Before scoliosis can be treated with any of the scoliosis treatment options out there you have to have a basic understanding of it.
What are the Causes of Scoliosis?
For idiopathic scoliosis cases, no specific cause is known as yet. And yet is the most common form of scoliosis, forming 8 out of every 10 cases. There are many theories concerning it, but none of them have been found to be conclusive. However, strong evidence suggests that this specific type of scoliosis is inherited. The other cases are caused by a myriad of medical conditions including:
- a bone abnormality that’s present at birth
- muscle weakness caused by muscular dystrophy, a genetic condition
- Marfan syndrome, which is a disorder of the connective tissues
- a traumatic bone collapse caused by an injury or illness
- osteoporosis
- On rare occasions, babies are born with scoliosis, and this is due to a problem with spine development whilst still in the womb.
Age is also a risk factor. For instance, in adults, changes in the spine’s discs and joints plus the reduction in bone density that comes with age may cause scoliosis.
Scoliosis Treatment Options
Scoliosis treatment depends on a person’s age, how severe the condition is, and how it progresses.
For children who are very young, treatment is not always necessary. The curvature of the spine tends to improve naturally as they get older. In case treatment is required, a scoliosis brace can be used to attempt to help the progression of the curve. If the curve continues progressing, surgery may be necessary. Here, metal rods will be inserted into the back to stabilize the spine. The rods will be lengthened in regular intervals as the child grows.
For the adolescents with a spinal curve of between 25 degrees to 40 degrees, bracing is the usual mode of treatment. This is because their bones are still in the process of maturing, especially if they have over 2 years of growth left. The brace allows a person to continue doing anything they normally like to do, like sports, playing an instrument or hanging out with friends. Basically any activity that can be done while wearing a brace should be okay. However, if in doubt, you can always first check with your doctor.
When the spine’s curvature goes beyond 40 to 50 degrees, scoliosis surgery is often considered. It usually involves joining the person’s vertebrae together permanently- a procedure called spinal fusion. In this case, the goal is to ensure that the curve doesn’t get worse. However, the surgery does not straighten the spine perfectly.
Scoliosis causes emotional problems. Truth be told, having a visibly curved spine can bring issues of body image and self esteem, thus affecting the overall quality of life. This especially affects children and teenagers with the condition. Hence, if a person has scoliosis, it’s important you provide them with the necessary love, care and support, and make sure they are aware of all treatment options including soft scoliosis braces.
Pivonka Family Chiropractic
1355 S Higley Rd #102
Gilbert, AZ 85296
(480) 892-0022
https://correctscoliosis.com
