Scoliosis
Overview
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the
spine that most often is diagnosed in adolescents. While scoliosis can occur in
people with conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause
of most childhood scoliosis is unknown.
Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some
curves worsen as children grow. Severe scoliosis can be disabling. An
especially severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest,
making it difficult for the lungs to function properly.
Children who have mild scoliosis are
monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse.
In many cases, no treatment is necessary. Some children will need to wear a
brace to stop the curve from worsening. Others may need surgery to straighten
severe curves.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of scoliosis may include:
Uneven shoulders
One shoulder blade that appears more
prominent than the other
Uneven waist
One hip higher than the other
One side of the rib cage jutting forward
A prominence on one side of the back when
bending forward
With most scoliosis cases, the spine will
rotate or twist in addition to curving side to side. This causes the ribs or
muscles on one side of the body to stick out farther than those on the other
side.
When to see a doctor
Go to your doctor if you notice signs of
scoliosis in your child. Mild curves can develop without you or your child
knowing it because they appear gradually and usually don't cause pain.
Occasionally, teachers, friends and sports teammates are the first to notice a
child's scoliosis.
Causes
Doctors don't know what causes the most
common type of scoliosis — although it appears to involve hereditary factors,
because the disorder sometimes runs in families. Less common types of scoliosis
may be caused by:
Certain neuromuscular conditions, such as
cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
Birth defects affecting the development of
the bones of the spine
Previous surgery on the chest wall as a baby
Injuries to or infections of the spine
Spinal cord abnormalities
Risk factors
Risk factors for developing the most common
type of scoliosis include:
Age. Signs and symptoms
typically begin in adolescence.
Sex. Although both boys and girls develop
mild scoliosis at about the same rate, girls have a much higher risk of the
curve worsening and requiring treatment.
Family history.
Scoliosis can run in families, but most children with scoliosis don't have a
family history of the disease.
Complications
While most people with scoliosis have a mild
form of the disorder, scoliosis may sometimes cause complications, including:
Breathing problems. In
severe scoliosis, the rib cage may press against the lungs, making it more
difficult to breathe.
Back problems.
People who had scoliosis as children may be more likely to have chronic back
pain as adults, especially if their abnormal curves are large and untreated.
Appearance. As
scoliosis worsens, it can cause more noticeable changes — including uneven hips
and shoulders, prominent ribs, and a shift of the waist and trunk to the side.
Individuals with scoliosis often become self-conscious about their appearance.
Jan Ricks Jennings, MHA, LFACHE
Senior Consultant
Senior
Management Resources, LLC
JanJenningsBlog.Blogspot.com
724.733.0509 Office
412.913.0636 Cell
December 1,2021
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