What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine slopes to one side abnormally. It can affect people of any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in adolescents.

Scoliosis can cause the spine to curve in a C or S shape, and it can affect the spine in any part of the body. It can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty with mobility, and it can also affect a person’s appearance.

Scoliosis is classified into two types: structural scoliosis (induced by a structural defect in the spine) and functional scoliosis (caused by an underlying disease such as muscle imbalance or leg length disparity).

A physical examination, x-rays, and other imaging techniques are typically used to diagnose scoliosis. Depending on the severity of the curvature and the patient’s age, treatment may involve a bracing, physical therapy, and surgery.

A tiny percentage of cases are the result of various medical disorders, such as:

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that causes brain damage.

Muscular dystrophy is a hereditary disorder that results in muscle weakening.

Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue condition.

The following are the primary treatments for older children:

To keep the spine from curving, they wear a back brace until they finish growing. Additional surgery to correct the curvature – the spine is straightened using rods attached to the spine by bolts, hooks, and/or wires.

To confirm scoliosis, a physical examination, x-ray, spinal radiograph, CT scan, or MRI are usually employed. The Cobb Method is used to evaluate the curve, and the amount of degrees determines the severity. Scoliosis is diagnosed when the coronal curvature assessed on a posterior-anterior radiograph is more than 10 degrees.