The main feature of scoliosis is an abnormal spine curvature in the horizontal plane. The problem is usually first noticed in childhood and its prevalence is higher in girls than boys. For the majority of those affected, no symptoms are noted. In severe cases, the main symptoms are chest pain and breathing abnormalities. There are various options of scoliosis treatment you may consider if suffering from the problem.
A number of signs may be seen in an individual with the problem. They include, for instance, a head that is leaning to one side, different levels of shoulders and hips and ribs being at higher level on one side than the other. The doctor will start by taking the relevant clinical history and examining the back to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Imaging studies such as CT scans and X-rays are also quite helpful.
The objective of treatment is to prevent the worsening of the condition and to provide some stability. For the mild cases, which comprise the majority, affected persons lead normal lives even without intervention. The other cases may be managed using conservative (non-surgical) or surgical methods. The choice will be determined, to a large extent, by the severity.
If the condition is the result of an underlying problem (non-structural type), treating the underlying problem will improve the abnormal spine curvature and relieve the associated symptoms. Examples of such conditions include differences in the length of lower limbs and muscle spasms. If it is due to a disease that directly affects the spine (the structural type), treatment will most likely be required.
There are two main ways of treating this condition conservatively. The first option is to observe the patient over time so as to determine whether there is a significant change in the angulation of the curvature. Children that are still growing are usually required to visit the doctor every four to six months for a physical examination while adults only need to have this visit once every year. The second option involves using braces.
The brace is associated with a number of complications among the wearers. One of the commonest is discomfort. In some cases it may be too much as to prevent continued wearing. Skin irritation is another common complaint that should be anticipated. Note that the brace will not necessarily prevent the increase in the curvature and there is a need to have regular check-ups to asses for this progress.
There are a number of things that can be done during surgery. The first involves the fixation of metallic rods between the affected vertebral bodies to act as a reinforcement. The second is to completely fuse the vertebra that are affected which effectively converts them into a single bone mass. This may not be suitable in patients that are still growing as it interferes with the growth of bone.
Results attained from the treatment of scoliosis can be markedly improved if the condition is diagnosed early. Once diagnosed, treatment may or may not be initiated depending on factors such as patient age, skeletal age and the size of the curvature. Most cases are mild and show no symptoms. They only require close monitoring. Braces may be used in some cases. If the condition is worsening rapidly, surgery may be used to stop the progress and to confer stability.
A number of signs may be seen in an individual with the problem. They include, for instance, a head that is leaning to one side, different levels of shoulders and hips and ribs being at higher level on one side than the other. The doctor will start by taking the relevant clinical history and examining the back to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Imaging studies such as CT scans and X-rays are also quite helpful.
The objective of treatment is to prevent the worsening of the condition and to provide some stability. For the mild cases, which comprise the majority, affected persons lead normal lives even without intervention. The other cases may be managed using conservative (non-surgical) or surgical methods. The choice will be determined, to a large extent, by the severity.
If the condition is the result of an underlying problem (non-structural type), treating the underlying problem will improve the abnormal spine curvature and relieve the associated symptoms. Examples of such conditions include differences in the length of lower limbs and muscle spasms. If it is due to a disease that directly affects the spine (the structural type), treatment will most likely be required.
There are two main ways of treating this condition conservatively. The first option is to observe the patient over time so as to determine whether there is a significant change in the angulation of the curvature. Children that are still growing are usually required to visit the doctor every four to six months for a physical examination while adults only need to have this visit once every year. The second option involves using braces.
The brace is associated with a number of complications among the wearers. One of the commonest is discomfort. In some cases it may be too much as to prevent continued wearing. Skin irritation is another common complaint that should be anticipated. Note that the brace will not necessarily prevent the increase in the curvature and there is a need to have regular check-ups to asses for this progress.
There are a number of things that can be done during surgery. The first involves the fixation of metallic rods between the affected vertebral bodies to act as a reinforcement. The second is to completely fuse the vertebra that are affected which effectively converts them into a single bone mass. This may not be suitable in patients that are still growing as it interferes with the growth of bone.
Results attained from the treatment of scoliosis can be markedly improved if the condition is diagnosed early. Once diagnosed, treatment may or may not be initiated depending on factors such as patient age, skeletal age and the size of the curvature. Most cases are mild and show no symptoms. They only require close monitoring. Braces may be used in some cases. If the condition is worsening rapidly, surgery may be used to stop the progress and to confer stability.
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