Scoliosis explained
Scoliosis is a situation that affects the spine. This can happen to children, teenagers and adults. The spine bends, causing compression of one side of the body. In scoliosis there is a rotation of the spine, in which the individual vertebrae bones twist around the long axis of the spine. Scoliosis affects girls more than boys, but the exact cause of scoliosis is unknown.
Causes:
- Genetic conditions
- Congenital spine deformities
- Neuromuscular problems
- Limb length inequality
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Tumors
Symptoms: Scoliosis is of two types. Mild usually doesn't require any treatment as it doesn't cause any symptoms also. However severe scoliosis requires treatment.
- Muscle back pain
- Stiffness or fatigue
- One hip or shoulder may be higher than the other.
- Rib cages are at different heights
- Uneven waist
- Leaning of entire body to one side
- Your head may be twisted.
Treatment: Treatment options depend more on how likely it is that the curve will worsen than on the angle of the curve itself.
- No treatment is required If the curve is less than 25° however the child can be reexamined every four to six months.
- Curve more than 25° and less than 30° needs a treatment. A back brace may be used for treatment. Bracing is most effective for scoliosis treatment.
- Curves more than 45° will need to be evaluated for the possibility of surgical correction. Surgery is often the best options for more severe curves.
About 50% of children with scoliosis will need some form of treatment or at least require close follow-up with a doctor.
Types of Braces:
Boston Brace: The most commonly used brace to treat scoliosis is the "Boston Brace." They are not as large or bulky and their plastic components are custom-molded to fit the patient's body. The Boston Brace extends from below the breast to the beginning of the pelvic area in the front and from below the shoulder blades to the tail bone in the back.
Charleston Bending Brace: The Charleston Bending Brace is molded to conform to the patient's body while he or she is bent towards the convexity or outward bulge of the curve. The Charleston brace is typically recommended for spinal curves of 20-35 degrees.
Milwaukee Brace: The Milwaukee Brace is commonly used for high thoracic (mid-back) curves. It extends from the neck to the pelvis and consists of a specially contoured plastic pelvic girdle and a neck ring connected by metal bars in the front and the back of the brace. Today, the brace is used less frequently now that more form-fitting plastic braces have been developed.
There are no preventive measures for Scoliosis. So as soon as you detect any of its symptoms see your doctor and if you have a family history of scoliosis, for early screening you must take your child to your family doctor or a pediatrician.
(Sources: emedicinehealth.com, iscoliosis.com, bodyandhealth.canada.com)
