Scoliosis is a relatively common condition where the spine curves abnormally. Scoliosis of the spine can go undiagnosed if it does not cause any physical symptoms and isn’t severe enough to warrant treatment. The article will discuss the 5 categories of scoliosis, signs, and symptoms of scoliosis, and five different types of treatment for scoliosis in adults.
Categories of Scoliosis
Scoliosis can be divided into 5 categories: idiopathic, congenital, osteochondroplastic, juvenile idiopathic, and spinal cord injury.
Idiopathic: This form of scoliosis does not have a cause. If a patient has idiopathic scoliosis, the curve does not change throughout the individual’s life. Idiopathic scoliosis is fairly rare and can be caused by physical trauma to the spine.
Congenital: This type of scoliosis is present at birth, but there is no known cause. In some cases, this condition may progress during childhood or adulthood into something treated with surgery.
Osteochondroplastic: Osteochondroplastic scoliosis is a rare condition where the normal alignment of the signal generating cells in the spine begins to change. Scoliosis progresses over time and is typically noticeable from an early age. This form of scoliosis can be treated with surgery by relieving pressure on discs or removing bone spurs.
Juvenile Idiopathic: Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis typically has no known cause but does not progress over time. Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis is also referred to as Scoliosis Idiopathic Juveniles (SIJ), which indicates the cause of the disorder is unknown.
Spinal Cord Injury: Scoliosis in patients with a spinal cord injury can occur when the brain tries to respond to paralysis of the spine by overcompensating for limited movement. Spinal cord injuries typically occur in people under 40, but a scoliosis diagnosis is possible after an individual has suffered a spinal cord injury.
Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis
Most people with scoliosis will experience no symptoms at all, but if you have scoliosis, you likely experience pain, stiffness, or other symptoms when the spine is at its most curved. These signs and symptoms are normal and will help the doctor decide which treatment is best for you.
Check your back posture using a stick-like device to determine whether your back has curved over time. If you have been diagnosed with scoliosis, you will have been asked to complete a range of questionnaires to determine what is causing your scoliosis and how severe it is. The doctor will also ask you to fill in a questionnaire about the symptoms you are experiencing. If the condition is mild, this information may be enough for the doctor to decide on treatment, but it may also be necessary for doctors to take an x-ray or scan of your spine if the condition is severe.
Best Treatments for Scoliosis in Adults
Scoliosis has many different forms, each with its symptoms and treatment. Your doctor may recommend the following actions to correct the condition what you should know about treatment for Scoliosis in adults. The best treatment for Scoliosis in adults depends on the type of scoliosis you have and how severe your symptoms are.
A brace: Bracing can be used to straighten the spine for up to around six months, with most people can wear a brace for at least three months. It can usually be worn 24/7, although some people choose not to wear it as much as others. Bracing is often thought to be the best treatment and the easiest to use, with only a few of those diagnosed with scoliosis needing a surgical brace.
Spinal fusion: Spinal fusion surgery involves inserting a rod between two vertebrae to realign them. This may be done using an incision in the back or through the mouth using an endoscope (a long-bladed instrument). Spinal fusion surgery is not always successful, and in some cases, it can worsen the condition. For example, it may reduce mobility and lead to the spine curving further than before.
Spinal manipulation: Spinal manipulation is where a doctor uses hands or elbows to push or pull on vertebrae to realign them. This can be done as part of normal physiotherapy treatment or one-off treatment. It’s best to see a physiotherapist who has experience in using spinal manipulation on people with scoliosis.
Surgery: If scoliosis is causing pain or reducing your mobility, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment. Surgery usually involves inserting a rod between two vertebrae to realign them. This may be done using an incision in the back or through the mouth using an endoscope (a long-bladed instrument). Surgery is not always successful, and in some cases, it can make the condition worse. For example, it may reduce your mobility and lead to the spine curving further than before.
Alternative treatments: Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments, such as acupuncture or homeopathy. There is not much evidence that alternative treatments benefit people with scoliosis.
In conclusion, the goal is to reverse the curvature and improve spinal mobility and posture. The treatment results are judged based on the severity of the condition compared to what was expected, the patient’s age, previous treatment, and other possible factors. If you need any assistance, We can help; call now 205-637-1363.
