What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis refers to the lateral curving of the spine. The spine should normally not be curved when viewed from behind. However, a spine affected by scoliosis will have an S or C shape and sometimes rotate. This phenomenon is also known as curvature of the spine. Scoliosis meaning : Abnormal bending of the spine sideways. The clinical scoliosis definition is defined as a curvature greater than 10 degrees using an X-ray image. When one wants to know what is scoliosis, the causes and definition thereof, it is not as a result of poor posture or school bag loads. Scoliosis is mainly prevalent among growing children, but sometimes it also occurs in adults. Spinal Curve Treatment is done at The Spine eXpert by Dr. Zahir Abbas Merchant, who is an orthopedic spine specialist having more than 15 years of experience in Orthopaedics.
How to Check for Scoliosis at Home
A basic forward bend test is one way to get a clue. Have your child stand straight with the feet together and bend forward slowly with hands hanging.
- One shoulder blade protrudes farther than the other one
- One side of the rib cage is higher than the other
- Unevenness of the waist
- The head is off-centre with the hips
If your child shows any of these signs, schedule a proper check-up. This simple test is just a rough guide, and cannot diagnose scoliosis or determine its magnitude. Only a specialist can do that with the help of an X-ray.
Scoliosis Symptoms
For many children, there is no pain in the beginning, and therefore, signs may be hard to recognize. Some of the signs may be:
- Unbalanced shoulders and/or hips
- A raised shoulder blade on one side
- A bulge on one side of the back
- Asymmetrical clothes fit
- Fatigue or back pain (this symptom is mostly seen in adults and older teenagers)
Mild Scoliosis is usually detected when there are minor changes in the body structure.
Types of Scoliosis
There are different types of scoliosis, and each of them has a unique cause and approach to management. The curves may occur either in the upper or the lower back, which is called the lumbar scoliosis.
Idiopathic scoliosis
This is the most common form. The cause is not known exactly. This disease occurs mainly in children and teenagers.
Congenital scoliosis
This happens since birth because of incorrect formation of spine bones while in the womb.
Neuromuscular scoliosis
This is true for disorders associated with the nerves or muscles like cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
Degenerative scoliosis
This arises in older patients because of wear-and-tear on discs and joints. Osteoporosis leads to weak bones that contribute to it.
Reading Your Scoliosis X Ray: Cobb Angle, Levoscoliosis and Dextroscoliosis
A scoliosis Xray is the principal test that helps to determine the magnitude, orientation, and morphology of the curve which is measured using the Cobb angle.
What the Cobb angle means
Cobb Angle is the number used to express the amount of curvature. The greater the Cobb angle, the greater the degree of curvature.
Cobb angle | What it usually means |
Less than 10 degrees | Not scoliosis, normal variation |
10 to 25 degrees | Mild, observation recommended |
25 to 40 degrees | Moderate, brace treatment suggested for growing children |
Greater than 45 degrees | Severe, surgical consideration |
Levoscoliosis and dextroscoliosis
These terms are only used to indicate the direction of the curve. A levoscoliosis curve bends towards the left side. A dextroscoliosis curve bends towards the right side.
What Causes Scoliosis?
The scoliosis causes depend upon its type. Most cases of childhood scoliosis occur without any specific cause. Other causes include abnormal formation of the bones of the spine before birth, certain diseases of the nerves and muscles, and degeneration of the spine with age. The spinal fracture or weakness of the bones of the spine may lead to curvature in adults.
Scoliosis Treatment Options
Scoliosis treatment is determined by a patient’s age as well as the magnitude and progression of the curve.
Observation
Scoliosis treatment is determined by a patient’s age as well as the magnitude and progression of the curve.
Bracing
It is recommended that children with mild scoliosis wear a brace. The idea behind wearing a brace is to ensure that the curve does not worsen. However, the brace will not correct the problem of spinal curvature.
Scoliosis surgery
Scoliosis Surgery may be performed for a severe curve that does not respond to other treatments. The surgeon uses rods and screws to straighten the spine, and the vertebrae are joined together through spinal fusion. Some cases of severe or complicated curves require spinal reconstruction surgery. This will be explained to you by Dr. Zahir Abbas Merchant of The Spine eXpert Clinic.
Scoliosis and Kyphosis
Kyphosis refers to a rounding forward of the upper spine. When there is a combination of lateral curvature and forward curvature of the spine, then such a condition is termed kyphosis scoliosis. It affects the posture and, in extreme cases, may cause pressure on the lungs and spinal cord. This needs a complete examination using x-rays and MRIs. Its treatment depends on how large the curves are.
When to See a Spine Specialist
Visit a spine specialist if you observe an imbalance in your shoulders, a hump on your back, progressive scoliosis, and back pain which won’t go away. Early detection is important for children who are still growing since the condition could worsen quickly. In adults, sudden leg pain, numbness, and difficulty walking also requires consultation. Dr. Zahir Abbas Merchant can be visited at The Spine eXpert Clinic.