Types of Scoliosis

A curved spine is natural. When a spine curves to the left and right, or laterally, this means that a condition called scoliosis is present and should be monitored. Two percent of women and half a percent of men in the general population are affected by scoliosis, of which there are many causes. One cause may be a congenital defect at birth, as well as other diseases such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Interestingly enough, 80% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, which means that there is no known cause. Of these, the most common occurrence is in young adults at the onset of puberty.

To recognize scoliosis, the following may be observed:

- One shoulder blade is more prominent than the other.
- Uneven shoulders or waist
- One hip or side of the rib cage is higher than the other.

When scoliosis is suspected, it can be confirmed by an x-ray, c-scan, MRI or any other advanced diagnostic tool for the spine. The degree of curvature determines the prognosis when it is measured by the Cobb Method. Over 35 to 30 degrees is significant, while 45 to 50 degrees is considered severe. Severe scoliosis will cause back pain and difficulty breathing, while mild curves may provide no problem.

When scoliosis appears in a child, it can continue to cause the spine to curve until the bones stop growing. During puberty is when the spine can produce more curvature and a physician will often recommend a brace for the back. While the brace will not correct the problem, it will at least prevent further curvature. The approximate time for the bones stop growing are after boys begin to shave and girls have had menstruation for more than two years.

Adults who suffered from scoliosis as children are at risk to suffer from back pain. Doctors believe, however, that people who have spine curvature of less than 30 degrees will have no more back pain than those who have a "normal" back. And, some of the same back problems that hit the general population will also apply to those who have scoliosis. Back joint and disc treatment methods for these patients must be adjusted somewhat to meet their pain needs.

Spinal fusion, a surgery for severe scoliosis, will reduce the severity of the curve and prevent it from getting worse. The surgery attaches new bone while connecting it to the existing bone to hold the spine still.

There are three types of scoliosis:

- Functional - When a normal spine begins to curve because of a problem somewhere else in the body, such as one leg being shorter than the other.

- Neuromuscular - Caused by an abnormality in the growth of the bones of the spine. This can occur prior to birth or during puberty, and often happens in conjunction with other neuromuscular disease.

- Degenerative - Found in older adults with arthritis when normal ligaments are weakened.

While scoliosis is a condition that many would prefer not to have, it is treatable, especially when diagnosed early in a young child.