Spines have natural curvature but appear straight when viewed head-on from the back. Scoliosis is classified as a spinal deformity that makes the spine curve in an S or C shape. Medical professionals typically identify and diagnose this condition through x-rays or physical examinations [2]. Scoliosis can occur on the left or right of the spine and in different sections–the thoracic and lumbar [1]. Both adults and children can contract scoliosis even though it is more common in adolescents [2]. Although scoliosis develops in the spine, other parts of the skeletal system connected to the central support are affected as the condition progresses, sometimes becoming increasingly severe.
Out of the three types of scoliosis, 80% of cases are idiopathic scoliosis. “Idiopathic” is a combination of the Greek roots idios and pathos that, in a medical context, mean “arising from an obscure or unknown cause” [4]. Researchers believe that a combination of factors including genes, cell structure alterations, and hormones are possibly responsible for this condition [2]. Girls are diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis eight times as often as boys. Rapid growth in children causes this condition to worsen, hence the massive percentage of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis cases [3].
Observation is one of the scoliosis treatments recommended by doctors when the curve in a child’s spine is slight. This includes periodic check-ins with a doctor so that the condition is kept under observation. A brace would be recommended to stop or prevent the curving of the spine from worsening [2]. Surgery is for serious cases and comes with risks and complications, which is why preventative counter-measures like physical therapy and home exercises are important to consider.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
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