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The main feature of scoliosis is an abnormal spine curvature in the horizontal plane. The problem is usually first noticed in childhood and its prevalence is higher in girls than boys. For the majority of those affected, no symptoms are noted. In severe cases, the main symptoms are chest pain and breathing abnormalities. There are various options of scoliosis treatment you may consider if suffering from the problem.
There are several signs that may suggest the presence of scoliosis. These include a head that is not well centered on the body, ribs being higher on one side than the other and a hip or shoulder that is at a higher level than the other. A clinical history and a physical examination by the doctor will provide even more information. The doctor may also request for imaging studies such as X-rays and CT scans.
The main reason as to why intervention would be needed is to arrest the progress of the condition and to provide some stability to the spine. If the severity falls into the mild category, one may lead a normal life even without treatment. The options that are used in managing the condition fall under two major categories: non-surgical and surgical. The choice is largely dependent on the degree of severity.
If the condition is the result of an underlying problem (non-structural type), treating the underlying problem will improve the abnormal spine curvature and relieve the associated symptoms. Examples of such conditions include differences in the length of lower limbs and muscle spasms. If it is due to a disease that directly affects the spine (the structural type), treatment will most likely be required.
There are two main ways of treating this condition conservatively. The first option is to observe the patient over time so as to determine whether there is a significant change in the angulation of the curvature. Children that are still growing are usually required to visit the doctor every four to six months for a physical examination while adults only need to have this visit once every year. The second option involves using braces.
The brace is associated with a number of complications among the wearers. One of the commonest is discomfort. In some cases it may be too much as to prevent continued wearing. Skin irritation is another common complaint that should be anticipated. Note that the brace will not necessarily prevent the increase in the curvature and there is a need to have regular check-ups to asses for this progress.
There are a number of things that can be done during surgery. The first involves the fixation of metallic rods between the affected vertebral bodies to act as a reinforcement. The second is to completely fuse the vertebra that are affected which effectively converts them into a single bone mass. This may not be suitable in patients that are still growing as it interferes with the growth of bone.
The results of treating scoliosis are better if early diagnosis and intervention are done. Factors that will determine whether or not treatment will be necessary include patient age, size of curve and skeletal age. The majority of cases are mildly and require no more than close observation. Braces are at times prescribed to stabilize the spine as growth takes place. Surgery is reserved for the most severe cases and its role is to confer stability and to prevent worsening.
There are several signs that may suggest the presence of scoliosis. These include a head that is not well centered on the body, ribs being higher on one side than the other and a hip or shoulder that is at a higher level than the other. A clinical history and a physical examination by the doctor will provide even more information. The doctor may also request for imaging studies such as X-rays and CT scans.
The main reason as to why intervention would be needed is to arrest the progress of the condition and to provide some stability to the spine. If the severity falls into the mild category, one may lead a normal life even without treatment. The options that are used in managing the condition fall under two major categories: non-surgical and surgical. The choice is largely dependent on the degree of severity.
If the condition is the result of an underlying problem (non-structural type), treating the underlying problem will improve the abnormal spine curvature and relieve the associated symptoms. Examples of such conditions include differences in the length of lower limbs and muscle spasms. If it is due to a disease that directly affects the spine (the structural type), treatment will most likely be required.
There are two main ways of treating this condition conservatively. The first option is to observe the patient over time so as to determine whether there is a significant change in the angulation of the curvature. Children that are still growing are usually required to visit the doctor every four to six months for a physical examination while adults only need to have this visit once every year. The second option involves using braces.
The brace is associated with a number of complications among the wearers. One of the commonest is discomfort. In some cases it may be too much as to prevent continued wearing. Skin irritation is another common complaint that should be anticipated. Note that the brace will not necessarily prevent the increase in the curvature and there is a need to have regular check-ups to asses for this progress.
There are a number of things that can be done during surgery. The first involves the fixation of metallic rods between the affected vertebral bodies to act as a reinforcement. The second is to completely fuse the vertebra that are affected which effectively converts them into a single bone mass. This may not be suitable in patients that are still growing as it interferes with the growth of bone.
The results of treating scoliosis are better if early diagnosis and intervention are done. Factors that will determine whether or not treatment will be necessary include patient age, size of curve and skeletal age. The majority of cases are mildly and require no more than close observation. Braces are at times prescribed to stabilize the spine as growth takes place. Surgery is reserved for the most severe cases and its role is to confer stability and to prevent worsening.
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