Treatment Options for Scoliosis
Dr. Ranjith Unnikrishnan
KIMSHEALTH Trivandrum
Orthopedics
Treatment Options for Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal condition of the spine where there is a sideways curve to the backbone or spine. Upon X-ray, it presents as S- or C-shaped spine. This is a chronic condition that may last a lifetime and doesn’t really need a diagnostic procedure as its self-diagnosable.
In India, more than 10 million cases of scoliosis occur every year and the condition can affect any age group, but is usually more common in those between the ages of 10-12 during the growth spurt just before puberty with higher incidences in girls than boys. The condition is usually mild in most people with only a few symptoms occurring in majority of the cases. Some people develop scoliosis that gets worse with time, leading to a painful and disabling life.
Usually no treatment is required in majority of the cases, although periodic check-ups are recommended to keep tabs on the angle of deformity. When planning a treatment regime for the person with scoliosis, knowing if the curve is likely to worsen is crucial to the treatment plan; other factors include the physical condition and age of the person and how much more she/he is likely to grow physically as well as the type of scoliosis.
Other factors include the fact that S-shaped curves tend to worsen more often than C-shaped curves, with larger curves more likely to worsen over time. If the curve is located at the central thoracic region of the spine, there are greater chances of its worsening than if it’s located above or below this area.
A brace is usually brought into the picture when the side-to-side curve in the spine progresses by at least 5 degrees in a 4-6 month period or if the angle goes beyond 25-30 degrees with still a significant amount of skeletal growth still remaining for the afflicted person. Bracing is the first line of treatment and is a big time commitment for it to be effective. It can either be worn only at bedtime or continuously and though it is uncomfortable, both physically as well as emotionally, it does succeed in controlling further worsening of the curvature and associated symptoms.
As the condition worsens, it can lead to pressure on the spinal cord resulting in loss of coordination of the leg muscles along with an associated abnormal gait; it can also lead to deformity of the chest in severe cases, resulting in breathing problems, fatigue and even heart failure.
In such severe cases, surgery becomes the next option. The purpose of the surgery is to stop the worsening of the curve progressing, correct the deformity as well as provide trunk balance maintenance. There are three types of surgeries used for scoliosis:
- Fusion surgery where two adjacent vertebras are permanently fused to become immobile.
- Growing systems where rods are placed adjacent to the spine to keep the spine growing straight.
- Fusion-less surgery is a new approach used to create balance by using growth modulation on the spine.
Related Blogs
Diet and Lifestyle Before and After Liver Transplant
Nutrition and lifestyle choices play an important role both before and after liver transplant. Proper care supports recovery, reduces complications, and improves long-term health.
Life After Liver Transplant: Recovery and Long-Term Care
Recovery after liver transplant varies from person to person. With appropriate medical care and follow-up, most people experience significant improvement in health and quality of life.
Liver Transplant Eligibility and Evaluation: How Doctors Decide
Not everyone with liver disease requires a transplant. Liver transplant eligibility is determined through a detailed medical evaluation designed to assess disease severity, overall health, and the likelihood of long-term benefit from transplantation.
Liver Transplant Outcomes and Long-Term Survival
Liver transplantation has become an effective treatment with improving outcomes worldwide. Advances in surgery, medication, and post-transplant care have significantly increased survival rates and quality of life.
Liver Transplant: Overview, When It Is Needed, and What to Expect
A liver transplant is a surgical procedure used to replace a damaged or failing liver with a healthy liver from a donor. It is considered when the liver can no longer perform essential functions needed to sustain life. Advances in medical care have made liver transplantation a well-established and effective treatment for selected patients with advanced liver disease.
Liver Transplant: Symptoms That May Indicate Advanced Liver Disease
Liver disease can progress gradually, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. As liver function declines, symptoms may become more apparent and may signal the need for specialist evaluation.
Living Donor vs Deceased Donor Liver Transplant: Key Differences Explained
Liver transplantation can be performed using a liver from a deceased donor or a portion of liver from a living donor. Both approaches are well-established and effective. Understanding the differences helps patients choose the most appropriate option.
