Scoliosis refers to the abnormal curvature of the spine. It is mostly caused by congenital disabilities, neurological abnormalities, and genetic conditions. It occurs mostly in children and adolescents during a growth spurt, but also adults can be affected. A highly qualified team at Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center diagnoses and treats most scoliosis in Sandy Springs to help your children live a productive and healthy life without experiencing excruciating pain.
Outlined below is all you need to know about scoliosis.
Types of scoliosis
Idiopathic scoliosis is used to refer to cases that have no definite cause. However, those that have definite causes include;
Congenital, spinal deformities are apparent at birth
Neurological, nerve abnormalities affect muscles in the spine
Symptoms
The common symptoms associated with scoliosis include;
The one-shoulder blade being higher than the other
One shoulder blade sticking out than the other
Uneven hips
Rotating spine
Breathing problems and back pain
Causes
The most common cause of scoliosis is a hereditary factor that may run through the family; however, the other causes include;
Certain neuromuscular conditions which include cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy
Congenital disabilities affecting spine development
Previous surgery on your baby chest wall
Injuries and infections of the spine
Abnormalities of the spine
Diagnosis
Your physician conducts a physical exam by observing your back while you stand with your arms at your side. The doctor will check for spinal curvature and symmetry of your shoulder and waist.
your physician might also perform the following imaging tests;
X-ray to show the picture of your spine
MRI scan to get a detailed image of spinal bones and tissues surrounding them
CT scan to get a 3D image of your body and spine
Bone scan to highlight spinal abnormalities.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on various factors such as:
Degree of spine curvature and your age
Whether you will like to continue growing
The amount and type of curvature
The type of scoliosis
Therefore, the treatment may include the following:
Braces
If your bones are still growing, your doctor may recommend bracing to prevent the curve from worsening.
Braces are commonly made of plastic and contoured to conform to your body, and they are usually invisible under your normal clothing.
Casting
Plaster casting is usually used on infants to help the spine grow into a typical position.
Chiropractic treatment
During chiropractic, your spine is manipulated to promote healing and your well-being.
Exercises
Various exercises help to realign the spine and hence reduce the pain.
Surgery
If you feel like the curvature is interrupting your daily life and causing discomfort, then the following surgical options can help you;
Spinal fusion. Two or more bones of the spine are connected so as not to move independently to cause severe pain.
Expandable rod. The surgeon attaches one or two expandable rods along the spine that can expand in length as the child grows.
Vertebral body tethering. It helps to strengthen the spine.
Talk to a scoliosis specialist today
Scoliosis is an abnormally curved spine. It tends to rise from childhood and adolescence, and the cause is usually unknown. However, treatment options range from bracing to surgery. Conduct a team of scoliosis specialists at Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center in Sandy Springs and alleviate spinal curvature pain and regain your comfort.
