How Do You Screen For Scoliosis?

By Author: Dr Sejal Thakkar
Total Articles: 38
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Scoliosis is a disorder that affects the spine of the individual, essentially causing the spine to shift and curve to an abnormal degree. This disorder can affect anyone, and is not known to stick to a specific targeted group. Scoliosis can be treated easily, but it has to be detected right at the beginning to ensure that early treatment takes place. In this article we give you essential information on how to screen for Scoliosis.

Causes

There are several causes of scoliosis which can affect different individuals based on factors like age, gender and even family genetics. The following are some of the causes of scoliosis:

• Congenital scoliosis: this is caused by a bone abnormality that is present at birth. This can be easily correct with the right scoliosis treatment
• Neuromuscular scoliosis: this occurs as a result of abnormal muscles or nerves in the spine. Normally people who suffer from spina bifida, cerebral palsy or other paralytic conditions tend to have this kind of scoliosis.
• Degenerative scoliosis: this occurs from either a traumatic bone collapse caused by injury ...
... or an illness. Other disorders that cause this are a previous surgery or osteoporosis.
• Idiopathic scoliosis:the cause of this is unknown and can affect any individual

Types

There are several types of scoliosis and are normally categorized on the basis of age, gender and family history. The following classification is undertaken by age:
• Infantile scoliosis is from birth to 3 years old
• Juvenile scoliosis is from 3 to 8 years old
• Adolescent scoliosis is from 9 to 18 years old

Normally, almost 80% of the affected population comprises of the adolescent age group. This is due to the fact that most of the rapid growth of skeletal maturity takes place at this age. The juvenile scoliosis and adolescent scoliosis age group is the ideal stage to start screening for scoliosis as this is the best time for the scoliosis treatment if detected.

Symptoms

Normally an abnormal curve in the back or a bump is the first sign of scoliosis. Other symptoms include uneven shoulders, sticking out of a prominent shoulder blade, an uneven waist, leaning to one side when walking. Normally an X – ray will confirm the diagnosis. However simple tests like touching the toes will give the doctors a proper evaluation.

Risk factor

Girls are more likely to be affected by this disorder with a more prominent curve than boys, who will suffer a small curve. If the disorder runs in the family, it is more likely that it will be passed on to the next generation. The scoliosis treatment undertaken at a young age will be most beneficial and prevents the progression of the disorder.

Author Bio
Dr.Sejal Thakkar, A Spine Consultant at Qi Spine Clinic. She is driven by the goal of achieving excellence in clinical practice by constantly updating her knowledge and has a special interest in movement analysis and done several workshops on Kinetic Control-Movement solutions, and scoliosis treatment.