What is Scoliosis?
Some people are under the assumption that Scoliosis does not happen anymore. However, it does. Thankfully there is much information available to you for someone you know that might have Scoliosis. Below, you will find out what Scoliosis is, the different kinds of Scoliosis, as well as other pieces of information such as symptoms and signs, diagnosis, treatment and more including different factors that put you at risk of Scoliosis.
What Is Scoliosis Exactly?
When you have a normal spine, the spine has several normal curves in between the neck and the pelvis. When someone has Scoliosis the spine curves in a more unnatural way to the side or it can even twist. In some cases, Scoliosis happens because of genetics, and it runs in the family. However, in several other cases, it appears out of nowhere for no specific reason in kids and even adolescents, who previously had no problems with their spine, When Scoliosis happens without an actual cause its called Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a common and often preventable cause of back pain in teenagers. To learn more about what scoliosis is and what you can do to prevent back pain due to Scoliosis please keep reading.
Treatments and Drugs
Many kids that have mild Scoliosis, i.e.,; small curves in the back who do not need treatment or surgery still may need a brace. Each case is evaluated on a case by case basis and treatments vary depending on the patient. That means that just because your kid might have curves in their spine that they might not be given the same treatment as the child next to them with the same curves. Some factors are considered when it comes to Scoliosis and the treatments, these factors include:
- Sex: Girls have a much higher chance of progression than boys do.
- The severity of the curves: Larger curves will most likely get worse rather than better over time.
- Curve Pattern: There are curve patterns in the spine when a child has Scoliosis. The treatment will look at these curves to ascertain what type of treatment they will need. There are curves which are located in the center of the spine called thoracic for example, which are considered to be one of the worse types of curves. These will worsen over time, more so than the other types of curves.
- Age: When a child is at an age where they have stopped growing, progression is much lower.
Symptoms and Signs
Some signs are easy to see, but others may take a keener eye, they can include things like:
One shoulder being lower than the other
A rounded shoulder
A sunken or uneven chest shape
One leg that is shorter than the other
A spine that curves downward too much
A pelvis that thrusts to one side or the other
Preventing Further Progression
If you have a child that is still growing, and they have mild to moderate Scoliosis your doctor might recommend something like a brace. One thing to remember about a brace, though, is that it will not cure Scoliosis. However, it should prevent progression of the disease. When you wear a brace, you will have to do so all night and all day. The brace is only as effective as how much you use it. After your bones have stopped growing, this is when the use of the brace can be stopped. This happens in girls when they reach their menstruation and when boys need to shave daily. There are two main types of braces.
-Underarm or Low Profile Brace: In most cases an underarm or low profile brace will do the trick, and this is also the option many kids like better because its less visible, especially under the clothes. This is made from modern plastic materials and is more contoured to allow for conformity to the body. However, the downside to this brace is that it will not help if you have curves in the upper spinal area or neck.
What Is Scoliosis Exactly?
When you have a normal spine, the spine has several normal curves in between the neck and the pelvis. When someone has Scoliosis the spine curves in a more unnatural way to the side or it can even twist. In some cases, Scoliosis happens because of genetics, and it runs in the family. However, in several other cases, it appears out of nowhere for no specific reason in kids and even adolescents, who previously had no problems with their spine, When Scoliosis happens without an actual cause its called Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a common and often preventable cause of back pain in teenagers. To learn more about what scoliosis is and what you can do to prevent back pain due to Scoliosis please keep reading.
Treatments and Drugs
Many kids that have mild Scoliosis, i.e.,; small curves in the back who do not need treatment or surgery still may need a brace. Each case is evaluated on a case by case basis and treatments vary depending on the patient. That means that just because your kid might have curves in their spine that they might not be given the same treatment as the child next to them with the same curves. Some factors are considered when it comes to Scoliosis and the treatments, these factors include:
- Sex: Girls have a much higher chance of progression than boys do.
- The severity of the curves: Larger curves will most likely get worse rather than better over time.
- Curve Pattern: There are curve patterns in the spine when a child has Scoliosis. The treatment will look at these curves to ascertain what type of treatment they will need. There are curves which are located in the center of the spine called thoracic for example, which are considered to be one of the worse types of curves. These will worsen over time, more so than the other types of curves.
- Age: When a child is at an age where they have stopped growing, progression is much lower.
Symptoms and Signs
Some signs are easy to see, but others may take a keener eye, they can include things like:
One shoulder being lower than the other
A rounded shoulder
A sunken or uneven chest shape
One leg that is shorter than the other
A spine that curves downward too much
A pelvis that thrusts to one side or the other
Preventing Further Progression
If you have a child that is still growing, and they have mild to moderate Scoliosis your doctor might recommend something like a brace. One thing to remember about a brace, though, is that it will not cure Scoliosis. However, it should prevent progression of the disease. When you wear a brace, you will have to do so all night and all day. The brace is only as effective as how much you use it. After your bones have stopped growing, this is when the use of the brace can be stopped. This happens in girls when they reach their menstruation and when boys need to shave daily. There are two main types of braces.
-Underarm or Low Profile Brace: In most cases an underarm or low profile brace will do the trick, and this is also the option many kids like better because its less visible, especially under the clothes. This is made from modern plastic materials and is more contoured to allow for conformity to the body. However, the downside to this brace is that it will not help if you have curves in the upper spinal area or neck.
- Milwaukee Brace: This is a full torso brace that also includes a neck ring for the chin to rest on. Usually, the only time these are used, is if the other brace cannot help the individual.