|
What Is Scoliosis?Scoliosis is a progressive, lateral curvature of the spine. When viewed from the side, the spine should have curves. But when viewed from the front, the spine should be straight. Scoliosis is more than 10 degrees of curvature with rotation of the vertebrae.
Scoliosis compromises the spine’s stability and integrity, causing problems such as nerve compression, abnormal posture, and altered biomechanics. If left untreated, symptoms caused by scoliosis can become severe and debilitating. |
Who Is Affected By Scoliosis? |
What Are The Symptoms? |
|
Scoliosis affects both adults and children in varying degrees of severity. It’s usually more serious in children (congenital) and can become progressively worse during growth and development years if left untreated.
Scoliosis can be diagnosed in children as young as 3 years old (juvenile scoliosis) and some babies (infantile scoliosis). It’s most commonly diagnosed during years of growth spurts, around ages 11 to 15 (adolescent scoliosis). For adults, scoliosis can occur at any stage of life for a variety of reasons. Research suggests genetic factors play a role in development. Adults who develop scoliosis usually have prior disc conditions or spinal degeneration as a contributing factor (de novo scoliosis). |
Scoliosis may initially be symptom-free but later produce symptoms during periods of physical growth and maturity, such as puberty. Other degenerative conditions can also give way to scoliosis, eroding spine health further and further with age. Effects of scoliosis include poor posture, shoulder slumping, muscle weakness, pain, range of motion restriction, and disability. In some cases, scoliosis will cause serious lung and heart conditions as the spine compresses against those organs. Less understood are the potential effects of scoliotic compromise of the nervous system, which may result in chronic organ illnesses. In adults, the most common problems caused by scoliosis include pain, poor posture, and — in severe cases — disability.
|
What You Need To Know
Scoliosis outcomes are best when detected early and treated immediately. Often, scoliotic curves can be mitigated or improved, and symptoms can also be avoided altogether if treated early enough. If left untreated, scoliosis will progress and possibly require surgery – including spinal fusion in severe cases, which involves inserting rods to straighten the spine. Fortunately, advancements in scoliotic bracing and intensive specialized rehabilitative exercise have greatly improved the prognosis of patients with scoliosis in recent years. In many cases, a proactive, conservative approach of bracing may correct early-stage scoliosis.
Scoliosis Types
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adult ScoliosisThere are two types of adult scoliosis: Pre-existing, untreated adolescent scoliosis (Adolescent Scoliosis in Adult, or ASA), and the development of scoliosis as a result of spinal degeneration (Degenerative De-Novo Scoliosis or DDS).
Adults with ASA may have a previously diagnosed form of adolescent scoliosis. ASA may be progressive or stable, depending on the individual case. With a previous diagnosis, monitoring progression is easy through comparison of current X-rays and adolescent X-rays. In situations where scoliosis is discovered in adulthood, determining a pre-existing adolescent condition can be difficult. DDS usually develops in middle-aged and older adults, typically diagnosed around age 45 or older. Because DDS results from degenerative instability, it’s almost always progressive. The most common symptom is chronic lower back pain. Treatment for adult scoliosis typically involves bracing, specific exercises and chiropractic adjustments. |
|
|
45 years of age and older: Click on the video above
|
Our Approach
We use fully-customized spinal braces to treat scoliosis and kyphosis as part of our unique approach to delivering care. Here’s how the process works:
- For qualifying patients, a custom 3D brace will be designed. This process starts by scanning the patient using a three-dimensional software program and digital x-rays for precise curve measurements needed for their spinal correction.
- The final brace is then created by a dedicated team of designers.
- Trained physicians will fit the patient in their brace and make any final adjustments needed.
Contact us today and we will help you beat your scoliosis.
(870) 569-4909