Scoliosis is a deformity that causes the spine to curve.
The disease can be caused by muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy. Birth defects and injuries may be related to causing scoliosis. Other diseases that can cause the condition are currently unknown to medical professionals. Severe cases of scoliosis can disable patients.
Symptoms of scoliosis can become noticeable as the disease progresses. Symptoms begin at an early age. The disease progresses as children continue to grow into adults. Changes in the skeletal system can include a worsening curvature of the spine. Variations between shoulders and hips are signs. The ribs can protrude outward on one side of the body from the spine curving. As scoliosis continues to worsen, the spine can twist in any direction.
Treatment for scoliosis will include x-rays to diagnose how severe the spine curvature has progressed. An MRI might be done to determine whether another medical condition is the cause of the spine deformity. Mild cases of the disease usually need to be monitored only by physicians. Moderate to severe conditions will require various treatment options.
Doctors recommended wearing a brace that contours to the body for moderate cases of scoliosis. A brace can drastically slow down the curvature of the spine when worn as directed by a physician. Braces can be discontinued when children reach adult height.
Severe cases of scoliosis continue to progress with age.
Surgery could be recommended by a physician to prevent the problem from getting worse. Spinal fusion is a type of surgery that doctors recommend for severe cases of the disease.
Material similar to bones is positioned between the vertebrae with metal attachments to keep the spine aligned. The original bone and new material begin to fuse in time to help keep the spine straight. An adjustable rod can be surgically inserted in children with severe scoliosis. Surgeons can lengthen the rod as the child continues to grow.
