Scoliosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine, usually, in the form of S or C. Our column tends to curl naturally, but for people with this condition, the curve is exaggerated. Idiopathic scoliosis is usually the most common, and it is the one that does not have a specific cause; it is more common in girls and in the stage where growth is faster. At FastlyHeal, we explain scoliosis’s types, symptoms, and treatment.
Table of Contents
Types of scoliosis
There are three types of scoliosis, and they are subdivided by the patient’s age and the part of the body where development began. The most common is idiopathic scoliosis; it is divided into infantile if present in children aged three or less, juvenile if it is between 4 and 10 years old, and adolescent between 12 and 18 years old. The second type of scoliosis is congenital; it occurs at birth and when there is no proper formation of the baby’s ribs or vertebrae. Finally, we have neuromuscular scoliosis, a secondary symptom of diseases that produce alterations in the nervous system, such as spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, polio, or cerebral palsy.
Scoliosis symptoms
Scoliosis has no symptoms and does not cause pain. However, the asymmetry in the shoulders, curvature in the spine that leans to one side, prominent shoulder blades, and uneven hips are notorious. To diagnose scoliosis, the doctor will perform a physical exam that will consist of bending forward to notice the asymmetry; X-rays will also be taken to see how severe the curvature is.
Treatment for scoliosis
The treatment for scoliosis will depend on several factors: the cause, the size of the curvature, the location, and if it is still in the growth stage. If the reason is idiopathic scoliosis, no treatment is necessary, but it is essential to see a doctor every six months to evaluate its development. If you are in a growth stage, your doctor may recommend using a corset to prevent the curve from being more outstanding. For mild scoliosis, your doctor will recommend physical therapy or swimming.
Surgery is another treatment for scoliosis, the idea is to correct the curve, and the vertebrae will be supported with metal rods; the surgical technique is complex and is not without risks. After the intervention, you may need to continue wearing the corset for a while
Prognosis and complications
The prognosis will always depend on the causes and the severity of the curvature. The use of the corset will improve your condition, and you will not have long-term problems; remember that this treatment is only for cases of idiopathic scoliosis. Back pain can manifest as a person ages. In the case of people with congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis, it is tough to treat and requires many surgeries.
There may be some complications in developing this condition, such as respiratory problems, lumbago, infection after surgery, damage to the nerves and the spine, low self-esteem, and persistent pain if any vertebra is worn or worn.
Prevent scoliosis
Among the different deviations that the spine can present, one of the most frequent is scoliosis, which causes the spine to deform into a C or S shape. It can occur from birth, but the most common is that it appears and develops as the child grows, leading to pain and problems as an adult.
Therefore, it is advisable to follow a series of guidelines to prevent the appearance of it when we are children, and that will help us to alleviate the symptoms of it if we suffer from it as adults:
- Maintain good body posture since the so-called postural hygiene (sitting correctly, good sleeping position, or standing) is essential for preventing scoliosis.
- Perform physical exercise daily, especially involving working the body in a balanced way, such as running, cycling, etc. In this way we strengthen the muscles, and it will be more difficult for the spine to deform. It is also vital to perform exercises that keep the abdominal muscles toned, as well as the lower back, which are the ones that will help us the most to keep the spine in a correct position.
- Avoid picking up excessive weights. If they are children, take care of the weight of school bags. As adults, if we take weights, it is essential to distribute them equally in each arm so that the spine does not decompose, especially if we have to do it regularly.
- Use a medium-hard mattress and a comfortable pillow to sleep with your spine straight.
- Eat a healthy diet, low in fat and sweets to maintain body weight and avoid being overweight, overloading the back muscles.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Scoliosis: types, symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Bones, Joints and Muscles .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.