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Scoliosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Causes

Scoliosis is an abnormal spine curvature produced by the vertebrae rotating and curving outward, resulting in side-to-side curvature. Mild curves of the spine typically don’t cause symptoms or necessitate medical intervention, but children or teenagers with scoliosis should receive regular check-ups so their physicians can monitor for any changes or potential risks. How a patient will respond will depend upon its severity and will determine what the best course of treatment of scoliosis would be.

It is advisable to consult healthcare specialists who specialize in scoliosis treatment for comprehensive care. Scoliosis Specialists can provide an accurate diagnosis, but treatment should be guided by experts with expertise in addressing scoliosis-specific concerns. In that case, our scoliosis experts will develop the best-suited scoliosis therapy treatment to help our patients lead better and healthier lives. Furthermore, our experts have comprehensive knowledge about all available treatment options and scoliosis treatment for adults tailored specifically to optimize the chances of successful therapy. 

What Causes Scoliosis?  

The spine, also called the backbone, consists of bones called vertebrae joined together by elastic tissue for flexibility and movement. The spine’s flexibility is crucial for various movements, such as bending, stretching, balancing, and walking. Scoliosis arises when there is an abnormal curve or twist in one or more vertebrae during periods of rapid growth. While the exact cause is often unknown, scoliosis is most common in children or adolescents. Timely treatment is essential to address the condition and prevent potential complications in the future.

Location can play a critical role in whether or not spinal curves progress; those affecting the upper portion of the spine, such as thoracic curves, are more likely to advance than thoracolumbar or lumbar curves, which target the middle or lower regions of the spine. Curve size and degree of rotation also play key roles. Visit Scoliosis Specialists today to learn more about what causes scoliosis and the most effective scoliosis treatments. Book your visit with us now!

Symptoms of Scoliosis 

The causes of scoliosis may vary, but it’s crucial to know the symptoms to get timely treatment for scoliosis. Scoliosis that progresses to compress spinal nerves causes pain. This pain could be related to its severity or to muscular fatigue caused by working harder than usual to compensate for an irregular balance.

Scoliosis, particularly in cases of severe spine curvature, can contribute to rib cage deformities that may impact breathing processes. Individuals with significant scoliosis may experience difficulties in breathing, and in some cases, it can lead to heart valve issues, potentially necessitating heart surgery. This condition may result in lung problems and challenges associated with breathing difficulties. Visit Scoliosis Specialists today to learn more about scoliosis and get the best-suited non-invasive treatment for scoliosis. Book your appointment with us now!

As well as performing physical exams and ordering x-rays, doctors will also utilize a simple test known as the Adams forward bend test, where patients stand with their feet together and knees straight before leaning forward to touch their toes. This allows doctors to accurately detect any side-to-side spinal curvatures.

Must Known Symptoms of Scoliosis:

  • Uneven Shoulders: One shoulder blade may appear higher than the other.

  • Uneven Waist: The hips may be uneven, causing one side of the waist to look higher than the other.

  • Asymmetric Ribcage: When bending forward, the ribs may stick out more on one side.

  • Uneven Leg Length: In some cases, the legs may appear to be different lengths.

  • Back Pain: Scoliosis sometimes leads to back pain, particularly in adults.

  • Fatigue: Individuals with scoliosis may experience fatigue, as the body must work harder to maintain balance.

  • Breathing Difficulties: Severe scoliosis can affect lung function, leading to difficulty breathing.

  • Clothing Fit: Clothes may not hang properly, and one side may appear to be tighter than the other.

Diagnosing Scoliosis

Scoliosis can often be diagnosed by reviewing a patient’s medical history and performing a physical exam, with Scoliosis Specialists inspecting both sides of their bodies to see if one side is more prominent than another and conducting what’s known as a spinal balance test (this involves standing).

Our physicians usually conduct standing X-rays of the spine and perform other fundamental tests to assess its curves and degree. In some cases, a CT scan may be recommended to identify potential conditions that could be causing the scoliosis. This comprehensive evaluation helps in determining the most suitable course of treatment based on the specific characteristics of the scoliosis.

At times, spinal curves may be so mild as to not require treatment at all. But if they become severe or progress over time, getting the reliable and proven treatment of scoliosis can help reduce them so they won’t continue curving further. It’s crucial to know that mild scoliosis rarely causes symptoms or pain and typically develops during adolescence. If you are struggling with scoliosis and looking for the best-suited scoliosis therapy treatment, visiting Scoliosis Specialists today is highly advisable!

Treatments for Scoliosis

Treatment plans vary depending on the type and severity of scoliosis. Children with mild curves might not require medical intervention as long as they grow normally and don’t exhibit other issues, like bowing or abnormally rounded upper backs. Teens diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis may require bracing to stop its progression as they get older, so they’ll need to visit their physician regularly to assess progress. Check out for scoliosis treatment for adults at Scoliosis Specialists today!

An infant or teen suffering from moderate to severe curvatures of their spine can be treated well with the help of non-invasive scoliosis treatment to straighten it. Visit Scoliosis Specialists to learn more about the non-invasive scoliosis therapy treatment. 

Lifestyle Changes for Scoliosis Treatment

Lifestyle choices can immensely affect scoliosis symptoms and how much pain you experience. Eating a well-balanced diet and taking vitamin D3 for bone health, magnesium for spinal health, and fish oil for anti-inflammatory purposes will all help manage symptoms of scoliosis and lessen its pain.

Maintaining a regular exercise program to strengthen your spine is crucial for its well-being. An effective exercise involves standing in a split stance with your arms reaching behind you, then twisting toward your longer side while standing up. This exercise can help improve spinal strength, flexibility, and overall stability. To learn more about scoliosis, its causes of scoliosis, treatment for scoliosis, and the right lifestyle, visit Scoliosis Specialists today!

Conclusion

An experienced spine specialist should offer various treatment methods, including non-invasive injection therapies and spinal manipulation. Our experts at Scoliosis Specialists remain Up-To-Date on recent developments in scoliosis therapy treatment to provide patients with effective and safe solutions. Visit Scoliosis Specialists and get the best-in-class scoliosis treatments.

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