Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways. While our spines naturally have some curves, scoliosis involves an abnormal sideways curvature, often in an “S” or “C” shape. This condition most commonly appears during adolescence, but it can also affect adults. This blog aims to provide a clear understanding of scoliosis, its diagnosis, treatment options, and ongoing management.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine. It’s characterized by:
- Lateral curvature: The spine curves sideways, away from the midline.
- Spinal rotation: The vertebrae rotate, causing a twisting of the rib cage.
- Thoracic hypokyphosis: A decrease in the normal forward curve of the upper spine.
Causes of Scoliosis
In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. This is called idiopathic scoliosis. Other types of scoliosis include:
- Congenital scoliosis: Present at birth due to problems with spinal formation in the womb.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis: Associated with neurological conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
- Degenerative scoliosis: Develops in adults due to age-related wear and tear on the spine.
Diagnosis
Scoliosis is often first noticed during a physical exam, where a doctor will observe the spine’s alignment and check for uneven shoulders, hips, or a prominent shoulder blade.
- Physical Exam: Includes the Adam’s Forward Bend Test where the patient bends forward at the waist, allowing the doctor to observe the spine’s curvature.
- X-rays: Confirm the diagnosis and measure the degree of curvature (Cobb angle).
- Further Imaging (in some cases): MRI or CT scans may be used to assess the spine in more detail.
Treatment
Treatment for scoliosis depends on several factors:
- Severity of the curve: Measured by the Cobb angle.
- Skeletal maturity: Whether the individual is still growing.
- Type of scoliosis: Idiopathic, congenital, etc.
- Presence of pain or other symptoms.
Treatment options include:
- Observation: For mild curves, regular monitoring to track progression.
- Bracing: For moderate curves in growing individuals, bracing helps prevent further progression.
- Surgery: For severe curves or those causing significant pain or functional limitations, spinal fusion surgery may be necessary to correct the curvature and stabilize the spine.
Management
Scoliosis management often involves a multidisciplinary approach:
- Orthopedic specialists: Provide diagnosis, treatment, and surgical intervention if needed.
- Physical therapists: Help improve posture, flexibility, and core strength.
- Psychologists: Provide support for individuals dealing with the emotional and social impact of scoliosis.
Remember, early detection and appropriate management are crucial in preventing scoliosis from progressing and minimizing its impact on overall health and well-being.
Additional Resources:
- Scoliosis Research Society: www.srs.org
- National Scoliosis Foundation:www.scoliosis.org
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
