What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine, resulting in a distinctive C or S shape when the spine is viewed from the front. The individual vertebrae also twist on each other, much like a corkscrew.While most cases of scoliosis are mild, some children may develop spine deformities that can be disabling.
Girls are twice as likely as boys to have scoliosis, and the disease affects approximately 3 to 5 people out of every 1,000.
Causes of Scoliosis:
In around 85% of cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown, or idiopathic. However, scoliosis can also be related to disorders such as Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, spina bifida, and polio. Nonstructural scoliosis is temporary, and occurs when the curvature is caused by another problem that causes one leg to be shorter than the other, like muscle spasms.
Symptoms of Scoliosis:
- The child’s head may appear off-center.
- One hip or shoulder looks lower than the other, or opposite sides of the body may appear uneven.
- The child may have a "rolling" gait, meaning they display a pronounced sway to the hips and backside when walking.
Getting Diagnosed With Scoliosis:
Scoliosis generally appears around age 10.
Many schools screen for scoliosis, or a screening may be performed as part of a yearly school physical. The most common way to screen is by having children bend forward with knees locked and palms at their sides, and attempt to touch their toes. The screening professional then observes whether the spine is straight or curved.
A neurological exam may determine muscle weakness, numbness, or abnormal reflexes.
X-rays may be needed to determine the degree of curvature, or to search for an underlying condition. If an additional issue such as a tumor is suspected, the doctor may request further imaging including:
- MRI - a magnetic resonance imaging machine captures detailed images of bone and soft tissue by using radio waves and a strong magnetic field
- CT Scan - computerized tomography is a combination of multiple x-rays taken from a variety of angles to provide a more thorough view
- Bone Scan - radioactive material is injected near the scan site to highlight the area for better imaging
Most cases of scoliosis, where the degree of curvature is less than 25%, do not require treatment. The child is kept under observation and re-examined every 4 to 6 months. If the child is still growing, and/or the curvature worsens over time, more aggressive measures may be taken.
For cases with a curvature of more than 25%, a back brace is the usual course of treatment, although back braces are not usually effective for treating scoliosis caused by neuromuscular or congenital conditions.
If the spine is curved more than 45% or non-invasive procedures are ineffective, surgery may be considered. Surgical treatment of scoliosis fuses the vertebrae together to correct the curvature. Rods may also be placed alongside the spine to further stabilize it. Physical therapy may also be prescribed in addition to any of these treatments.
With early detection and treatment as required, most children with idiopathic scoliosis have an excellent prognosis, and can lead active and healthy lives. The prognosis for scoliosis that is related to other disorders depends largely on the outcome of the other condition.
Additional Scoliosis Resources:
The Scoliosis Association, Inc. - 800-800-0669. The Scoliosis Association, a non-profit, non-medical organization, offers information on regional support groups, a scoliosis newsletter and pamphlets, and information on the treatment and management of scoliosis.
iScoliosis.com - An informational site that provides facts about scoliosis in easy to understand language. A useful place for affected kids and teens to get answers to their questions about the condition.