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.
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.
ICSI(Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
Normally during every mid-menstrual period, one of the 2 ovaries releases an ovum. Each ovum is covered by a membrane called follicle,
Pregnancy and Delivery Care
Nothing could possibly compare to the joy of becoming a parent. After nine long months of waiting, the moment you have been waiting for is almost there:
Some Common Causes of Chest Pain
The first thing that jumps into the mind whenever you have some sort of chest pain is heart attack! It’s only human to feel that way
Organic Food Vs GMO Food: What Should You Pick?
There is no doubt that the quality of food we consume is crucial for our good health. And with more people becoming health conscious the d
Importance of Breastfeeding and Vaccinations for Newborns
Going nature’s way is best when it comes to providing nourishment for the apple of your eye – your baby. Breast milk is best for your baby as it
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A Breakthrough in Kidney Stone Treatment
Kidney stones, those small, hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, can cause excruciating pain and discomfort.
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.
3 Ways Vitamin C is Helpful for the Immune System
The water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is helpful in building up the blood vessels, skins, and making bones stronger
4 Signs of Mental Illness
As life has gotten fast and hectic, different health issues have got introduced lately. Not just physical issues,
4 Ways Night-Shifts Can Be Dangerous For Your Menstruation And Ovulation
A good night's sleep is of value for pregnant women. But with strenuous work-hours and shift work, sleep can quite a luxury for all.
Causes Of Infertility in Women
More and more women are putting off pregnancy till well into their 30’s or early 40’s for career reasons; infertility is fast becoming a major heartbreaking issue for such couples.
Do Not Indulge in These 9 Common Dieting Mistakes
Dieting is not just about eating less or starving yourself to meet unrealistic goals. Healthy dieting involves making informed food choices.
Laryngeal Reiinervation Procedure at KIMS Hospital
Mr. K.P 56-year-old business executive from Bangalore underwent a thyroid surgery two years back.
Learn How Stress Affects Your Heart Health
Stress is a frequent side effect of the modern 21st Century lifestyle. We’re always running around to meet deadlines, pay bills we tend to
Lose Weight: The Healthy Way
Almost everyone we know is worried about the way they look. There are several concerns people have, like their complexion
Myths About Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery – be it the gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries – involve making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight.
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Should You be Worried?
A recent study has found that 1 in 5 people in India suffers from liver disorders. Before you blame it on the increased alcohol consumption
Obesity and its Relation to Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that arises when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin,, hence there is excess glucose in the blood
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.
What Happens to Your Body When You Fast?
Fasting has been practised by humans for thousands of years as a way of rejuvenating the mind, body and soul and as a common ritual of many religions from all over the world
Why You Shouldn’t Consume Medicines with Cold Water
There has been a long-raging debate on the temperature of water needed for consuming medications. You won’t find much as in research papers
10 Tasty Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes
Worry about it no more, as a healthy diabetic diet does not have to be bland. Instead, you can enjoy a myriad of flavorful, low-calorie
4 Not So Common Health Problems in Teenagers
The current generation of teenagers have far more access to technology and gadgets than their parents did.
4 Secrets to Adjusting Your Toddler's Sleep Cycle
Most of the parents, some time or the other, may have faced the trouble of making their toddlers sleep at night.
Related Blogs
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.
ICSI(Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
Normally during every mid-menstrual period, one of the 2 ovaries releases an ovum. Each ovum is covered by a membrane called follicle,