Preparing for Liver Transplant Surgery: Steps Before the Procedure
Preparing for liver transplant surgery involves medical, physical, and emotional readiness. Proper preparation improves surgical outcomes and recovery.
Risks and Complications of Liver Transplant: What Patients Should Understand
Liver transplant is a major surgical procedure that offers life-saving benefits for people with advanced liver disease. Like all complex medical treatments, it carries potential risks and complications. Understanding these risks helps patients and families make informed decisions and prepare for recovery.
Best Epilepsy Treatment in Kerala – Dr. Syamlal S
Epilepsy treatment in Kerala is most effective when managed by the best epilepsy specialist in Kerala, such as [Dr. Syamlal S](https://www.kimshealth.org/trivandrum/doctor/dr-syamlal-s), a leading epilepsy doctor in Kerala known for accurate diagnosis, advanced seizure treatment, and long-term neurological care. Most epilepsy cases can be successfully controlled with proper medical management.
Best Stroke Treatment in Kerala
Stroke treatment in Kerala is most effective when delivered within the golden hour by experienced neurologists like Dr. Syamlal S, who specialises in rapid diagnosis, emergency stroke management, and long-term rehabilitation. Early intervention significantly reduces disability and improves recovery outcomes.
EPILEPSY TREATMENT & SURGERY IN KERALA
If you are searching for the best epilepsy treatment in Kerala or the top epilepsy specialist in Trivandrum, KIMSHEALTH—led by experts like Dr. Syamlal S—offers world-class, comprehensive epilepsy care with outcomes comparable to leading international centres.
Parkinson’s Disease Treatment in Kerala
KIMSHEALTH, under the expert care of Dr. Sandhya Manorenj, is among the best centres for Parkinson’s Disease treatment in Trivandrum, Kerala, and South India, offering world-class diagnosis, advanced therapies, and holistic rehabilitation tailored to each patient.
STROKE TREATMENT IN TRIVANDRUM
KIMSHEALTH offers advanced stroke treatment in Thiruvananthapuram, providing 24x7 emergency care, rapid diagnosis, and life-saving interventions.
Ten Effective Remedies That You Can Refer to When You Are Suffering from Muscle Cramps
Finally starting off with the gym life can get too overwhelming until you hit those muscle cramps along with the weights.
Skin Tags - Benign Tumor or Cancerous Tumor?
Skin tag if observed is a narrow stalk that hangs about your skin, bulging at the end. They are usually freshly colored and can grow anywhere on your body.
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is a rotator cuff injury that can cause shoulder pain and loss of arm function. The rotator cuff is a set of muscles and tendons in your shoulder.
Importance of Parental Counselling
Right from the moment you tell your friends and family about your pregnancy, little hints keep coming your way on parenting your unborn child!
Taking Care of a Terminal Patient? Here Are Six Ways to Help Them to the Fullest
A terminally ill patient is someone who has a relatively short life expectancy. Terminally ill people are usually shifted from an actively curative medicinal regime
Stages of Tooth Decay and Their Treatment Options
Tooth decay refers to the degradation process of the structure of the tooth resulting in permanent damage.
12 Home Remedies for Dry Cough
The flu, common cold, asthma, cigarette smoke exposure, and other conditions can all cause a dry cough. Home remedies such as honey, peppermint, and air purifiers may be beneficial.
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation occurs when the bones of your shoulder joint are pushed or forced out of their normal positions.
5 Facts to Keep in Mind for Your Monthly Menstruation Cycle
Our menstruation indicates multiple activities within your body. Every month, your uterus forms a thicker lining for the ovary to release an egg for a possible pregnancy.
Different Types of Diabetes
Junk food and increasing physical activity are leading to a worldwide epidemic of obesity, resulting in diseases like diabetes
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a form of heart muscle illness in which the heart chambers (ventricles) weaken and stretch, becoming bigger.
Related Blogs
Diet and Lifestyle Before and After Liver Transplant
Nutrition and lifestyle choices play an important role both before and after liver transplant. Proper care supports recovery, reduces complications, and improves long-term health.
Life After Liver Transplant: Recovery and Long-Term Care
Recovery after liver transplant varies from person to person. With appropriate medical care and follow-up, most people experience significant improvement in health and quality of life.
