Around six million people in the U.S. are living with scoliosis, a condition that refers to abnormal spine curvature. Our spines naturally develop in a font-to-back curve that allows for proper posture and movement. Scoliosis occurs when the spine develops a side-to-side curvature instead, which can lead to back pain and other physical issues later in life.
Speak with an orthopedic expert at Bayhealth about scoliosis.
Signs and Symptoms
While most cases of scoliosis are mild and don’t cause noticeable symptoms, people with severe forms of the condition may experience pain, discomfort and an uneven posture.
Signs and symptoms of scoliosis include the following.
Regular check-ups starting at a young age can help to manage scoliosis symptoms and prevent the condition from becoming more severe as you get older. Risk Factors and Prevention
Although most cases of scoliosis don’t have a known cause, certain factors may increase the risk of developing the condition.
- Age: Signs of scoliosis tend to develop during adolescence, typically around age 10.
- Birth Defect: Malformation of the vertebrae in-utero may lead to scoliosis.
- Gender: Severe scoliosis occurs more often in women.
- Family History: A history of scoliosis in your immediate family may increase the risk of developing the condition yourself.
- Other Conditions: Various neuromuscular conditions that affect the muscle and nerves around the spine can contribute to scoliosis. Such conditions include cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
How We Diagnose Scoliosis
Our orthopedic experts use the following procedures to diagnose scoliosis.
- Physical Exam: In most cases, our experts can accurately diagnose scoliosis by examining the physical symptoms of the condition.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A combination of a magnetic field and radio waves creates three-dimensional images of specific areas of your body.
- Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: Certified experts use computer-processed X-rays to generate a scan of your body in “slices” to create highly accurate images.
- X-ray: A common medical imaging procedure, X-rays use radiation to capture colorless images of your bones, joints and soft tissue.
Treatment Options
Our orthopedic experts consider several factors when outlining your treatment plan, including your age, medical history and the severity of your case. For less advanced cases of scoliosis, our experts may recommend conservative treatment approaches such as attending physical therapy and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. Some cases may require the use of a corrective torso brace to prevent the condition from getting worse. Severe cases may require surgery to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on nerves.
Speak with an expert about treatment options for scoliosis.
