Scoliosis is a problem that affects the spine and is usually diagnosed in childhood. The main characteristic is an abnormal spine curvature either to the right or left side. Many of the cases do not show any symptoms. Girls are more commonly affect by the severe forms for reasons that are not clear. If symptoms are experienced they will include problems in breathing and chest and back pain. Scoliosis treatment can be done in a number of ways.
A number of signs may be seen in an individual with the problem. They include, for instance, a head that is leaning to one side, different levels of shoulders and hips and ribs being at higher level on one side than the other. The doctor will start by taking the relevant clinical history and examining the back to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Imaging studies such as CT scans and X-rays are also quite helpful.
The objective of treating the condition is to arrest the progress of the curvature which would otherwise increase spinal instability. The good news is that the persons with mild cases can lead normal lives even without treatment. Treatment options are broadly classified into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical methods. The option that is chosen is dependent on the type of scoliosis being treated.
If the scoliosis has been demonstrated to be the results of an underlying condition that is unrelated to the spine, it will be classified as the non-structural type. This type is corrected by managing the underlying condition. Examples include limb length differences and muscle spasms among others. If there is a disease that directly affects the spine, it will be classified as a structural type and will require direct treatment.
The conservative approach consists of two main options. The first is simply watchful waiting in which the doctor schedules for regular physical examinations sessions to determine whether there is a progression in the severity of the curvature. For children that are still growing, check-ups are scheduled to take place every four to six months. In adults, they are done once annually. The second option is to use a brace to stop the progress.
It is important that one is aware of complications that may be caused by the braces. The commonest complaint is a varying degree of discomfort on the wearers. This frequently causes non-compliance. Some people also notice skin irritation in the region covered by the brace. The curvature may continue to worsen even in the presence of the brace.
Surgery involves the placement of metallic rods between the affected vertebral bodies to increase stability. Another alternative is to fuse these vertebra so as to convert them into a single bone mass. The latter option is not preferred in young patients as it interferes with the growth of bone. The option here is using the metal rods and having a full-time brace as well.
The results of treating scoliosis are better if early diagnosis and intervention are done. Factors that will determine whether or not treatment will be necessary include patient age, size of curve and skeletal age. The majority of cases are mildly and require no more than close observation. Braces are at times prescribed to stabilize the spine as growth takes place. Surgery is reserved for the most severe cases and its role is to confer stability and to prevent worsening.
A number of signs may be seen in an individual with the problem. They include, for instance, a head that is leaning to one side, different levels of shoulders and hips and ribs being at higher level on one side than the other. The doctor will start by taking the relevant clinical history and examining the back to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Imaging studies such as CT scans and X-rays are also quite helpful.
The objective of treating the condition is to arrest the progress of the curvature which would otherwise increase spinal instability. The good news is that the persons with mild cases can lead normal lives even without treatment. Treatment options are broadly classified into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical methods. The option that is chosen is dependent on the type of scoliosis being treated.
If the scoliosis has been demonstrated to be the results of an underlying condition that is unrelated to the spine, it will be classified as the non-structural type. This type is corrected by managing the underlying condition. Examples include limb length differences and muscle spasms among others. If there is a disease that directly affects the spine, it will be classified as a structural type and will require direct treatment.
The conservative approach consists of two main options. The first is simply watchful waiting in which the doctor schedules for regular physical examinations sessions to determine whether there is a progression in the severity of the curvature. For children that are still growing, check-ups are scheduled to take place every four to six months. In adults, they are done once annually. The second option is to use a brace to stop the progress.
It is important that one is aware of complications that may be caused by the braces. The commonest complaint is a varying degree of discomfort on the wearers. This frequently causes non-compliance. Some people also notice skin irritation in the region covered by the brace. The curvature may continue to worsen even in the presence of the brace.
Surgery involves the placement of metallic rods between the affected vertebral bodies to increase stability. Another alternative is to fuse these vertebra so as to convert them into a single bone mass. The latter option is not preferred in young patients as it interferes with the growth of bone. The option here is using the metal rods and having a full-time brace as well.
The results of treating scoliosis are better if early diagnosis and intervention are done. Factors that will determine whether or not treatment will be necessary include patient age, size of curve and skeletal age. The majority of cases are mildly and require no more than close observation. Braces are at times prescribed to stabilize the spine as growth takes place. Surgery is reserved for the most severe cases and its role is to confer stability and to prevent worsening.
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This article collected, selected and written by: Author Van Hoc
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