Scoliosis – Cause and Treatment

2013-11-20

What is scoliosis

Scoliosis refers to the curvature of the spine to the left or right to an “S" shape.

The patient is an adolescent (10-17 years old). The majority of patients are female, and the ratio of female to male is 7 to 3. Among the 10 patients, 7 are girls.

Three conditions of scoliosis:

1. Thoracic scoliosis
2. Lumbar scoliosis
3. Thoracolumbar Scoliosis

Causes of scoliosis

Can be divided into non-structural and structural (structural is also divided into sudden onset and non-sudden onset)

Non-structural is not related to the structure of the spine. It is due to long-term poor posture, length of feet, pelvic tilt, hip spasm or muscle spasm, etc. The spine curvature is obvious when standing, and disappears when lying down. This kind of functional scoliosis can be improved by treatment.

Structural scoliosis is divided into sudden onset and non-sudden onset. The cause of this structural scoliosis is on the spine itself. When the patient lying down, the scoliosis will not disappear.

1) Sudden onset happened in 80%, and often occurs in children between 10 and 15 years old.

2) Non-sudden onset is due to a certain reason, such as neuromuscular disease, degeneration, infection, tumor, etc.

Treatment Method

In addition to affecting the appearance of development, scoliosis also affects the long-term imbalance of the muscles on both sides of the spine, which may lead to degeneration of the spine in the future, often feeling low back pain and muscle weakness. If the scoliosis is in the thoracic spine and the curvature of the scoliosis is severe, it may affect the cardiopulmonary function. There are different treatment methods for different degrees of scoliosis.

1) Mild degree

The Cobb's angle ( standard measurement for the scoliosis curve) is less than twenty degrees. This level is difficult to detect with the naked eye, and it can only be known through X-rays and detailed spine examination. This degree of scoliosis can be improved and reduced by chiropractors' treatment, and the patient must also be instructed to pay attention to posture and exercise to strengthen the spine.

2) Moderate

The Cobb's angle is between 20 degrees and 35 degrees. It is recommended to wear an orthopedic spine brace and exercise more to strengthen the lower back and upper back. The orthopedic brace is made of plastic and is relatively rigid. Children may be prone to skin sensitivity. Because they have to wear it during sleep as well, it is a difficult task for children. After wearing the orthopedic brace, children feel psychologically disturbance as well, self esteem often has an impact. Therefore, parents should pay attention to the growth of their children's spine, and they can take them to a professional doctor for examination. They do not need to wait until the children to serious scoliosis then take action. If they start chiropractic treatment at a moderate level, the progress is generally slow, and the curvature of the scoliosis is difficult to improve, but at least not letting the condition get worst.

3) Severe

The Cobb's angle is above forty-five degrees. The spine is already S-shaped, the scapula height is obviously imbalanced , and the back muscles are tight. It may continue to deteriorate. Depending on the patient's individual conditions, surgery may be required.

Regardless of the degree of scoliosis, any treatment can not completely restore the curvature of the scoliosis. But the use of treatment is to help improve the coordination of muscles and spinal nerves to balance the muscle, so that the curve is not easy to deteriorate rapidly throughout the development period. The treatment process is slow and long. Generally, the whole developmental process of a child to be stable when reaching 18 years old.