Under normal circumstances, the spine should allow a person to stand upright, with the shoulders at the same level and without visible imbalances when viewed from the front or sideways. However, in people with scoliosis, the spine bends abnormally to one side, causing a particularly visible deformity in posture, while one side of the body may appear slightly higher than the other.

Scoliosis can affect anyone and can occur at any age, but is generally more common in girls under the age of seven. In addition, the most common age for growth is postmenopausal, when the bone loses its protective effect of estrogen and may be subject to desalination problems.

Causes of Scoliosis

It is important to note that currently over 80% of all diagnosed scoliosis cases are idiopathic in nature or occur without a clear cause. This is a bit of a concern for medical professionals, who face the difficult task of devising treatment methods without a clear understanding of the underlying causative agent. Apart from that, however, there are cases where the causes have been identified. These include:

Related Factors

Congenital scoliosis are cases that are diagnosed immediately at birth, or during routine ultrasound while the mother is pregnant. Congenital scoliosis can occur as a result of nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy, genetic traits passed down from parents, or as a result of exposure to factors that may have affected the normal development of the spine during pregnancy.

Functional Defects

In this case, scoliosis develops secondarily in functional defects in the body that can affect the normal structure of the spine. For example, weakness of the lower back muscles can be considered a functional defect that can cause scoliosis, such as the presence of one leg that is shorter than the other, causing a visible tilt of the spine to one side as the person learns to Walk.

Degenerative Disease

This mainly affects the elderly who may also have osteoporosis, arthritis or bone spurs that develop in the spine. Degeneration of supporting tissue such as ligaments and tendons also contributes to the development of scoliosis in the elderly, as does compression of the discs of the spine.

Neuromuscular Disorders

These are conditions that can occur either at birth or later in life, but can still affect the structure of the spine. People with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or polio all suffer from neuromuscular disorders that damage the structural integrity of the spine and can manifest as either kyphosis or scoliosis.

Scoliosis that occurs as a result of neuromuscular disorders is generally incurable and progressively degenerative.

Other causes

Occasionally, tumors that affect the spine can cause scoliosis to occur in response to nerve pain that causes the person to compensate with a tilt to avoid pain, or it can occur as a result of injury or accidents that cause spinal damage and immobility.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

While the most obvious symptom / sign of scoliosis is the visible tilt of the body to one side, there are several other manifestations that may indicate scoliosis, without a significant inclination of the spine. Regardless, if the symptoms are not detected early enough, scoliosis tends to progress uncontrollably until it becomes visibly visible. Other common symptoms include:

Chest Tightness or Shortness of Breath

Chest pain as a result of pericarditis – inflammation of the lining around the heart can also occur if the ribs penetrate this membrane and cause damage. Even a very small inclination can trigger the symptoms without being particularly visible, so if you are otherwise healthy and in good condition and suddenly find yourself experiencing such symptoms, it is worth investigating the inclination of the spine.

Pain

Scoliosis does not have to be painful. In many cases, it is completely painless, but it can also manifest as back pain, neck pain, abdominal pain or muscle spasms around the abdomen and back.

Clothes with Poor Fit

Although this is more of a sign that a symptom, if you or the people around you notice that your clothes do not fit well, in the sense that one leg of your pants looks shorter than the other or the shoulders and sleeves of the shirt do not fit properly, may indicate abnormal inclination of the spine.

Treatment of Scoliosis

The treatment of scoliosis is based on the assessment of many factors, including age, underlying cause, and the likelihood of worsening of the spinal inclination.

For example, if scoliosis occurs as a result of a functional defect affecting a part of the body away from the spine, such as the legs, an approach to treating functional deficits can be taken. Fitted wedge shoes that add about an inch to this person’s foot can help a lot and prevent the spine from tilting. Other approaches include:

Spine support

Spine bracing involves the use of a kind of compression “vest” that prevents the spine from tilting down and actually exerts a force that can help correct a mild degree of pre-existing tilt. The use of a splint is most effective in juvenile and adolescent patients who develop scoliosis, as the spine is still able to correct its structure while bone growth is in progress.

The brace is not recommended for people whose bones have completed development, as it can cause injury and further damage to the spine.

Physical therapy

Physiotherapy is best used to manage functional scoliosis or that occurs with pain. The goal of physical therapy is to help restore normal muscle function in areas that may contribute to the development of an abnormal curve of the spine, as well as to reduce the frequency of pain and discomfort.

Prescription and non-prescription drugs

Surgery

Most of the people whose scoliosis cannot be effectively treated with the techniques mentioned above have to resort to surgery in an attempt to regain any appearance of normal life. Surgery is often indicated in people with neuromuscular disorders that cause progressive deterioration of the inclination and may be present at birth.

Infant scoliosis of an idiopathic nature usually resolves on its own, which is a pleasant surprise for these categories of infected people.

Scoliosis – Summary

The fact that more than 80% of diagnosed scoliosis cases occur for unknown reasons is worrying, but if detected early (before bone growth stops), a significant degree of correction can occur, allowing these individuals to live very close to normal. . ZOE.

Preventing nutritional deficiencies can be a great way to prevent the late onset of scoliosis, as it would be to ensure that the supporting muscles of the spine receive adequate stimulation through exercise.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scoliosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350716
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/190940.php
https://www.medicinenet.com/scoliosis/article.htm#scoliosis_facts
https://www.healthline.com/symptom/scoliosis