Scoliosis is condition where the abnormal curvature of the spine occurs. This usually takes place before reaching adolescent stage. Most cases are corrected by using various types of scoliosis treatment like braces for mild conditions and surgery for serious cases.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spinal. In normal condition, a spine is straight when viewed from the front and back but people with scoliosis; their spine appears to curve on one side. Scoliosis can affect children and adults. The scoliosis treatment will depend on the symptoms as well as the severity of the degree of curvature of the spine.

People who suffer from scoliosis are known to have S or C shape body. It can affect the upper spine or the lumbar area. The severity of the condition is measured according to degrees. It the curve is beyond sixty degrees, it is considered serious condition.

What are the Causes of Scoliosis?  

Scoliosis generally tends to appear before one reaches the puberty stage. In addition, it is more common in girls than boys. Here are some well-known causes of Scoliosis:

• Congenital plays a major role in scoliosis. A problem to spine during the development of bones in the womb may result to congenital scoliosis.
• Muscle weakness may tend to result neuromuscular scoliosis.
• Diseases like polio, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy may also cause scoliosis.
• Wear and tear in the spine

What are the symptoms of Scoliosis?

The first symptom of scoliosis is when the shoulder looks higher than the other shoulder or if the spine appears to have lateral curve in one side. Here are other symptoms of scoliosis:

• Uneven waist
• Shoulder blades are not equal
• Hips look uneven
• Back pain
• Fatigue
• Severe scoliosis may result to difficulty in breathing
• Deformity

Based on the symptoms of the scoliosis, your doctor may run various tests to confirm the presence of scoliosis. Some of the test may include:

• X-ray of the spine for the front and back may confirm that there is a curve
• Scoliometer is a screening device use to measure the degree of curvature of the spine.
• Magnetic resonance imaging is use to have detailed image of bone structure and spine.

 

What are Scoliosis Treatments?

If test confirm the presence of scoliosis, your medical health provider will start scoliosis treatment depending on the degree and severity of the condition. Here are some scoliosis treatments that your doctor may recommend.

1. Low Profile Brace

Low profile brace is made of plastic materials and it is shaped accordingly to form the body.  Medically, it is also known as thoracolumbosacral orthosis. This brace is beneficial for those who have lumbar scoliosis. It generally fits the lower back, rib cage and the hips. It can be worn under any clothes.

 

 

 

 

2. Milwaukee Brace

This type of brace have a neck ring and flat bar in front and at the back. Though the design is somewhat awkward, this is effective in correcting the curve of the spine.

 

 

 

 

            3. Electrical Stimulation of Muscles

Electrical stimulation of muscles is used to elicit muscle contraction by using electric impulses. This is done by attaching the device directly to the part that needs muscle stimulation. In the case of scoliosis, the device can be attached at the upper spine or in the lumbar area. To get good results, it is recommended that electrical stimulation of muscles should be done regularly. Most patients see dramatic results after using this regularly for couple of months.

 

4. Chiropractic Manipulation

Chiropractic manipulation may not really cure the scoliosis but it is a good way to reduce the risk of getting it worse. It may help to strengthen the muscles and improve posture. It is recommended that you see trusted chiropractor to avoid injury.

 

 

 

 

5. Surgery

Scoliosis may worsen over time. Your doctor may consider surgery if the pain got worse and if certain activities are affected by scoliosis.  Surgery or spinal fusion is done to lessen the severity of the curve and to avoid your condition from getting worse.  Through surgery, two or more bones will be connected with a new bone. Metal rods, screws, hooks and wires are used to make the spine straight while your bone heals. Only trusted surgeons should lead the surgery to lessen the complications. Some of the complications may include nerve damage, bleeding and infection.

 

 

Scoliosis treatment may vary according to age, bone structure and the location of the curve. Ask your medical health provider for the available scoliosis treatments suited to your condition.