WHAT IS IT?
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It is most often diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
While scoliosis can occur in people with certain conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is not known. Most cases are mild but can worsen over time. Children who have mild scoliosis are monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse. Some may need to wear a brace to keep the curve from worsening. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.
SYMPTOMS OF SCOLIOSIS MAY INCLUDE:
Uneven shoulders
One shoulder blade appears more prominent than the other
Uneven waist
One hip higher than the other
One side of the rib cage jutting forward
A prominence on one side of the back when bending forward
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
The most common ways to manage scoliosis is bracing, casting, and physical therapy. A scoliosis curve will not get straight on its own. Bracing will help to keep the spine from getting worse. Physical therapy can help minimize and even in some cases, eliminate back pain caused from scoliosis.
SURGICAL TREATMENT
For some cases of scoliosis, surgical intervention is required. The most common surgical treatment of scoliosis is fusion surgery. Spinal fusion is surgery to connect two or more bones in any part of the spine. Connecting prevents movement between them and preventing movement helps prevent pain.
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