What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal, sideways curvature of the spine, most commonly appearing in younger patients – often referred to as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. While scoliosis can appear as early as birth, it usually develops during a patient’s growth spurt, around the age of puberty. Generally, this is a progressive disorder, meaning the spinal curvature will get worse as the patient gets older, if left untreated.
Symptoms
Depending on the severity of the spinal curve, symptoms can often differ. For those with milder cases of scoliosis, there are few, if any, symptoms. However, the more severe cases get, the worse symptoms will be. Some of the more common symptoms of scoliosis include:
Learn more about Scoliosis.
Causes
For the most part, doctors are unsure of the root cause of scoliosis – however, genetics are thought to play a role, as scoliosis tends to run in families. In some instances, scoliosis might be caused by birth defects or developmental issues during your adolescence.
Scoliosis & Kyphosis
While different in orientation, these are two of the most common spinal curve deformities.
Treatment
There are a number of different treatment options available for those who suffer from Scoliosis, both surgical and non-surgical. Generally, for less severe curvature, and for younger patients, Dr. Varma prefers to treat patients using a brace – as this will help slow the curve, and even reduce it in some. Otherwise, physical therapy, and the use of pain medication can also help alleviate some symptoms.
As far as surgical options, Dr. Varma recommends a few variations on spinal fusion surgery, as well as spinal deformity correction – depending upon the specific case of scoliosis the patient might be suffering from. It is important that patients wait until they have completed puberty and reached their maximum growth before undergoing spinal fusion, as when the spine is fused their growth will cease.
Find out more about Scoliosis treatment, by calling our office or check out our treatments area for more information.
