Scoliosis

A condition that causes the spine to curve sideways

Scoliosis of the Spine: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Scoliosis refers to how the spine curves unnaturally. The deviation is usually more than 10 degrees, going sideways in an ‘S’ shape. The most common occurrence is during adolescence (Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis) but this condition can be present at birth as well. Scoliosis has visible physical symptoms. Congenital scoliosis (being born with the condition) can go undiagnosed and progress during the child’s growth period. Some of the symptoms are:

  • When the child is growing, you can notice an awkward bending in the spine to one side.
  • The spine is bent (usually) to the right in the upper back and to the left in the lower back.
  • The right shoulder is higher than the left shoulder.
  • The hips are not aligned.
  • Sitting and standing can be tiresome, painful, and cause stiffness.
  • Since the curved spine tends to press against the lungs and heart, physical activity can be limited and strenuous.
  • Inexplicable back pain in adolescents that cannot be relieved.

Sometimes, the symptoms may not be too aggravated, but screening is still required to catch the condition early. Get immediate medical care if: Scoliosis is a progressive disorder and children need to be screened regularly:

  • Pain and numbness in the lower limbs due to a twisted spine. This could lead to difficulty in walking.
  • Breathing problems due to the increased pressure on the lungs and heart.
  • Pain, weakness, and numbness in the lower extremities.
  • Non-stop lower back pain in children and adolescents.
  • Difficulty in bending forward (This may indicate to other pathological disorders).
  • Professional diagnosis required
  • Chronic, can last for years
  • Treatable with 8 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Scoliosis is majorly caused by genetic reasons. If the child’s parents or siblings were affected by scoliosis, the child is susceptible as well. Scoliosis progresses more rapidly in girls than in boys.

  • 80% of scoliosis cases are Idiopathic, which means, the reason is not determined conclusively.
  • Scoliosis is congenital and is already present at the time of birth.
  • Paralytic scoliosis occurs when the muscles around the spine don’t develop fully and the spine takes extra pressure as a result.
  • Neuro-muscular conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or polio can cause myopathic scoliosis.
  • Adults develop scoliosis due to deneration. It could come from conditions like osteoporosis or osteomalacia. They become susceptible to secondary scoliosis due to spine surgery as well.
  • Professional diagnosis required
  • Chronic, can last for years
  • Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

It is always recommended that children are screened every 4-6 months for early detection of scoliosis. Once diagnosed, the following steps are taken:

  • Specialized exercise regime: wall bar exercises, swiss ball exercises, foam roller stretches, and yoga poses can help with the condition.
  • Surgery: This step is taken only when the scoliosis is progressing rapidly.
  • Thoracic brace: Doctors prescribe a brace to limit the progression of scoliosis and contain the curvature below 50 degrees.
  • Biofeedback for scoliosis correction: QI Spine has a specialized treatment for functional scoliosis that corrects postural imbalance with their patented device. This also improves flexibility and strengthens the spine and the hip muscles.
  • Professional diagnosis required
  • Chronic, can last for years
  • Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

It is always recommended that children are screened every 4-6 months for early detection of scoliosis. Once diagnosed, the following steps are taken:

  • Specialized exercise regime: wall bar exercises, swiss ball exercises, foam roller stretches, and yoga poses can help with the condition.
  • Surgery: This step is taken only when the scoliosis is progressing rapidly.
  • Thoracic brace: Doctors prescribe a brace to limit the progression of scoliosis and contain the curvature below 50 degrees.
  • Biofeedback for scoliosis correction: QI Spine has a specialized treatment for functional scoliosis that corrects postural imbalance with their patented device. This also improves flexibility and strengthens the spine and the hip muscles.
  • Professional diagnosis required
  • Chronic, can last for years
  • Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

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Dr. Richa Bhatia

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