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Scoliosis |
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Scoliosis
Scoliosis, an abnormal curve to the spine, is commonly found in adolescents. Of every 1,000 children, 3 to 5 develop spinal curves that are severe enough to need treatment. Scoliosis occurs rarely in adults. Sometimes, it's a worsening of a condition that began in childhood but wasn't diagnosed or treated. In other cases, adult scoliosis may result from a degenerative joint condition in the spine. Usually scoliosis is painless. Most cases are mild, requiring only follow-up and observation. In more severe cases, the spine can rotate as well, resulting in prominent ribs on one side of the body and narrowed spaces between ribs on the other. Severe scoliosis can cause ongoing back pain and difficulty breathing. Surgery may be necessary. Signs and symptoms Signs of scoliosis may include:
Causes Very young children may have scoliosis, but adolescent idiopathic scoliosis — which is scoliosis of unknown cause with onset at 10 years of age or older — is the most common type. Doctors define scoliosis in a particular person based on a number of factors related to the curve, including:
Many theories have been proposed regarding the causes of scoliosis. They include connective tissue disorders, hormonal imbalance and abnormality in the nervous system. Scoliosis runs in families and may involve genetic (hereditary) factors. But researchers haven't identified the gene or genes that may cause scoliosis. Doctors also recognize that spinal cord and brainstem abnormalities play a role in some cases of scoliosis. Risk factors Most scoliosis is of unknown cause (idiopathic), but there does appear to be a developmental connection in many cases. Most cases of scoliosis occur just before and during adolescence, when children are going through a growth spurt. Infantile idiopathic scoliosis (ages 0 to 3 years) is more common in boys, whereas juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (ages 3 to 10 years) and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (ages 10 years and up) are more common in girls. Risk factors for curve progression in scoliosis include:
When to seek medical advice The onset of scoliosis is gradual and almost always painless, and a significant curvature can develop without the parent or child knowing it. Early detection is important to prevent the curve from progressing. Unfortunately, the condition usually progresses during the same time that children become more self-conscious (ages 10 to 16) and avoid exposure, so parents and others are not likely to see the problem. Have your child examined if you notice any of the signs of scoliosis. Scoliosis has the potential to lead to serious health problems, such as severe back pain, difficulty breathing, physical deformity, and injury to the lungs and heart. Be sure to have your child see your doctor if you have a family history of scoliosis. Scoliosis > next > 1 > 2 > 3 > 4
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