Scoliosis is a spinal condition that causes the spine to curve sideways. This medical condition commonly occurs in the growth spurt period that is the time just before puberty. The main causes of scoliosis are majorly unknown. However, it is often seen that scoliosis often occurs in people who suffer from cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
The major risk factors that play a significant role in developing scoliosis include:
- Family history of scoliosis – It is often seen that scoliosis can pass from one generation to another, however most of the time children suffering from this condition do not have any family history of the disease
- Age – The symptoms of scoliosis starts developing in the period just before puberty which is known as the growth spurt period. Children between the ages of 9 and 15 years usually suffer from scoliosis
- Sex – According to surveys both girls and boys develop this problem at the same rate but girls have the higher risk of the scoliosis curve worsening and requiring treatment
Signs of Scoliosis – Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of scoliosis include:
- Severe back pain
- Uneven waist
- Disproportionate shoulder
- One shoulder blade notched higher than the other in appearance
- One hip higher than the other
Causes
As mentioned above causes of scoliosis are not clear. However, it is often seen that they involve hereditary factors. Apart from this other probable causes of scoliosis include:
- Birth Defects that hinder the spinal bones development
- Neuromuscular conditions like muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy
- Infections or severe injury of the spine
Go to your doctor if you notice signs or symptoms of scoliosis in your child. Mild curves, however, can develop without the parent or 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.
Seeing a Doctor about Scoliosis Treatment
Doctors usually start with an in-depth study of the medical history and may ask questions of recent growth. They perform various neurological examinations to inspect for numbness, abnormal weakness as well as muscle weakness. Hey may even order imaging tests like MRI, CT scan and bone scan so that he understands the problem better and accurately, which in turn helps in selecting the best course of scoliosis treatment.
Cases of scoliosis that are severe may require spine surgery as the condition typically progresses with time. Scoliosis surgery helps in preventing the condition from getting any worse and reducing the severity of the spinal curve. Spinal fusion is one of the most common surgical procedures that benefits patients who suffer from scoliosis.
Looking for the best treatment plan for Scoliosis? Let us help you make the right decision for your spine by filling the form given above or by giving us a call at (888) 779-8716 today.