Understanding Scoliosis: A Comprehensive Guide
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Welcome to Scoliosis, your ultimate source for all things related to scoliosis. Whether you're looking for information on the definition, symptoms, causes, effects, or treatment options, we've got you covered. Join us as we explore the world of scoliosis and how it impacts individuals.
Exploring Scoliosis
Figure 1: X-ray and Diagram (Amzallag-Bellenger et al.)
What is Scoliosis?
​An unusual side to side curvature, and twists or rotations of a spine as shown in figure 1, is also known as scoliosis. There are two possible shapes that can occur, C and S. The C shape consists of one curvature although the S has 2, as shown in figure 3. There are three types of scoliosis: idiopathic, congenital, and neuromuscular (“Scoliosis: What It Is, Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment & Types”). While scoliosis develops in boys and girls at roughly the same rate, females are far more likely to have a worsening of the curvature that ends up requiring treatment.(“Scoliosis - Symptoms and Causes”).
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How is the Severity Measured?
Figure 2: Scoliosis X ray
(“8 X-Rays That Show Why Early Detection Is Key for Scoliosis.” Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, www.choa.org/blog/2018/august/8-x-rays-that-show-why-early-detection-is-key-for-scoliosis.)
Figure 3: Normal vs C and S Shape
(oliochiro. “Chiropractic and Scoliosis.” Olio Chiropractic | Fishers, IN, 26 May 2021, fisherschiro.com/2021/05/26/chiropractic-and-scoliosis/. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.)
Figure 4: Measuring Scoliosis (“X-Ray Information - Scolios-Us.” Scolios-Us, 30 May 2020, www.bracingforscoliosus.org/xray-info/. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.)
Your healthcare professional can also measure your scoliosis in degrees to determine the severity of your condition, by measuring the x-ray in a certain way.
Less than 10 degrees: Since scoliosis is so slight at this point, it is not detected.
10-24 degrees: Mild case of scoliosis
25-29 degrees: Moderate case of scoliosis
More than 40 degrees: Severe case of scoliosis
(“Scoliosis: What It Is, Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment & Types”)
Symptoms/Signs
- Scoliosis symptoms can include:
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• Uneven waist (as shown in figure 5)
• Uneven shoulders (as shown in figure 5)
• Shoulder blades that are uneven and stick out
• Uneven leg lengths​
• Elevated and uneven hips
• The rib cage sticks out on one side.
• Head that is not positioned just over your hips.
• Constant back pain.
• Bad posture​
(“Scoliosis: What It Is, Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment & Types”)
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Complications
Causes
• Idiopathic scoliosis is the term for the disease in which the cause of scoliosis is unknown and it covers almost 80% of cases. (“Scoliosis”)
• In other situations, scoliosis may arise from a genetic condition that typically runs in families.
• Congenital scoliosis, which is usually diagnosed at early stages of childhood.
• Other neuromuscular diseases, including muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy may cause scoliosis.
(“Scoliosis - Symptoms and Causes”)
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Diagnosis
• Nerve damage
• Organ damage
• Physical Appearance (as shown in figure 6)
• Difficulty breathing
• Pain and discomfort
• Arthritis ​
(“Scoliosis: What It Is, Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment & Types”)
To correctly diagnose scoliosis, it is essential to have x-rays, which can show the spine's structure.​
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Figure 5: Symptoms (“Scoliosis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” Medlineplus.gov, 2022, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001241.htm. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.)
Figure 6: Appearance (London Orthotics. “LOC Scoliosis Treatment Brace.” Https://Www.londonorthotics.co.uk, 2022, www.londonorthotics.co.uk/scoliosis/scoliosis-treatment/loc-scoliosis-brace/. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.)
Depending on the severity of the scoliosis, different treatments can be advised.
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• Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is advised for early stages of scoliosis to help in managing it and prevent it from getting worse. (“Early Onset Scoliosis | Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment”) Through exercises and other techniques recommended by your doctors and physical therapists, physical therapy aims to straighten the spine and eliminate its curvature. (admin)
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- Benefits:
With improved spine mobility and realignment, it will help with scoliosis (Dr. Clayton Stitzel). It can also help with muscle strengthening. (Leems)
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- Limitations:
In moderate and higher stages, they are unable to lessen the extent of the curvature, stop or decrease its growth, or educate patients on how to manage any discomfort brought on by their scoliosis. Therefore, they are limited to providing methods and activities that provide momentary pain alleviation. (“Physical Therapy for Scoliosis: Can It Really Help?”)
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• Scoliosis Brace
Scoliosis braces are specifically designed for your case, while the main purpose of it is to prevent the spine from curving even more as you grow. Your spine would be held in an unrotated, straight position by the brace that has been customized accordingly.(“Boston Children’s Hospital”)
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- Benefits:
A scoliosis brace's main goal is to stop your spine from growing more bent as you grow. (“Boston Children’s Hospital”)
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-Limitations:
Spinal bracing, however, may cause weakness in the muscles. They may potentially worsen the curvature and result in discomfort. The restricted usage of muscles caused by a spinal orthosis causes them to weaken and shrink. (“Scoliosis Bracing: Is It Outdated & Ineffective”)
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• Spinal Fusion Surgery
For more severe cases of scoliosis, the spinal fusion surgery can be essential to avoid any health risks. It is most recommended to above 45 degrees angle of the spine. Spinal fusion procedures can permanently partially straighten the spine, and maintain it. (“Boston Children’s Hospital”)
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- Benefits:
Permanently eliminates curvature, almost straightening the spine, prevents the scoliosis from growing worse, and provide pain relief for both adults and children. (“Scoliosis Surgery (Spinal Fusion): Risks vs. Benefits”)​
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- Limitations:
Because all movement at the fused segment is eliminated by spinal fusion, there is a possibility of the patients ability to bend, twist, or flex the fused segment will never return, depending on the severity of the case. (Spine and Sacher)
Figure 7: Physical Therapy (Scoliosis Therapeutic Care. “Scoliosis Therapeutic Care.” Scoliosis Therapeutic Care, 2024, scoliosispt.com/. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.)
Figure 8: Scoliosis Brace (“What’s It like Wearing a Scoliosis Brace? | Scoliosis SOS.” Scoliosis SOS, 3 Apr. 2017, www.scoliosissos.com/blog/whats-it-like-wearing-a-scoliosis-brace. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.)
Figure 9: Spinal Fusion (eva. “Scoliosis Surgery - Morgenstern Institute of Spine.” Morgenstern Institute of Spine, 18 Apr. 2020, endoscopiacolumna.com/en/scoliosis-surgery/. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.)