Scoliosis is a spine disorder characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, which can cause a wide range of symptoms, including back pain, sciatica, and postural imbalance. Here's a closer look at what you need to know about scoliosis, from what causes it to treatment options.
What Causes Scoliosis?
Scoliosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Frustratingly, scoliosis is idiopathic in most cases, meaning there is no known cause. Idiopathic scoliosis is typically seen in children and adolescents and can affect their growth and development if not addressed. Adults may also experience scoliosis due to wear and tear on the spine.
Who Is More Vulnerable to Scoliosis?
Scoliosis affects an estimated six to nine million people in the United States. While it can affect anyone of any age, it is common for children to experience the onset of scoliosis in their early teens. Like many diseases, if you have a family history of scoliosis, you may be at greater risk for developing it yourself.
What Are Treatment Options for Scoliosis?
The treatment options for scoliosis vary depending on the severity of the condition, the patient's age, and how quickly the scoliosis was diagnosed. For mild cases of scoliosis, physical therapy, and exercise can help improve posture and prevent further curvature of the spine. However, a brace may be recommended in more severe cases to prevent the curve from progressing.
Surgery may be necessary for patients with significant curvature of the spine, but this is typically a last resort reserved for the most severe cases. Queen Elizabeth's granddaughter, Princess Eugenie, had scoliosis surgery and proudly wore a wedding dress with a low-cut back to show off her scar and draw attention to the disease.
How Do You Manage Symptoms?
If you are living with scoliosis, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Maintaining good posture, staying active, and avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the spine can all help reduce pain and prevent further curvature. It is also important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that works for your individual needs and goals.
Living with scoliosis can be challenging, but with the right treatment, it is possible to maintain a full and active life. To find out more, speak to your doctor.
Share26 April 2023
Do you remember the first day you woke up with back pain? If you are like most folks, you probably tried to write off the problem until you realized that the issue was impacting your mobility. Back pain is serious, but not everyone takes the issue seriously at first. Not only can a little back spasm make it hard to shower, walk, or even sit comfortably, but back pain can also be a symptom of a deeper problem. The goal of my blog is to educate the public about back pain, so that you know how to tell when you are really in trouble.
