Although there are different types of scoliosis, generally speaking, they’re all the same thing: a curvature of the spine, sometimes described as a “a hump.”
What Is Scoliosis?The term scoliosis refers to a curvature of the spine in any direction. Normally, the spine has certain natural curves that resemble the letter S, but when that curve exceeds a normal range, it’s considered abnormal, resulting in this condition, explains Dr. Israel Romero Rangel, minimally invasive neurosurgery specialist at ABC Medical Center.
When kyphosis occurs, the name given to abnormal spinal curvature, the vertebrae begin to tilt, causing this abnormality.
There are several causes linked to the development of scoliosis. Some are congenital, but there are also causes unrelated to the spine itself, for example, when one leg is shorter than the other, causing the spine to curve in order to compensate and find balance.
Types of scoliosis are classified based on their cause and the patient’s age. The main categories include:
- Congenital scoliosis: the patient is born with the condition, which develops during the first years of life.
- Idiopathic scoliosis: this term is used when the cause of the scoliosis is unknown. It generally appears during childhood, adolescence, and in young adults, although it can occur at any stage of life.
- Juvenile neurodegenerative scoliosis: a particular type of scoliosis in which the spine begins to become deformed as a result of muscular structure being affected, which in turn affects the structure of the spine.
- Adult degenerative scoliosis: the most common type of scoliosis. It results from uneven wear on the spine over the years and affects the discs, joints, and vertebrae.
Types of scoliosis can also be classified by location, such as lumbar scoliosis in the lower back, thoracic scoliosis in the chest area, and accordingly, there’s also cervical scoliosis, thoracolumbar scoliosis, lumbosacral scoliosis, and so on, this can result in different types of humps or changes in spinal alignment.
Regardless of where it develops, this condition can occur in both children and adults and can range from mild to severe.
Scoliosis TreatmentThe type of treatment a scoliosis patient needs depends on several factors. First, there’s the presence or absence of symptoms, someone without pain, weakness, or numbness in the limbs may not need treatment at all, and instead will simply be monitored regularly to check for changes in posture.
On the other hand, if scoliosis is affecting the patient’s daily life, the first approach is usually alignment and good posture treatment, known as spinal hygiene. If the condition continues to progress, surgical treatment may be considered.
It’s worth noting that lifestyle factors, such as smoking, body weight, and physical activity, can either help or hinder a patient’s progress, and in some cases can even help avoid the need for surgery altogether.
One important thing to keep in mind is that scoliosis in adults can be corrected, although this depends on each patient’s specific situation. Scoliosis exercises work well for some people, while others may require more invasive treatments.
Curved SpineDr. Romero notes that although the main symptom of scoliosis is spinal deformity, patients may also experience pain due to the resulting muscular strain, and in some cases, the excessive curvature itself can affect the lungs or heart, since it deforms the rib cage. Numbness in the limbs may also occur.
For Dr. Romero, the most important thing with scoliosis is ongoing medical monitoring through checkups with a spine specialist, either an orthopedist or a spine neurosurgeon.
At ABC Medical Center’s Spine Clinic, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
