Understanding Scoliosis
Scoliosis changes how the spine lines up. The spine curves sideways instead of staying straight.
Related glossary terms: Chiropractic, Spinal Subluxation, Back pain.
This curve can happen in the upper back. It can also happen in the lower back. Sometimes it happens in both.
Most times, no one knows why it starts. Doctors call this "idiopathic" (no known cause). It often shows up when kids grow fast.
Other types come from muscle problems. Some come from birth. Others come from injuries. But these are not as common.
How Scoliosis Is Measured and Diagnosed?
The curve can be small or big. Small curves may not need fixes. But doctors should check them often.
Bigger curves can cause trouble. They may hurt your lungs or cause pain. They can make shoulders or hips look uneven.
Doctors find scoliosis in two ways. They do a check-up. They also take pictures of the spine.
During the check-up, you may bend forward. The doctor looks at your back. They check for uneven parts.
If they think there's a curve, they take an X-ray. The X-ray shows the curve's angle. This angle is called the Cobb angle.
A Cobb angle of 10 degrees means scoliosis. The angle tells how bad it is.
Curves under 20 degrees are mild. These just need watching. Curves from 20 to 40 degrees may need a brace.
The brace keeps the curve from getting worse. Kids who are still growing often need one. Curves over 40 degrees may need surgery.
Surgery can straighten the spine. It's called spinal fusion. Doctors may also use MRI or CT scans.
These scans show more details. They help if the doctor thinks something else caused the curve.
Why Scoliosis Matters?
Scoliosis needs care. Without it, curves can cause big problems. These problems can last a long time.
Bad curves can hurt your back. They can make muscles tired. They can make moving hard.
Very bad curves can squeeze the lungs. They can also squeeze the heart. This makes breathing hard.
Finding it early helps a lot. It can stop these problems. It can make life better.
For kids, scoliosis can change how they feel. It can make them shy. It can stop them from playing sports.
Seeing the curve can bother them. They might avoid friends or games. Fixing it early helps them stay happy.
A brace or therapy can help. So can chiropractic care. These keep kids active and sure of themselves.
When Scoliosis Matters Most?
Kids grow fast. This is when scoliosis gets worse. Finding it early is very important.
Parents and teachers should watch. Look for uneven shoulders. Look for one shoulder blade sticking out.
Also look for a waist that isn't even. These signs show up in pre-teens. They show up in teens too.
School checks and doctor visits often find it. They find it before it gets bad.
Adults can get scoliosis too. It can cause pain. It can make moving hard.
It can get worse over time. It can come from spine wear and tear. This is called degenerative scoliosis.
It can cause arthritis. It can pinch nerves. It can make the spine narrow.
Treatment helps with pain. It helps you move better. It keeps it from getting worse.
Chiropractic care can help. So can therapy. So can ways to manage pain. These keep adults active and comfy.
