Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a type of spinal deformation. Our spine has a natural, slight forward and backwards S-curve. However, in scoliosis, your spine curves sideways, often resembling an "S" or "C" shape when viewed from the back. This abnormal curvature can affect any part of the spine but commonly happens in the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) regions. Generally, scoliosis is diagnosed after the age of 10 or in the early teenage years. Mostly, scoliosis cases are mild - meaning you have a slight side-to-side curvature. Mild scoliosis does not have any symptoms. However, in severe scoliosis, you may experience pain, a change in posture, or other symptoms, depending on the location of the curve. When the spine curves abnormally, it may also rotate, causing the ribs on one side of your body to protrude more than the other.

What are the types of Scoliosis? Idiopathic Scoliosis The most common type accounts for 80-85% of cases

• Cause of origin - unknown but has the hereditary pattern
• Commonly seen in teens Idiopathic scoliosis is further classified by the age of onset:
• Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis: Diagnosed from birth to 3 years
• Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis: Diagnosed from 3 to 10 years
• Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): Diagnosed from 10 to 18 years
• Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis: Diagnosed after skeletal maturity Congenital Scoliosis
• Present at birth
• Develops due to abnormal development of the spine during fetal development Neuromuscular Scoliosis
• Caused by neurological or muscular conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida Degenerative Scoliosis
• Seen in adults
• Develops due to ageing, arthritis, or spinal wear and tear

What are the symptoms of Scoliosis? Here are some common signs and symptoms of scoliosis:

• Pain in the different locations of the back
• You may struggle to stand upright
• Uneven shoulders or shoulder blade prominence
• One hip appears higher than the other
• Uneven waistline
• Weakness of the core muscle
• Leaning to one side
• In severe cases, breathing difficulties or fatigue

What are the causes of Scoliosis? The exact cause of scoliosis generally depends on the type of scoliosis. These include:

• Genetic component
• The spine bones don't form properly in the womb.
• Injury to the spine
• A tumour or growth in the spine
• Medical conditions affecting your nerves or muscles
• Surgery on the chest wall of the baby

The following are some factors that increase your risk of scoliosis:

• Being girl
• Age 10 years or older
• Family history
• Sedentary lifestyle - causing poor posture and muscle imbalance

What are the complications of Scoliosis? In severe cases, scoliosis can result in:

• Constant pain in the back
• Permanent change in the appearance
• Breathing problems
• Nerve damage
• Risk of arthritis
• Spinal rotation can lead to organ damage

How to Diagnose Scoliosis? Physical assessment: Doctors will inspect the curvature of the spine by simply viewing the spine. They ask your child to bend forward to assess alignment. Imaging Tests: X-rays: Measure the degree of spinal curvature MRI or CT scans: Identify underlying conditions and confirm the diagnosis

What is the treatment of Scoliosis? Treatment depends on several factors, including:

• Age of the patient
• How much growth is left
• Skeletal maturity
• Curve severity
• Risk of progression Treatment options are: Observation In some cases of scoliosis, regular monitoring may be sufficient. These include:
• Mild curves (less than 25 degrees)
• Patients who have reached skeletal maturity with stable curves. Conservative treatment
• Back brace to prevent progression in moderate scoliosis
• Customised activities designed specifically for scoliosis
• Exercises to strengthen your core muscles
• Pain relievers
• Managing underlying conditions
• Yoga and Pilates to improve flexibility Surgery Treatment of choice for severe curves or rapidly progressing curves. Surgical interventions are:
• Spinal fusion: Doctors straighten and fuse the curved part of the spine
• Expanding or growing rod: Doctors attach an expanding rod to the spine if the child is still growing. This straightens the spine while allowing it to grow.