Spinal Scoliosis

Introduction

Scoliosis is a spinal disorder characterized by lateral curvature, commonly affecting children and adolescents. The degree of curving is measured by angles, with more severe cases requiring aggressive therapy. Although the exact cause remains unknown, scoliosis can result from congenital spine disorders, neurological issues, or family history. Symptoms may include pain, changes in waistline, and breathing problems for large curves. A diagnosis is made through physical examination and spine X-rays, with regular monitoring to track progression. Treatment options include analgesics, braces to prevent worsening, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention. For those seeking scoliosis treatment in Thane, look no further at The Spine Clinic, led by Dr. Priyank Patel , provides expert care and guidance.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a lateral, or sideways, curving of the spine. The degree of curving is measured by angles. The larger the angle, the greater is the chance that the disorder will get worse. Curves less than 30 degrees at the end of childhood growth rarely get worse and don’t usually need close watching. Curves larger than 50 to 75 degrees may need aggressive therapy.

Scoliosis usually begins in childhood or adolescence and may slowly worsen into adulthood. The younger the age when scoliosis starts, the worse it’s likely to become. More girls than boys have the severe disorder.

Causes of Scoliosis

The cause is usually unknown. Some cases are due to uneven leg length, congenital (present at birth) spine disorders, or rare neurological disorders. The risk increases with a family history of scoliosis. It’s not caused by backpacks, poor diet, exercise, or bad posture.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

Pain is the most common reason that adults go to doctors for treatment. The true source of pain isn’t clear.

Some people may have a loss of height, increase in prominence of a rib, or changes in waistline, which can mean progression of the curve.

The emotional aspects of scoliosis may be severe, especially for teenagers. Breathing problems may develop with large curves, but usually pain and fatigue are felt before the breathing trouble.

How is Scoliosis Diagnosed

The health care provider makes a diagnosis from a physical examination and x-ray of the spine. Deformities can range from mild to painful and severe. X-rays taken for several years is the best way to watch the curving.

Treatment of Scoliosis

A slowly progressive curve may not be painful and not need treatment. A curve that causes pain and deformity may need aggressive treatment.

Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce pain. No medicines, injections, diets, or exercises can fix the curve itself.

The health care provider will take routine x-rays at regular times to watch for progression of the curve. Braces can help prevent a curve from getting worse but don’t correct an already developed curve. Exercises and electrical stimulation of muscles don’t help people with scoliosis.

When the curve progresses or causes severe pain, surgery may be used. If the curve is not getting worse, people must decide whether the pain is bad enough that a complex operation should be done. The operation involves fusing, or joining, the bones (vertebrae) of the back. The surgeon must be sure that something else unrelated to scoliosis is causing the back pain.

Dos and Donts in Spinal Scoliosis (Can be linked to Bone Health Guide)

DO take your medicines as prescribed.
DO wear your brace as directed, but be aware that many curves can get worse even with braces.
DO call your health care provider if you see a change in the deformity, such as ribs sticking out more, change in leg length, or new pain.
DON’T stop wearing your brace unless your health care provider tells you to.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Conclusion

scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that typically develops in childhood or adolescence, and it may progress into adulthood. While the exact cause is often unknown, some cases can be attributed to factors like congenital spine disorders or neurological issues. Symptoms may include pain, changes in waistline, or breathing problems in severe cases. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the curve and the presence of pain or deformity. Regular monitoring, bracing, and surgery are among the approaches used to manage scoliosis. For those who are searching for a spine specialist in Thane, Dr. Priyank Patel at The Spine Clinic is renowned as one of the best spine surgeons in Thane and scoliosis specialist doctor in Thane.