Scoliosis: What is it, and How to Detect it?

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine takes as abnormal curvature to one side forming a shape that slightly resembles the letter c or the letter s. This spinal deformity can have many causes and symptoms, but some patients do not present symptoms.

There are many causes of this issue. In most cases, it is difficult to determine a specific cause, but most cases of scoliosis appear during childhood.

Depending on these characteristics, there are different types of scoliosis:

• Idiopathic scoliosis: This is the most common type of scoliosis. Its cause is unknown, and it divides into three categories:
• Congenital scoliosis: It is present in newborns. A usual cause of this kind of scoliosis is a spinal malformation before the baby is born.
• Early-onset scoliosis or juvenile scoliosis: This type appears in kids between the ages of 4 and 10. This one is not a very common kind of scoliosis.
• Adolescent scoliosis. It appears after the age of 14 and is the most common cause of spinal deformation. 
• Degenerative scoliosis: This one is also known as adult-onset scoliosis. This type appears during adulthood as a slight curve that continues to develop over time as the spine vertebrae and discs start to deteriorate with aging. 
• Neuromuscular scoliosis: This type is related to many conditions of the nerves and muscles, such as brain paralysis, muscular spinal atrophy, bifid spine, and others.
• Scheuermann’s Kyphosis: In the most common scoliosis cases, the curve goes to the side. In the case of Scheuermann’s kyphosis, the curvature leans forward. Usually, this kind of scoliosis appears as a consequence of any deformity present in the vertebrae.

Some risk factors for the development of scoliosis include:

• Family history. Scoliosis is noticeably more present in patients with relatives who have also had scoliosis. 
• Sex. Usually, girls are more prone to develop scoliosis and require treatment.
• Displacement of the vertebrae in the lower spine.
• Patients with extremities with abnormal length or deformation.
• Issues in physical development before the baby is born.

Symptoms 

Generally, patients with scoliosis do not present symptoms until the curvature is too noticeable. Some ways to detect scoliosis in children include:

• Noticing a hip or a shoulder is taller than the other one.
• One of the shoulder blades seems to be a bit more lifted than the other.
• The head does not appear aligned with the rest of the body.
• If scoliosis happens in the upper spine, it is possible to notice some ribs from one side standing out more.

Some of the most common symptoms for scoliosis patients include pain and stiffness in the back, pain or tingling in the extremities, poor posture, and muscle fatigue.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119