Scoliosis Treatment, Causes, Symptoms & Surgery

By Author: rajat ziffytech
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Scoliosis is the sideways curvature of the spine that can occur during a growth spurt just before puberty. Your spine is made up of rectangular shaped blocks called vertebrae. Usually, your spine appears long and straight. With Scoliosis the spine occurs curved in the shape of a C or S with a rotation of the vertebrae. The curvature gives the appearance that the person with scoliosis is leaning to one side.

Scoliosis is generally mild but sometimes the spine deformities become more serious as the child grows. A severe spinal curvature can reduce the amount of space within the chest for your lungs causing breathing difficulty.

Scoliosis affects around 3% of children in India. Children with scoliosis are monitored closely. The disorder often requires no treatment.

Scoliosis can be classified into:-

Congenital Scoliosis is diagnosed in early childhood or infancy. As the child grows the condition may deteriorate as the child grows and the body may develop asymmetrically.
Idiopathic scoliosis develops before adolescence starts usually when the child is 10. It is the most common type of scoliosis.
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... Neuromuscular scoliosis can develop due to an underlying neuromuscular condition. Children with cerebral palsy, spinal Bifida, and muscular dystrophy are at higher risk of developing the condition.
Symptoms

Symptoms of scoliosis are:-

Uneven shoulder height.
Shoulder blades are not symmetric one blade appears to be more prominent.
The Head is not centered properly.
Uneven waist or hips.
A visible asymmetry in the ribs when seen from the front or back.
Book an orthopedic doctor in Patna if you notice symptoms of scoliosis in your child.

Causes

Doctors and researchers are unsure what causes scoliosis but it may be genetic. Other causes of scoliosis are other neuromuscular disorders. Scoliosis can be caused by a congenital defect that affects the development of your child’s spinal bones. Spinal injury or infection can also cause the disorder.

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of scoliosis will help in successfully treating the disorder. The best orthopedic doctor in Patna will start by evaluating your child’s medical history and conducting a thorough physical examination. During the physical examination, the doctor will evaluate muscle weakness, numbness, and reflexes.

They may order the following tests:-

Imaging tests such as X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
MRI or CT Scans may be ordered if they suspect any other underlying condition.
Treatment

The best orthopedic doctor in Patna treats scoliosis based on the severity of the curvature. Children with mild scoliosis may need regular checkups. Factors that the orthopedic doctor considers while making a treatment plan are:-

The type of scoliosis helps the doctor formulate a treatment plan.
The severity and curve pattern of the curvature.
The location of the curvature.
The sex and age of the child.
Treatment plans include observation, bracing, and surgery.

Bracing prevents further deterioration of the curvature. The braces are typically made of plastic and are almost invisible under the clothes. Your child can stop wearing the brace once they stop growing.

The orthopedic doctor near me may suggest a spinal surgery to reduce the severity of the curvature and prevent it from worsening.