Scoliosis Treatment
Generally, Scoliosis is primarily common in the later stages of childhood. It also occurs during a person’s teenage years. Also, it happens more in females than in males.
Although, this defect may sometimes not be visible in people having the condition. Yet, some others may lean to one side or have uneven shoulders or hips due to the shape of their spine.
How can I identify Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a medical condition that appears with an abnormal bend of the spine to either side (right or left) of the body. The spine curve lies over the head of the pelvis. It works as a shock absorber during movement. The normal spine curves occur at the thoracic, cervical, and lumbar regions.
The cause of scoliosis is still unknown. Yet, doctors believe genetic makeup may play a big role, as it most times runs in families.
Similarly, health practitioners have found out that it occurs more in people with cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. In addition, health conditions such as polio and juvenile osteoporosis can be contributing factors.
Possible symptoms
Aside from the sideways bent of the spin in individuals with scoliosis, there are usually no symptoms. Although some people may experience unusual muscle back pain, stiffness, or fatigue.
How is scoliosis treated?
The treatment of scoliosis depends on how serious the bent of the spine is. Sometimes, childhood and adolescent scoliosis that is mild might not need treatment. But they may need regular check-ups as they grow to observe the severity of the curve.
Similarly, a spine curve of 10 to 25 degrees will need regular checkups. A check-up within three, six, or 12-month intervals will help to check if the condition is getting worse or not.
Furthermore, for a spine curve of 25 to 40 degrees, doctors may recommend bracing. If the extent of the curve is more than 40 degrees, doctors may recommend surgery. However, this is subject to the immaturity of the bones and skeleton.
Before deciding on a treatment type, some factors must be put into consideration. The factors include;
- Sex
- The severity of the Spine curve
- Position of the curve
- How mature is the bone
Available treatment methods for Scoliosis?
BRACES
Doctors use braces for patients whose skeletal bones have not attain full maturity. For a child who is still growing with a spine curve of between 25 and 40 degrees, doctors may use braces to prevent the curve from progressing.
Over the years, there has been an improvement in the designs of braces. They can now fit under the arm and not around the neck as they used to. To get the desirable result, ensure that you check the braces often. This will help to give an assurance of proper fit under the arm. You may need to wear the braces for 16 to 23 hours every day until growth stops.
CASTING
Casting is another form of treatment for scoliosis in infants. Here, the doctor uses plaster casting instead of bracing on the infant’s spine. This will help the spine grow into a normal position. Doctors will attach the cast to the outside of the infant’s body, and they will wear it at all times. As most infants grow the cast is also changed to fit.
SURGERY
Doctors often recommend surgery for children with scoliosis to help straighten the spinal curve. This is done when the spinal curve is greater than 40 degrees. It helps to stop the curve from progressing during adulthood and to reduce or eliminate deformation of the spine.
In conclusion, there are other forms of treatment methods which include Chiropractic treatment and Various exercises. Although, these treatment methods help to realign the spine, rib cage, and shoulders. It further relieves the pain and discomfort of scoliosis.
