Scoliosis, the Unusual Curvature of the Spine

When you look in the mirror, is one of your shoulders positioned higher than the other? Is one of your pants legs longer than the other? If you’re wearing a skirt, is one side higher than the other? Do you lean to the right or to the left? If you answered yes to these questions, then you may have scoliosis. Read the details below for more information.

What is scoliosis?

● Scoliosis is the sideways curvature and occasionally rotation (twisting) of the spine.
● Scoliosis can develop anywhere in the spine or strike the total length.
● Scoliosis is usually detected at a youthful age.

Causes

● Neuromuscular (cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, and muscular dystrophy)
● Congenital (abnormality observed at birth)
● Genetic
● Osteoporosis
● Poor posture and injuries to the spine
● Marfan syndrome

Symptoms

● Increased chronic spinal (bone) and neuropathic (nerve) pain related to degenerative disc disease that is caused by the curving of the spine, which can be very debilitating.
● Problems breathing because of reduced area in the chest for lung expansion (happens if scoliosis is in the thoracic spine),
● Difficulty walking and performing standard activities of daily living.
● Scoliosis is noticeable when clothing does not hang on the body properly.
● Uneven shoulders, hips, one leg may be longer than the other, leaning to one side, muscle spasms, numbness, and generalized weakness.
o Healthcare providers become concerned when the curvature of the spine becomes twenty degrees or greater because the disease destroys the structural integrity of the spine or can change normal mechanics.

Treatment

● Neurosurgeon consult will discuss the possibility of surgery to restore proper spinal alignment. Spinal reconstruction may require rods and screws for patients whose curvature is forty degrees or greater.
● The treatment plan will depend on the symptoms and severity.

Diagnosis

● A physical exam of the spine
● Use of an X-ray or MRI