Author: Rose Dolphin

Scoliosis

What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine or backbone. The curve can bend to the left or to the right and can be in the lower part of the spine (a lumbar curve), in the upper part of the spine (a thoracic curve) or go from the upper to lower part of the spine (a thoraco-lumbar curve). In some cases, there is a double curve – like an S shape.

History of scoliosis:
Hippocrates discovered scoliosis. He also came up with methods to fix the spine deformity. He was a great ancient Greek physician. Hippocrates recommended diet and extension for the treatment of scoliosis. He was the first who invented devices for correction of curvatures of the spine and the management of spinal diseases. The devices used by Hippocrates for treatment of spinal deformities were the Hippocratic ladder, the Hippocratic board and the Hippocratic bench.

What is the treatment for scoliosis?
There are three main categories of treatment: observation, bracing, and surgery. There are treatments available that do not involve surgery, but in some individuals, surgery may be their best option. Surgery involves correcting the curve back to as close to normal as possible and performing a spinal fusion to hold it in place. This is done with a combination of screws, hooks and rods that are attached to the bones of the spine to hold them in place. The surgeon places bone graft around the bones to be fused (spinal fusion) to get them to grow together and become solid. This prevents any further curvature in that portion of the spine. In most cases, the screws and rods will remain in the spine and will not be removed.

What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
One shoulder blade appears more pronounced than the other
One hip is higher than the other
Uneven waist
Back pain
Difficulty breathing

What causes scoliosis?
Scoliosis affects about 2% of females and 0.5% of males. Doctors don't know what causes the most common type of scoliosis — although it appears to involve hereditary factors, because the disorder tends to run in families.

Prevention?
Currently there is no known way to prevent a scoliosis from developing but there are treatments to prevent a scoliosis from worsening in early detection.

What are the different types of scoliosis?
Idiopathic scoliosis-most common form and is broken into three sub sections-Infantile scoliosis 0-3 years old, Juvenile scoliosis 3-10 years old, Adolescent scoliosis 10-18 years old.
Congenital scoliosis-This is a rare form of scoliosis. Congenital means you are born with it and will develop curves in infancy.
Neuromuscular scoliosis-This is caused by neurological disorder of the central nervous system of muscles.

Other Facts:
Scoliosis comes from a Greek word meaning crooked.
It is more common in girls than boys.
Scoliosis can affect girls the most in their teens.
Scoliosis runs in families, so if you have a relation with scoliosis there is a possibility you may have or get it too.
The Cobb angle is another name for the degree of your curve.
Scoliosis can cause you to have serve pain in your back and can affect your posture and body arrangement.

Scoliosis in animals?
Scoliosis is very rare in animals. Pets with scoliosis may have back pain particularly around the part of the spine that is abnormally curved.

How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of scoliosis is easily made by taking an x-ray.. The abnormal curve of the spine can be seen right away.