Scoliosis W6
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Transcript of Scoliosis W6
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Scoliosis
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine caused by genetic factors. It occurs when the normal
curve of the spine starts deviating to the right or the left side along with back pain.
It is a gene related disease that affects young children and adolescents. It is diagnosed at puberty and is
prevalent amongst girls. This is because the chemical substance for scoliosis is predominantly found in
girls. Left untreated, the disease can advance to adulthood and cause a permanent bend of the spine.
Newborns at risk of hereditary scoliosis are checked at birth with other members of the family. It is not
caused by a spinal deficiency or reduced nutrient and protein intake. It is a lateral/side to side defect of
the spine.
The spinal cord of a scoliosis patient is curved towards one side. The change in the shape of the back
shifts the hips or shoulders upwards or downwards with pain. This is known as Radicular Back pain.
A scoliosis affected spine can resemble C or S shape curve. S shape curvatures develop near the
thoracic and lumbar regions. C shape curvatures occur near the cervical region. The intensity depends
on the degree of scoliosis.
Degree of Scoliosis
Degree of spinal curvature is known as degree of scoliosis. It can affect the body in many ways.
Treatments are prescribed accordingly.
Spines are never completely straight and may have small curves. These are not considered to be cases of
scoliosis. A spinal curvature of less than 25 degrees without further deterioration is considered normal.
Adams Forward Bend Test is used to measure scoliosis. Pediatricians conduct the test in schools on
children from the fifth or sixth grade. Curvature or asymmetry is diagnosed by making the patient bend
forward from the waist at an angle of 90 degrees. X-ray, Radiography, MRI, CT scan is used to confirm
degree of scoliosis.
Young people with scoliosis do not suffer from back pain. However, theyre more likely to suffer from
back pain as they grow older.
Types of Scoliosis
Idiopathic scoliosis: Causes for Idiopathic scoliosis have not been determined. Theoretically, it is
hereditary. Leg length imbalance and tumors may also cause it. Idiopathic scoliosis is divided into three
stages- infantile(0 months- 3 years of age); Juvenile Scoliosis (3years-9years) and adolescent scoliosis (10
years to 18 years).
Congenital scoliosis: patients develop deformities at time of birth. It is attributed to abnormal growth of
the vertebrae.
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Neuromuscular Scoliosis: occurs due to muscle weakness or neuromuscular diseases such as spina
bifida, cerebral palsy and neurofibromatosis. It may be connected with spinal cord tumors and muscular
dystrophy.
Degenerative Scoliosis: calcium deficiency and old age cause this disorder.
Causes
Our spines have twists and curves that are aligned and maintained at a particular angle for balance and
accord of the pelvic region. Scoliosis triggers an abrupt tilt, curve or change in the angular alignment of
bones and ligaments of the spine. This can lead to chronic pain.
Scoliosis is caused by two factors. Some patients are born with structural deviation of the spine. Others
develop a deviation due to an accident or injury to the back. Both problems can be treated effectively.
Alternate causes of scoliosis include genetics, deformities at time of birth, unequal length of limbs and
neuromuscular problems.
Scoliosis symptoms and signs
Certain patients experience severe pain in the rib region. Intense pain may also cause shoulder swelling
and herniation. The patient may develop an inclined posterior as well. In extreme cases, patient may be
partially or completely paralyzed.
Asymmetry in shoulder blades or abnormally bulging shoulders should be evaluated by a qualified
orthopedic. Abnormally enlarged hip and waist along with back pain is also considered to be a sign of
scoliosis.
A childs head may not be in proportion location wise - to the rest of the body. This is due to retarded
spinal development.
The waist may also appear flattened on one side of the body with the ribs positioned higher on one side.
The neckline could appear uneven as well in scoliosis patients.
Scoliosis diagnosis
X-ray is used to test for scoliosis. Girls are tested between 10-14 years while boys are tested between
12-14 years of age. One in every 10 children suffers from a slight curvature in the spine.
Prevention
Orthopedic braces are used to prevent scoliosis. However, they have limitations and must be used early
to be of help.
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Early detection of scoliosis is important for effective management. Children with any signs of an
unnatural curvature of the spine should be sent to an orthopedic for evaluation immediately. He/she
will check for signs of onset of scoliosis.
Diet must be controlled for scoliosis prevention. Meals should be rich in calcium and phosphorous. Junk
foods like French fries must be replaced with grams, green leafy vegetables, egg yolk, meat and milk tostrengthen your bones.
Treatment
Scoliosis must be treated early to avoid further aggravation. Increasing spinal curvature can cause
serious complications in heart and lung functioning. It can also cause unbearable pain.
Treatment is prescribed according to age during onset of scoliosis, genetic instances of the disease,
intensity of curve and severity. Scoliosis may be further complicated due to permanent nerve damage
along the spinal column.
Natural treatments are available for scoliosis pain treatment. Spinal twists can help adjust spine. For a
scoliosis curved to the right, you must twist to the left and vice versa. This will realign the spine.
Wearing back braces can help scoliosis. The braces can be worn all day long including nap time. Though
uncomfortable, it can prevent spinal curvature from progressing.
Left untreated, scoliosis can lead to deformities of the physical structure after a certain age. This
includes lung issues, back pain and heart disease.
Scoliosis pain is severe and often proportionate to the degree of spinal curvature. The curvature is
measured by an instrument called Cobb angle.
Minor curves do not need surgical intervention. If degree of scoliosis is below 50, general treatments will
be used to cure the disease. This includes braces, exercise and physiotherapy. After choosing the brace
type, the doctor will recommend the number of days for which it is to be worn.
If the spine bends more than 50 degrees, scoliosis surgery will be recommended. The surgery will fuse
the spine to prevent it from bending more in adulthood.
Exercises to cure Scoliosis
Leg and arm extensions: lie with your hips over a stability ball. Keep one toe down and extend your left
hand upwards while lifting your right leg simultaneously. Keep your right palm downwards. Hold for a
count of three before switching sides. Take 30-60 seconds between each set.
Back extension: position your stomach on top of the ball with knees to the floor. Fall forward onto ball
for relaxation. From here, come up to a point where your back feels parallel to the ball. Keep hands and
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arms raised while coming straight up to keep parallel with the ball. Hold position for a count of five.
Repeat for a set of 10.