Scoliosis

 Sometimes incorrectly spelled "scholiosis" or "scoleosis"

Scoliosis is a medical condition in which the spine of a human is curved from side to side. In some cases it can also be rotated. This is an abnormal lateral spine curvature and often causes the back to look S or C shaped. 

Most public schools in America today search for early signs of scoliosis in children so that if detected, it can be corrected while the child is still young and the joints and bones of the back are still growing and forming.

The name scoliosis, while odd-sounding, is actually derived from the Greek word for “crooked.” This condition is commonly caused by abnormalities at birth, in which case it is considered to be congenital.

Scoliosis can also be classified as idiopathic which refers to the age of the patient at the onset- infantile, juvenile, adolescent or adult onset. Scoliosis can also develop as a symptom of another disease or condition such as physical trauma, spinal muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.

When scoliosis is detected in children, the curvature of the spine can often be corrected without surgery. Sometimes wearing a back brace may be required. Detecting curvature of the spine as early as possible can be very helpful.

Scoliosis Symptoms

One way to detect scoliosis is to learn to recognize the signs and symptoms. When you learn to recognize the symptoms, you should see a medical professional right away if they are happening to you or a family member or loved one.

Here are some signs to look for:

• Uneven hip, rib cage and shoulder levels
• Uneven musculature on one side of the spine
• Slow nerve action
• Unequal distance between the arms and the body
• A rib hump or prominent shoulder blade
• Asymmetric size or location of the breast in females
• Muscle spasms and pain as the muscles try to adjust to the curve in the spine

Scoliosis Treatment: Surgery or a Brace?

A scoloisis brace may help stop the progression of the spinal curve, but it does not correct angulation that has already.

Most of the curve forms happens during a child's growth, and once the child stops growing has ended, there isusually no more progression. Therefore, a brace may be inappropriate once the child's skeleton has stopped growing.

Pain is a common side effect of scoliosis, especially if it goes on untreated for a long period of time. Often surgery is needed for the pain and also for cosmetic reasons to reduce the “hump back” or slump that many people with scoliosis get.

Scoliosis surgery is designed to reduce curvature and fuse the spine to arrest any additional progression.

Scoliosis surgery may be helpful for adolescents but is usually only recommended when their curves exceed 40 to 45 degrees and are in a state of progression.