Scoliosis is often detected during childhood or adolescence (pediatric scoliosis). Because the curvature is identified after complete skeletal growth, it is referred to as “adult scoliosis” when it originates or is discovered after puberty. To evaluate scoliosis Sandy Springs, your physician may ask you to bend over from the waist and look at your spine to see whether it is curved. This type of exam is commonly performed on youngsters by pediatricians. If your back seems bent, they will most likely do an X-ray to determine whether you have scoliosis. Your clinician may also order an MRI to rule out conditions such as a tumor that might cause your spine to bend.
Causes of scoliosis
Some types of scoliosis have apparent causes. Doctors classify such curves into two types: structural and nonstructural. The spine functions correctly yet appears crooked in nonstructural scoliosis. This can happen for various causes, including having one leg longer than the other, muscular spasms, and inflammations such as appendicitis. When these issues are addressed, scoliosis frequently goes away. The spine curvature in structural scoliosis is inflexible and cannot be reversed. Among the causes are cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, congenital disabilities, infections, tumors, or genetic conditions like Marfan syndrome and Down syndrome.
Risks of scoliosis
Family history and genetics might be risk factors for idiopathic scoliosis. If one of your kids has this problem, ensure your other children are periodically tested. Scoliosis is most common during growth spurts, which occur between 10 and 15. Minor idiopathic scoliosis impacts almost the same number of men and women. Conversely, females’ curves are ten times more likely to worsen and may require treatment. Scoliosis that occurs during childhood may last until adulthood. The more curved your spine is, the more likely it is to deteriorate over time. If you have previously experienced scoliosis, have your doctor evaluate your back regularly.
Preventing Scoliosis
You cannot prevent scoliosis. So, disregard any tales you may have heard about childhood sports injuries causing scoliosis. Similarly, if your children are in school, you may be concerned about the weight of their textbooks. While carrying a large backpack can cause back, shoulder, and neck pain, it does not induce scoliosis. What about bad posture? The manner a person stands or sits has no bearing on their chances of developing scoliosis. However, a curved spine may generate a perceptible lean. If your kid cannot stand erect, have your doctor examine their spine.
The severity of the curvature determines the long-term outcome of scoliosis. The condition will not interfere with daily activities and functions in mild to moderate situations. Individuals with severe scoliosis may experience physical difficulties. Living with scoliosis may be challenging. You should consider joining a support group if you need assistance controlling scoliosis. Support groups allow you to meet people going through similar experiences and get support and guidance on how to deal with the disease daily.
Scoliosis is frequently diagnosed in childhood, although therapy and monitoring can last a lifetime. Scoliosis symptoms may mirror those of other spinal disorders or deformities or be the consequence of an accident or illness. Call Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center to schedule your consultation today to learn more about scoliosis treatments.
