Scoliosis

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve to one side. While it can affect any part of the spine, scoliosis most often impacts the lower back and up near the back of the chest. It is typically seen in children and usually corrects itself over time.

There are several different types of scoliosis, which present differently in infants, children, and adults.

Congenital scoliosis

Congenital scoliosis develops in infants when the spine does not grow properly in the womb.

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis is extremely rare and is usually diagnosed before a child turns 3 years old.

Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis

This particular type of the disease is diagnosed in children between the ages of 4 and 10. Scoliosis diagnosed in children ages 11 to 18 is called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Neuromuscular scoliosis

This type of scoliosis is caused by spinal cord, brain, and muscular disorders. It often occurs when the muscles and nerves can no longer maintain proper balance and alignment.

Syndromic scoliosis

Syndromic scoliosis is a type of condition that develops due to an underlying disease.

Adult idiopathic scoliosis

Adult idiopathic scoliosis develops in patients over the age of 18, when the spine begins to curve.

What are some scoliosis symptoms?

The symptoms of scoliosis present differently in infants and children.

Infants

The warning signs of scoliosis in infants include:

• Repeatedly lying on one side in a curved position
• Prominent bump in chest on one side
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Heart problems

Adolescents

Some of the most common symptoms of scoliosis in adolescents include:

• Off center head
• Hip prominent on one side
• Uneven rib cage
• One shoulder or shoulder blade higher than the other
• Uneven legs
• Leaning to one side

When these scoliosis symptoms are left untreated, they may worsen over time and cause uncomfortable back pain in older adults, as well as heart and lung problems.

Do I have scoliosis treatment options?

There are several effective treatments for scoliosis depending on your age, curve pattern, and location of the curve.

Braces

Doctors typically recommend a close-fitted brace for young patients whose bones are still developing. This type of brace fits under the clothes and around the rib cage to straighten out the spine. Once you reach puberty, when your bones are no longer growing, this particular treatment is discontinued.

Surgery

Scoliosis surgery is only recommended to patients with a very advanced form of the condition. The most common type of surgery is called a spinal fusion, where surgeons connect two or more vertebrae to prevent them from moving independently.

Exercise

If your scoliosis is mild or moderate, there are certain exercises your doctor can recommend to help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of scoliosis.  Special programs in physical therapy and yoga have been designed to train the right muscles and realign spine structures.

For further scoliosis information, call New Jersey Pain Management today or book an appointment online.