Scoliosis: An Overview
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Natural curves occur in everyone’s spine. However, a side-to-side curvature of the spine is known as scoliosis. In most cases of scoliosis, the spine curvature occurs sideways or from the middle. According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, ʺScoliosis affects two to three percent of the population, or an estimated six million people in the United States, and there is no cure.ʺ
The Foundation also stated, ʺThe primary age of onset for scoliosis is 10-15 years old, occurring equally among both genders. However, females are eight times more likely to progress to a curve magnitude that requires treatment.ʺ
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the following may be causes of scoliosis:
• Idiopathic scoliosis is scoliosis of unknown cause. Idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents is the most common type.
• Congenital scoliosis is due to a problem with the formation of the vertebrae or fused ribs during development in the womb or early in life.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by problems such as poor muscle control or muscle weakness, or paralysis due to diseases such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida and polio.
The best way to determine if you or your loved one may have scoliosis is to visit your health care professional.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine stated the symptoms of scoliosis may include the following:
• One shoulder appears higher than the other (uneven)
• The pelvis appears to be tilted
• Hips appear uneven
• Backache or low-back pain
• Spine curves abnormally to the side (laterally)
• Pain due to irritation of the soft tissue and wear and tear of the spine bones
• Fatigue
According to the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), there are three types of treatment:
• Observation
• Bracing
• Surgery
The Scoliosis Foundation stated four out of five people with scoliosis have curves of less than 20 degrees. These types of curves require constant observation with your health care professional. In children, this degree of curvature may worsen as the child grows and may require a brace. For adults, physical therapy may benefit.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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