Scoliosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, often forming an "S" or "C" shape. While not always obvious, it may cause leaning or uneven shoulders due to the curvature. Treatment is usually unnecessary as the curve often only progresses significantly.

Doctors may recommend back bracing and physical therapy for scoliosis, with surgery sometimes necessary for severe cases. Scoliosis can lead to discomfort, breathing issues, and reduced exercise capacity as potential side effects.

What are the Types of Scoliosis?

Following are the types of scoliosis:

Idiopathic scoliosis
Congenital scoliosis
Neuromuscular scoliosis,
Degenerative scoliosis

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What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?

Scoliosis often develops in childhood or adolescence, and the symptoms vary depending on the person's age.

Symptoms in Adolescents

The common type of Scoliosis is adolescent idiopathic Scoliosis, which usually develops during adolescence. Among the symptoms are the following:

One hip may be larger than the other.
The ribs on each side may be of slightly different heights,
The head may appear to be slightly off center.
Urgent urination
The clothes may not hang evenly
The person may lean to one side
One shoulder blade or shoulder may be higher than the other.
The legs may be slightly different lengths

Even though some types of Scoliosis might induce back pain, it rarely causes acute pain, and elderly individuals are more likely to have this symptom.

Symptoms in Infants

In infants, symptoms can include:

Chest bulging on one side.
Consistent resting with curved bodyside.
Severe cases may lead to heart and lung issues, causing breathlessness and chest discomfort.
Untreated infant scoliosis increases the risk of heart weakness and lung problems later.

A baby with Scoliosis with no treatment is more likely to experience health issues such as weak heart and poor lung function later in life.

What are the causes of scoliosis?

Below are some possible causes of Scoliosis:

Muscles and nerves are both affected by neuromuscular diseases. It includes muscular dystrophy, poliomyelitis, and cerebral palsy.

Congenital Scoliosis: "Congenital" refers to a condition present from birth. Scoliosis can develop if the spine's bones grow improperly while the baby develops; however it is rare to have it at birth.
Specific genes: Scientists believe that at least one gene leads to the development of Scoliosis.
Leg length: An individual may develop Scoliosis if one leg is longer than the other. Syndromic Scoliosiscan develop as a symptom of a wide range of illnesses, such as neurofibromatosis or Marfan's disease.
Osteoporosis: As a result of bone deterioration, Osteoporosis can lead to secondary Scoliosis.

When to see a doctor?

Consult a doctor if you believe you or your child has scoliosis. Consult a physician if your child has back pain, uneven shoulders or knees, or scoliosis signs.

What are the Risk Factors of Scoliosis?

Scoliosis risk factors are as follows:

Age: Before puberty, symptoms, and signs may begin with a growth spurt.
Gender: Women are more prone than men to develop Scoliosis.
Genetics: Close family members with Scoliosis are usually affected by the condition.

What are the Complications of Scoliosis?

Scoliosis complications are:

Heart and lung damage – When Scoliosis is severe, the rib cage may push against the heart and lungs, which affects breathing and the heart's ability to pump blood and damages both the heart and lungs.
Back issues – Scoliosis in children increases the likelihood of developing chronic back pain later in life.
Appearance – The body may experience visible changes when Scoliosis worsens. For instance, the ribs could be visible, the shoulders or hips might look uneven, or the spine and waist might appear to be shifting to one side. The patient often feels self-conscious about their looks as a result of this.

How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?

The doctor will perform a scoliosis screening by examining the spine physically to evaluate if you have Scoliosis. The doctor might also request additional imaging tests to check the spine thoroughly, especially if scoliosis surgery is being considered as a treatment option.

Physical exam: Individuals will be instructed to stand with their arms at their sides while the doctor evaluates the back. They'll look at the symmetry of the shoulders, and waist as well as the curve of the spine. The doctor will then instruct you to bend forward so they may check both your upper and lower back for any curves.
Imaging tests: The doctor could recommend imaging examinations to detect scoliosis, such as:
X-ray: During this test, small amounts of radiation are used to create a picture of your spine.
MRI scan: This test uses radio and magnetic waves to get a detailed picture of bones and the surrounding tissue.
CT scan: During this test, X-rays are taken at various angles to get a 3-D picture of the body.
Bone scan: This test detects a radioactive solution injected into your blood that concentrates in areas of increased circulation, highlighting spinal abnormalities.

