Scoliosis is the term given when there is a sideways bend or curve in the spine. It creates a bit of a twisting effect. Most spines have a C or an S shape to them, but scoliosis modifies that shape in many ways. Sometimes physical therapy is the only treatment needed to correct the disorder. In severe cases, however, complicated surgeries might be necessary to create a reasonably good standard of living for a child or adult.
Here are some interesting facts to consider when thinking about scoliosis.
1. Scoliosis can develop over time.
Although some children are born with scoliosis, it is also a disorder that can develop as a child ages. Even adults can wind up suffering from scoliosis. Because it tends to run in families, anyone who has a direct relative [i.e. parent, sibling, grandparent] who has been diagnosed with this disorder should have regular checkups to have their back examined.
2. It isn’t always caused by a birth defect.
Scoliosis is often thought of as a birth defect, but it can be caused by injury or disease as well. If there is progressive scoliosis going on, which means the condition is continuing to get worse, then a doctor may advice someone to wear a back brace to prevent further deterioration of the spine. This is especially true if the person in question is still growing. When the brace is worn consistently, the condition can sometimes resolve itself pretty effectively.
3. Surgery is usually considered a last resort option.
Most doctors are going to avoid surgery on the back whenever possible because of all the things that could go wrong. If the scoliosis has reached a 45 degree angle, however, and the curvature appears to still be getting worse, then surgery will become a treatment option. A typical surgery usually involves fusing at least two of the vertebrae together.
4. Sports can be difficult for everyone with scoliosis.
Even if it is just a mild form of the disorder, scoliosis affects the physical performance of virtually everyone with the disorder. This is because it can cause balance issues and even compress the lungs so that not enough oxygen gets distributed throughout the body. Athletes with scoliosis also have higher rates of bacterial infections and suffer from back pain more often.
5. It may affect girls more often than it affects boys.
Scoliosis tends to be more curved in girls than in boys. In looking at scoliosis rates that have reached a curve of at least 21 degrees, there were 5 girls for every 1 boy diagnosed with the condition. When curvatures of 10 degrees or less are considered, however, the gender differences are virtually equal. Lung and heart issues are also present in both genders and many with scoliosis complain of chronic neck pain.
Early diagnosis and consistent treatments can help most cases improve without surgery. Scoliosis is something that can make life a little more difficult, but it can be fixed and adapted to over time.