Scoliosis is a problem in which the spine is abnormally curves on one side. The abnormality may exist in one or more areas. The degree of the problem is variable. Most cases are mild and asymptomatic. If very severe, the condition may cause symptoms such as pain and breathing difficulties. The condition starts in childhood and is commoner in girls than boys. There are a number of modalities that are used in scoliosis treatment.
There are several signs that may suggest the presence of scoliosis. These include a head that is not well centered on the body, ribs being higher on one side than the other and a hip or shoulder that is at a higher level than the other. A clinical history and a physical examination by the doctor will provide even more information. The doctor may also request for imaging studies such as X-rays and CT scans.
The main reason as to why intervention would be needed is to arrest the progress of the condition and to provide some stability to the spine. If the severity falls into the mild category, one may lead a normal life even without treatment. The options that are used in managing the condition fall under two major categories: non-surgical and surgical. The choice is largely dependent on the degree of severity.
If the condition is the result of an underlying problem (non-structural type), treating the underlying problem will improve the abnormal spine curvature and relieve the associated symptoms. Examples of such conditions include differences in the length of lower limbs and muscle spasms. If it is due to a disease that directly affects the spine (the structural type), treatment will most likely be required.
There are two main options under conservative management. The first is watchful waiting by the doctor. It entails having scheduled appointments during which the patient is examined to establish whether the condition is worsening. In growing children, more sessions are needed and these would typically be done after every four to six months. In adults, one session every year is considered adequate. The second option is the use of braces.
It is important that one is aware of complications that may be caused by the braces. The commonest complaint is a varying degree of discomfort on the wearers. This frequently causes non-compliance. Some people also notice skin irritation in the region covered by the brace. The curvature may continue to worsen even in the presence of the brace.
During surgery, metallic rods are attached to the spine to give it more stability. An alternative is to fuse adjacent vertebral bodies to form a single solid bone mass so as to reduce the curve and to stop it from worsening. Fusion is not desirable in children because their bones are still growing. However, rods can be placed without affecting growth. A full-time brace can be worn afterwards.
Results attained from the treatment of scoliosis can be markedly improved if the condition is diagnosed early. Once diagnosed, treatment may or may not be initiated depending on factors such as patient age, skeletal age and the size of the curvature. Most cases are mild and show no symptoms. They only require close monitoring. Braces may be used in some cases. If the condition is worsening rapidly, surgery may be used to stop the progress and to confer stability.
There are several signs that may suggest the presence of scoliosis. These include a head that is not well centered on the body, ribs being higher on one side than the other and a hip or shoulder that is at a higher level than the other. A clinical history and a physical examination by the doctor will provide even more information. The doctor may also request for imaging studies such as X-rays and CT scans.
The main reason as to why intervention would be needed is to arrest the progress of the condition and to provide some stability to the spine. If the severity falls into the mild category, one may lead a normal life even without treatment. The options that are used in managing the condition fall under two major categories: non-surgical and surgical. The choice is largely dependent on the degree of severity.
If the condition is the result of an underlying problem (non-structural type), treating the underlying problem will improve the abnormal spine curvature and relieve the associated symptoms. Examples of such conditions include differences in the length of lower limbs and muscle spasms. If it is due to a disease that directly affects the spine (the structural type), treatment will most likely be required.
There are two main options under conservative management. The first is watchful waiting by the doctor. It entails having scheduled appointments during which the patient is examined to establish whether the condition is worsening. In growing children, more sessions are needed and these would typically be done after every four to six months. In adults, one session every year is considered adequate. The second option is the use of braces.
It is important that one is aware of complications that may be caused by the braces. The commonest complaint is a varying degree of discomfort on the wearers. This frequently causes non-compliance. Some people also notice skin irritation in the region covered by the brace. The curvature may continue to worsen even in the presence of the brace.
During surgery, metallic rods are attached to the spine to give it more stability. An alternative is to fuse adjacent vertebral bodies to form a single solid bone mass so as to reduce the curve and to stop it from worsening. Fusion is not desirable in children because their bones are still growing. However, rods can be placed without affecting growth. A full-time brace can be worn afterwards.
Results attained from the treatment of scoliosis can be markedly improved if the condition is diagnosed early. Once diagnosed, treatment may or may not be initiated depending on factors such as patient age, skeletal age and the size of the curvature. Most cases are mild and show no symptoms. They only require close monitoring. Braces may be used in some cases. If the condition is worsening rapidly, surgery may be used to stop the progress and to confer stability.
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