Scoliosis – How to Diagnose and Treat Scoliosis
Whether it’s you or someone you know, scoliosis is something you need to be aware of. There are a number of ways to diagnose and treat it. Depending on your situation, surgery or non-operative treatments may be the right choice.
Diagnosis
X-rays are one of the most common diagnostic tests used for the diagnosis of scoliosis. An X-ray of the spine shows the curvature of the spine and can reveal the extent of the curve. In addition, a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Scoliosis can be idiopathic, which means that there is no known cause for the curve. However, there are some cases where the curve is due to a congenital condition. This type of scoliosis is usually detected during the child’s early years.
A diagnosis of scoliosis may be made through a physical examination, a CT scan, an MRI, or X-rays. The doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, your medical history, and your family’s history of scoliosis. In addition, your doctor will perform a physical exam to check the health of your back, legs, shoulders, and pelvis.
Scoliosis can be treated, and it is not necessary to have surgery for a mild case. Often, a brace is used to straighten the spine. These braces can be worn at night or during the day. The goal of the treatment is to prevent further curve progression.
If the scoliosis is severe, surgery is recommended. This can include a surgical procedure to insert metal rods in the spine. Another surgery can be performed to treat the nerves and organs affected by the curve. The severity of the scoliosis is assessed by determining the Cobb angle. A curve of 40 degrees or more is considered severe.
A physical examination will also include checking your bones for density. The amount of calcium and minerals in your bones can affect the treatment options for scoliosis. The doctor will also evaluate your rib cage. You might have to have an X-ray to see if your rib cage is higher than your pelvis.
Scoliosis is a disorder that can occur in children and adults. It can be caused by a number of factors, including the position of your ribs, the shape of your spine, your age, and your lifestyle. If you have scoliosis, your doctor will develop a treatment plan that is specific to your needs.
Treatment options
Depending on your condition, scoliosis treatment can be either surgical or non-surgical. Surgery is considered for those patients with very severe curves. It can also help alleviate pain and improve overall alignment. Bracing is used for moderate to mild curves in children and adolescents.
Surgical treatments may include spinal fusion and laminectomy. These surgeries fuse vertebrae and metal rods together, which realigns the curved areas of the spine. This procedure can take a few months and requires an incision to expose the spine. It may also involve inserting implants to correct the curvature.
The age and cause of the curve will determine the type of treatment and whether it is needed. For example, juvenile scoliosis is more likely to progress and require more treatment. Adults are not typically required to wear braces. However, they can interfere with the body image and self-esteem of those who choose to wear them.
Those who have very severe scoliosis often feel pressure to have surgery, but there are other effective treatments that are less invasive. Scoliosis is a complex and challenging condition, and patients who have it must make an effort to work with their surgeon to achieve a positive outcome.
Nonsurgical treatment options for scoliosis include exercise, stretching exercises, and physical therapy. These methods are based on conditioning and manipulation, which can be helpful in treating the pain associated with scoliosis.
A scoliosis brace can be an effective treatment for moderate and mild curves in children and adolescents. A brace can be worn for 16 to 23 hours a day, but it is usually comfortable after breaking in. The goal is to prevent the curve from getting worse. The length of time it takes to recover from surgery will depend on the severity of the curve, the patient’s age, and other medical conditions.
While bracing is an effective way to treat moderate to mild curves, it is not a guarantee that the curvature will not progress. It is not uncommon for an adolescent with a very large curve to have symptoms of pain, as well as postural changes. It is also not known how long a person’s scoliosis will last.
Non-operative treatment
Several non-operative treatment options are available for scoliosis. These include bracing and physical therapy. The goal of these treatments is to prevent the curve from getting worse. Wearing a brace can help you manage the condition during childhood. If you don’t wear a brace, the curve may get larger and you may experience health problems later in life.
The National Self-Detection Program for Scoliosis encourages adolescents to seek out spinal examinations. This can help identify scoliosis in its early stages and decrease the risk of more serious complications.
There is no cure for scoliosis, but treatment can decrease the discomfort and pain associated with the condition. Surgical treatment can also be a way to correct the deformity.
Schroth therapy is one of the oldest approaches to treating scoliosis. This program teaches patients to realign their postures in all three planes of the body. It involves breathing techniques and specific therapeutic procedures to decrease the rotation of the spine.
The Schroth method was developed by Dr. Helen Schroth. She began treating scoliosis patients in 1921. The Schroth method has since been improved upon. Today, it is a comprehensive program with scientific support. It has been branded as a “best practice” treatment.
The Schroth method has been endorsed as a conservative, exercise-based approach to scoliosis treatment. The Schroth method is designed to treat patients in an outpatient setting. The program is currently being updated and includes more recent research.
In a study conducted in Greece, Soucacos et al reported that SSS is effective for the non-operative treatment of scoliosis. Using FBT, the researchers found that the SSS technique reduced the number of patients who had to undergo surgery. They also concluded that the SSS method is a viable alternative for early detection.
Physical therapy is also an option for managing scoliosis in childhood. These treatments can help reduce back pain and improve breathing. However, there is little evidence to prove that they can stop a scoliosis curve from getting worse as a child grows.
During a randomized clinical trial, the BrAIST (Boston Academic Inter-Institutional Scoliosis Trial) found that bracing was effective in the treatment of adolescent scoliosis. It was a level 1 and 2 medical evidence study and was confirmed as the “standard of care” for the treatment of adolescent curves.
Surgery
Surgical scoliosis treatments are performed to straighten and stabilize the spine. Typically, these procedures are only used for people with severe curvatures. The treatment plan is determined by the patient’s age, location, the severity of the curve, and the symptoms of scoliosis.
A spinal fusion is one of the most effective scoliosis surgeries. The surgery uses a bone graft to fuse bones together and stop abnormal growth. The procedure may be performed on adults or children. The surgery takes three to four days to recover from.
In addition to stopping the progression of the curve, the surgery can relieve pain and improve breathing. Patients can experience complications, however, which can range from chronic lower back pain to permanent disability. Some of these problems include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.
For some patients, the surgery may be performed on an open or minimally invasive approach. These techniques use a specially contoured rod to attach to the spine. The open technique requires a small incision in the side of the patient. An alternative is a thoracoscopic method, which is performed by using a camera to see the inside of the patient’s body.
Another surgery for scoliosis is called a tethering procedure. This is done through a small incision between the ribs. A tethering device holds the curve in place and helps the spine grow properly. In some cases, an expandable rod is also used. The device can be lengthened in a clinic with a remote control.
Depending on the type of scoliosis, a scoliosis doctor will perform the surgery. They will take a detailed medical history. They will also check for coexisting conditions. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Scoliosis surgery can be a big operation. It is important to talk to a surgeon before undergoing this procedure. Ideally, the surgery should not be performed on patients who are overweight, have other health issues, or smoke. It is also important to keep the incisions clean. Avoid driving and lifting heavy weights.
Physical therapy is also a part of a scoliosis treatment plan. This is to strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and increase mobility. It should be continued for a year after the surgery.
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Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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