Most people will have heard the term 'Scoliosis' and some will probably know that Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. But what does that actually mean and how does it affect people's daily lives?
Scoliosis is a lateral (meaning sideways) curve in the spine. So, instead of the spine forming a perfectly straight vertical column, there is a deviation to either side, often forming a 'C' shape or an 'S' shape (a double curvature). The degree of this curvature can vary considerably, with mild cases being barely visible and severe cases causing significant deformation. Although a double curvature sounds more severe, it can appear less obvious as one curve is counteracted by the other.
In the vast majority of scoliosis there are no other medical conditions and no distinct cause of the condition. This is known as idiopathic scoliosis and can occur in early life or may not develop until later on. 3-4 in every 1000 children in the UK are diagnosed with scoliosis. However, of these, only 10% require treatment, as in most cases the curvature corrects itself as the child grows. Other forms of scoliosis include:
Syndromic scoliosis - where the curvature occurs as part of a recognised condition (e.g. Marfan's syndrome, Rett's syndrome or Beale's syndome).
Degenerative scoliosis - occurs in adults due to degeneration (wearing down) of the spinal vertebrae (bones) and discs.
Neuromuscular scoliosis - occurs as a result of a neurological condition, such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
Congenital scoliosis - develops during pregnancy as a defect in the formation of the spine.
Scoliosis can occur in the lower (lumbar spine) or upper back (throacic spine). Lumbar scoliosis may affect the appearance of the pelvis, often causing one hip to appear higher than the other. Thoracic scoliosis can affect the appearance of the ribcage (pulling it to one side), can cause a lump on the back, one shoulder blade to protrude out and one shoulder to sit higher than the other.
Whilst in many mild cases, scoliosis may cause mild, or even no symptoms at all, in other cases symptoms can be severe and extremely varied. If left untreated, a substantial curve could cause problems with the pelvis, heart and lungs.
Treatment of scoliosis again will vary depending on the severity of the condition. Bracing and surgery are the only options which may help to actually correct the curvature. Other treatment options which can help to ease symptoms, include physiotherapy, osteopathy, massage, pilates, alexander technique, hydrotherapy, hot and cold therapy.
Scoliosis is a lateral (meaning sideways) curve in the spine. So, instead of the spine forming a perfectly straight vertical column, there is a deviation to either side, often forming a 'C' shape or an 'S' shape (a double curvature). The degree of this curvature can vary considerably, with mild cases being barely visible and severe cases causing significant deformation. Although a double curvature sounds more severe, it can appear less obvious as one curve is counteracted by the other.
In the vast majority of scoliosis there are no other medical conditions and no distinct cause of the condition. This is known as idiopathic scoliosis and can occur in early life or may not develop until later on. 3-4 in every 1000 children in the UK are diagnosed with scoliosis. However, of these, only 10% require treatment, as in most cases the curvature corrects itself as the child grows. Other forms of scoliosis include:
Syndromic scoliosis - where the curvature occurs as part of a recognised condition (e.g. Marfan's syndrome, Rett's syndrome or Beale's syndome).
Degenerative scoliosis - occurs in adults due to degeneration (wearing down) of the spinal vertebrae (bones) and discs.
Neuromuscular scoliosis - occurs as a result of a neurological condition, such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
Congenital scoliosis - develops during pregnancy as a defect in the formation of the spine.
Scoliosis can occur in the lower (lumbar spine) or upper back (throacic spine). Lumbar scoliosis may affect the appearance of the pelvis, often causing one hip to appear higher than the other. Thoracic scoliosis can affect the appearance of the ribcage (pulling it to one side), can cause a lump on the back, one shoulder blade to protrude out and one shoulder to sit higher than the other.
Whilst in many mild cases, scoliosis may cause mild, or even no symptoms at all, in other cases symptoms can be severe and extremely varied. If left untreated, a substantial curve could cause problems with the pelvis, heart and lungs.
Treatment of scoliosis again will vary depending on the severity of the condition. Bracing and surgery are the only options which may help to actually correct the curvature. Other treatment options which can help to ease symptoms, include physiotherapy, osteopathy, massage, pilates, alexander technique, hydrotherapy, hot and cold therapy.
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