What are the Treatments for Scoliosis?

You may not require treatment for mild scoliosis. Instead, to see whether it's getting worse, the doctor could keep an eye on your condition and sometimes suggest X-rays. Some children with scoliosis heal from it. A doctor may advise the following treatment methods:

Braces: Wearing a brace around the torso helps prevent the curvature from deteriorating in children who are still growing. Most children wear them 24 hours a day, and they are often made of plastic and do not interfere with your daily activities.
Spinal fusion surgery: In this procedure, the doctor fills the gaps between the spine's bones with bone fragments or a similar material. The bones are held in place by metal until they grow with each other or join. The spine's curvature can be reduced and prevented from worsening with surgery.
Spine and rib-based growing operation: This is used to treat more severe scoliosis in growing children. The surgeon uses metal to fasten rods to the ribs or spine. The doctor adjusts the rods' size as children grow.

Scoliosis Prevention and Care

While scoliosis cannot always be prevented, maintaining good posture, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring proper nutrition can help support spinal health. Early detection through regular check-ups is essential for managing scoliosis effectively.

Scoliosis in children often develops during growth spurts, typically between the ages of 10 and 15. Regular screening can help identify early signs, enabling timely intervention to prevent progression. Treatments may include bracing, physical therapy, or observation based on the severity of the curve.

Scoliosis in adults can result from untreated scoliosis in childhood or age-related degeneration of the spine. Managing scoliosis in adults often involves physical therapy, pain management, and, in severe cases, surgical options to improve quality of life and mobility.

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Dos and Don’ts

Scoliosis is an abnormal condition in which the spine has a sideways curvature. Its symptoms are breathing problems, back pain, poor posture, etc. Follow the dos and don'ts for scoliosis to reduce the impact of symptoms and lead a better life.

Do’s	Don’ts
Exercise and stretch regularly to strengthen your core & back.	Lift or carry heavy things
Maintain an active lifestyle	Run long distances on hard surfaces like roads or sidewalks
Use a good quality mattress	Sleep on your stomach,
Start the treatment early	Do any back extension exercises
Change your sitting positions to avoid stress on your spine	Do excessive swimming

Care at Medicover Hospitals

Scoliosis treatment is performed at Medicover hospital by the best team of orthopedic doctors and medical professionals. Our highly skilled staff treats a variety of bone and spinal illnesses using the most up-to-date diagnostic tools, medical equipment, and technologies. We use a multidisciplinary approach to treat scoliosis to give patients satisfactory health outcomes and respond to their medical requirements for a faster and more sustainable recovery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is slight scoliosis?

Slight scoliosis refers to a mild curvature of the spine, typically less than 20 degrees. It is often asymptomatic and may not require treatment unless it progresses. Regular monitoring is recommended to ensure the condition does not worsen over time. In many cases, slight scoliosis does not cause pain or significant health issues.

What are the symptoms of scoliosis in adults?

In adults, scoliosis symptoms may include uneven shoulders or hips, back pain, and limited mobility. Some adults experience fatigue, difficulty breathing, or numbness in the legs. As the curvature progresses, nerve compression can lead to discomfort or even muscle weakness. Treatment may include physical therapy or, in severe cases, surgery to alleviate symptoms.

What are the long-term effects of untreated scurvy?

Untreated scurvy can lead to severe complications like anemia, weakened immune function, joint pain, and bleeding gums. Over time, it can result in skin problems, poor wound healing, and tooth loss. In severe cases, untreated scurvy can be life-threatening due to systemic organ damage and infection. Early treatment with vitamin C restores health.

Is scurvy contagious?

No, scurvy is not contagious. It is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, typically due to poor diet or malnutrition. The condition develops when the body lacks vitamin C for an extended period, which is necessary for collagen production and various bodily functions. It is preventable and treatable with adequate vitamin C intake.

What foods are rich in vitamin C to prevent scurvy?

Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, and grapefruits), strawberries, kiwis, bell peppers, broccoli, and leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale. Regularly including these in your diet can help prevent scurvy and maintain optimal health.

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