Understanding Scoliosis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Scoliosis
Scoliosis, which can occur in any region of the spine, is the presence of abnormal lateral curving. Often taking shape in the form of an “S” or “C”, the condition typically sets in during adolescent years with cases of adult onset scoliosis being increasingly rare (this is why testing for this condition is most common in childhood). Though the cause is not fully known, the suspected attributing factors include birth defects, infections, muscular disorders and injuries.
Types of scoliosis
This condition takes shape in a variety of ways, leaving doctors to determine a proper course of action for spine conditions present in an abnormal spine. Some of the different types include:
Congenital Scoliosis
- Occurring during the development of the spine, this type may include bones in the spine not being formed correctly or abnormal fusing of bone structures leading to the curvatures exhibited in patients.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
- Attributed to muscular diseases like muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy, this type affects the spine by weakening muscles surrounding the spine, hindering typical spine growth and development.
Scoliosis diagnosis
This condition is most easily seen via MRI or physical examination by one of our expert physicians. Characterized by its common “S” or “C” shaped formation of the spine, most of the clues are visual and a physician should be able to provide a fast, accurate diagnosis.
Scoliosis treatment
Treatment is very dependent on the severity of the condition or conditions surrounding it. Many times, this condition paves the way for additional spine conditions like spinal stenosis, where the passageways in the spine that the nerves traverse are narrowed, creating pinched nerves and radiculopathy. In most cases, pressure in the spine can be alleviated, allowing nerves to flow freely. Though the presence of scoliosis may not be completely cured, most conditions as a result of scoliosis are treatable at the Deuk Spine Institute.
Are you or a loved one experiencing back pain or other symptoms? Deuk Spine Institute is always accepting new patient inquiries. To learn more about your condition and treatment options, contact us or give us a call at 1-800-FIX-MY-BACK.
