A spine is considered healthy when it has no deformity, causes no pain, and shows wear consistent with the person’s age, notes Dr. Ildefonso Mu\u00f1oz Romero, neurosurgeon specializing in spine and peripheral nerve surgery at ABC Medical Center.<\/p>\n
Among the various conditions related to spinal stability is scoliosis, a type of deformity that can occur in either a section of the spine or along its entire length.<\/p>\n
With scoliosis, the spine’s natural balance is disrupted, causing it to curve abnormally to one side, forward, or backward, and in some cases, the vertebrae may even rotate.<\/p>\n
This spinal change can go almost unnoticed, or, in other cases, become severe, disabling, and very painful.<\/p>\n
Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents<\/p>\n
Scoliosis in children and teens is known as idiopathic scoliosis, appearing as a sideways curvature of the spine; this is the most common type of scoliosis, notes Dr. Mu\u00f1oz.<\/p>\n
It can affect both boys and girls and is often linked to genetic factors, although this isn’t the only possible cause, and in some cases, the exact cause remains unknown.<\/p>\n
Idiopathic scoliosis typically appears during the transition from childhood to adolescence, a time when one shoulder may start to appear higher than the other, one hip may sit higher than the other, or one side of the pelvis may be more elevated than the other. In some cases, one leg or arm may also appear longer than the other.<\/p>\n
To diagnose it, a thorough evaluation with the pediatrician is important, who will examine the spine’s health and, if any warning signs are noticed, refer the child to a pediatric orthopedist, who will determine the appropriate treatment. Treatment varies by severity, ranging from periodic monitoring to more involved options such as bracing or, in some cases, surgery.<\/p>\n
Scoliosis in Adults<\/p>\n
Adults, on the other hand, typically develop degenerative scoliosis, which results from the progressive deterioration of the vertebrae that comes with aging, usually appearing after age 60.<\/p>\n
Someone with degenerative scoliosis often shows asymmetry in the hips, waist, or shoulders, or a noticeable twist or curve in the spine, with varying degrees of severity.<\/p>\n
Depending on where the abnormal curvature occurs, a person may experience pain, stiffness, numbness, cramping, muscle weakness, balance issues, bladder or bowel problems, or even breathing difficulties.<\/p>\n
In these cases, an adult orthopedist or neurosurgeon will oversee treatment, which will also vary based on the severity of the scoliosis; this may involve bracing alone or surgery, notes Dr. Mu\u00f1oz.<\/p>\n
Regardless of age, if you notice a change in spinal alignment, seek specialized care before the condition worsens.<\/p>\n
At ABC Medical Center’s Spine Clinic, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A spine is considered healthy when it has no deformity, causes no pain, and shows wear consistent with the person’s age, notes Dr. Ildefonso Mu\u00f1oz Romero, neurosurgeon specializing in spine and peripheral nerve surgery at ABC Medical Center. Among the various conditions related to spinal stability is scoliosis, a type of deformity that can occur […]<\/p>\n