting is best appropriate for infantile idiopathic scoliosis. Usually, it involves putting a cast on a child’s body. The cast puts pressure on the spine’s specific points to fix the spinal curvature. On the other hand, in bracing, the patient needs to wear a custom-fitted brace for most of the part of the day. The bracing avoids worsening the condition. In a few cases, bracing may also be recommended after casting.
Several other nonsurgical treatment options may not correct spinal curvature but could improve flexibility and strength and may even alleviate discomfort and pain. Examples of nonsurgical treatment options are:
- Physical therapy
- Yoga/ scoliosis exercises
- Pilates
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic
- Massage
Surgical treatment
Typically, surgery is performed only for patients having severe symptoms. This scoliosis treatment option includes various types of surgery as outlined below:
Spinal fusion
A spinal fusion refers to adjusting the curvature of the spine and allowing the vertebrae present in this area to combine together.
Hemivertebrae removal
This option is commonly employed for congenital scoliosis. In this option, a vertebra that hasn’t formed properly will be removed. To maintain the correction, the doctor may use metal implants.
Growing rods
In this procedure, extendable rods are affixed to the spine above and below the curve. A doctor alters the position of these rods as the child grows.
Conclusion
Wrapping it up nicely, let’s have a very quick summary about scoliosis meaning; it is a condition where a person experiences spinal deformity which further leads the spine to curve abnormally. Patients with severe curvatures can suffer from back pain and many other complications. The scoliosis treatment relies on the curvature’s severity and determines whether it’s progressing or not. The identification of the signs and attaining medical advice quickly can help the patient take effective steps and eventually maintain their spinal health. Determining how to cure scoliosis can lead to improved outcomes.
