Scoliosis - Types, Symptoms and Treatment - Maximed Turkey

What is Scoliosis?

The spine's curved shape is called scoliosis. The awkward shape can cause pain, which can lead to surgery, but it usually corrects itself with time. Scoliosis is the most common skeletal deformity in children between 3 and 10 years of age. It's not uncommon for people to develop symptoms of scoliosis after sports or falls that put pressure on one or more areas of the body while bending over or twisting.

Research has found that genetics are a factor in who develops scoliosis, but there have been cases where sudden changes in hormone levels have triggered symptoms.

What are the different types of Scoliosis?

There are several different types of scoliosis that result in a curved spine. Your doctor will look at your family history to determine which type you have. The most common form is the fourth and fifth vertebrae located at the lower back. Others occur in the upper back region, but they're most common in the middle or lower spine. In some cases, it can be found in more than one place on the spine.

What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?

The most common symptoms of scoliosis are pain and swelling of the legs, which can lead to running pains or a limp. In some cases, their bones tend to grow in a crooked direction, but this is unlikely for most adolescents.

In younger kids, the curve of the back can cause bending or twisting of the neck and back. Sometimes this leads to a "wobble walk" with one foot slightly ahead of the other as they walk. This is called gait ataxia. Teenagers may develop headaches, especially when they bend forward from sitting, which is called torticollis.

How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine your body using a variety of tests. They'll examine you in a variety of positions to see if the curve in your spine changes in any way. Your doctor may want to look at x-rays, MRI scans, and other tests to assess the severity of your condition. How is it treated?

There are many treatment options for scoliosis. The most common is bracing, which is designed to straighten your spine and give your bones time to strengthen. However, chiropractic adjustments can help relieve the symptoms related to scoliosis.

A chiropractor may also use traction therapy to move the bone into proper position or massage therapy to reduce stress on the nerve system. Other forms of treatment include surgery, anti-inflammatory drugs, and exercise. Any kind of treatment depends on the severity of your condition and how quickly it needs to be corrected.

How is Scoliosis Treated?

There are several treatments for scoliosis including bracing or surgery. It will depend on how severe the curvature is and whether or not it causes any pain.

The initial treatment depends on the type of scoliosis (see "types" above), along with age and factors caused by underlying conditions that you might have that are unrelated to scoliosis. Treatment may include:

- Bracing: This may be done when the spinal curve can be measured in one's home without causing injury.

The brace is put in place to reinforce the curvature of the spine by moving your bones in the right direction. The brace is worn for up to 3 hours a day, six days a week for at least 6 months. Your doctor will recommend when you should begin wearing it and how long you will need it to maintain your treatment.

- Surgery: This may be necessary if bracing does not correct or relieve symptoms or if there are complications that affect your daily life. This is usually done when bracing is not sufficient or for tumours in the spine.

- Medical marijuana: For people who have pain related to scoliosis, medical marijuana can reduce their symptoms and possibly help them recover from surgery.

In states where medical marijuana use has been legalized, according to a recent study in the European Journal of Pain, there is a significant reduction in pain associated with spinal curvature.

- Exercise: When possible, participating in a range of exercise programs will help a person maintain a healthy lifestyle and strengthen muscles and ligaments.

A doctor may recommend an exercise program for adults that emphasizes stretching and strengthening. These programs may be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments such as an orthotic or brace.

- Orthotic: This is a device that is fitted to your foot or ankle and can be worn at night. It has a weight and surface that helps correct skeletal deformity. This can be done as an alternative to surgery if there is no other option.

The majority of surgeries for scoliosis are done within the first 10 years of life or by those under 13 years old. Before surgery, your doctor will discuss options for surgery and which type you will need to make sure it's appropriate for you.

Your doctor may recommend surgery early on in life, but many of these procedures require surgery within 10 years of age or after the age of 11 because of bone maturation.