Scoliosis (Curved Spine)

Introduction of Scoliosis (Curved Spine)

Scoliosis is not a disease. It is a condition in which there is an abnormal sideways

curvature in the spine. Any part of the spine can bend but the most common parts
that get affected are the chest (upper back) area or the lower part of the back.
The spine can curve to the right, left or sometimes both the sides. The curve can
occur in varying degrees, which determines the severity of the condition. When
the curve occurs in thelumbar(lower) region of the spine, it does not affect the
posture. However, the curve in the thoracic (upper) region causes a twist in the rib
cage, which makes the misalignment of the body more visible. If the curve gets
worse, the spine may rotate or even twist. In an extreme case of scoliosis, there
may be severe back pain and other vital organs like the lungs, heart may get
damaged.
When scoliosis occurs, the curves of the spine can be classified on the basis of
their shape in the following ways:
Levoscoliosis:In this type the curvature of the spine is towards left giving it the
"C" shape. This type of scoliosis is considered to be the most dangerous as the
heart is located in that area and may be in danger. The degree of the curve
determines the severity of the disorder.
Dextroscoliosis:In this type the curvature is to the opposite side of levoscoliosis
i.e., towards the right and looks like a backward "C". The curve is also known as
lordotic curve.
Dextroscoliosis (forming an "S" shape):In this type of scoliosis, there are two
curves in the spinal column, which result in an "S" shaped spine.

Types of Scoliosis (Curved Spine)

Congenital Scoliosis
It occurs before birth while thefoetus is growing in the womb. A part of one
or more vertebrae, during the formation of the spine, may not form properly
leading to a curved spine. Also, the spine initially forms as a single column of
tissue and then separates into various bony segments called vertebrae.
However, when the separation is incomplete, two or more vertebrae are fused
together which stops the spinal growth from one side resulting into a spinal
curve. It is a very rare condition. However, if it occurs then needs to be corrected
surgically.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
It is caused by poor muscle control or muscle weakness and illnesses that affect
the nerves. A disorder calledcerebral palsymay cause neuromuscular scoliosis.
It is a condition wherein there is a brain damage that occurs at birth or a while
later. Another illness that may result in neuromuscular scoliosis is
muscular dystrophy, agenetic disorderthat weakens the muscles. Certain
other disorders that may cause neuromuscular scoliosis are spina bifida and
polio.
Idiopathic Scoliosis
When scoliosis develops in a previously straight spine without an identifiable
cause, it is known as idiopathic scoliosis. It is the most common type of scoliosis
usually observed in girls. It is more common in adolescents, and gets worse as
they grow. The curve may become more pronounced in the later stages of life.

Degenerative Scoliosis
It usually occurs in women above 40 years of age. Because of the deterioration of
bones, the spine loses ability to maintain its normal shape and begins to sag. This
results into a scoliotic curve in the spine. Degenerative scoliosis may also result
from injuries or illnesses like a major back injury, osteoporosis or a traumatic
bone collapse. The parts of the spine that are involved in the damage are
vertebrae that support thespine and the neck, tendons that connect thebones
in the spine to the muscles, discs that provide a cushion to the vertebrae and the
ligaments that hold the discs and vertebrae together

Casuses of Scoliosis (Curved Spine)

Doctors don't know what causes the most common type of scoliosis, although it
appears to involve hereditary factors, because the disorder tends to run in families.
Less common types of scoliosis may be caused by:
Neuromuscular conditions, such ascerebral palsyormuscular dystrophy
Birth defectsaffecting the development of the bones of the spine
Injuries to or infections of the spine

Symptoms of Scoliosis (Curved Spine)

The symptoms of scoliosis may differ from one individual to another depending
upon the type, cause and severity of the disorder. However, there are some
common symptoms, which include:
The head tilted and not in line with rest of the body
The hip appearing lower than the usual position and tilted to one side
One shoulder blade appearing higher than the other
Shoulders uneven in height
An uneven neckline
The breasts developing in unequal size, in young girls
On bending forward, one side of the upper back appearing higher than the other
A person with scoliosis is likely toexperience backacheor lower-back pain. After
a long period of sitting or standing, they are also likely to feel weakness in the
spine. The pain usually gets worse, if irritation results. Severe scoliosis, where the
curve in the spine is greater than 100 degrees, can causebreathing problems.

Diagnosis of Symptoms of Scoliosis (Curved Spine)

In order to diagnose scoliosis, a doctor will first carry out aphysical examination
. Part of it is a forward bending test that will enable the doctor to define the curve.
However, this is not sufficient for the degree of the curve to be clearly defined, so
an x-ray, taken from the front and side of the spine is usually recommended. The
doctor will also perform aneurological examto look for any changes in strength,
sensation, or reflexes. Additionally, scoliometer measurements (a device for
measuring the curvature of the spine) are usually taken, and if required, anMRI
scanmay be carried out.

Treatment of Scoliosis (Curved Spine)

In mild cases of scoliosis a treatment is not required. Repeated examinations every 4
to 6 months are done to determine the progress of the curve. If the curve continues to
grow, the doctor may recommend either of the following treatment options:
Bracing:If idiopathic scoliosis is more than 25 to 30 degrees, in a growing child, a
brace is recommended to slow the progression of the curve.Bracesare of several
types and each of them appears and functions differently. A brace does the act of
putting pressure on the spine to straighten it and is adjusted as the person grows.
However, it cannot be utilized for cases of congenital or neuromuscular scoliosis.
Surgery:Asurgical treatmentfor scoliosis is recommended only when the spinal
curve is above 50 degrees and the bracing technique fails to correct the problem. If
the curve is between 40 to 50 degrees the doctors have to consider all the
surrounding factors before recommending a surgery. The main objective behind a
surgery is to correct the spinal curve and prevent it from getting worse. However, the
result would not be a perfectly straight spine but will definitely prevent it from
worsening