Scoliosis Causes and Symptoms

Scoliosis Causes and Symptoms

Scoliosis, a spinal defect with an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, has numerous symptoms & links to many different causes. 

Diagnosing Scoliosis of the Spine?

Normally, the spine contains a forward-backward curve but when the spine curves sideways, it becomes scoliosis. For a doctor to diagnose scoliosis, the Cobb angle must be greater than 10 degrees. The Cobb Angle measures the curvature of the spine.  For scoliosis, this is the angle of maximum deviation from a straight spine. The condition appears during growth spurts in children between the ages of 10 and 15. It is referred to as Pediatric Scoliosis and at this age easily corrected and maintained to prevent the progression or worsening of the condition. 

When scoliosis appears after puberty, doctors refer to it as Adult Scoliosis. At this stage, the bones of the spine are completely developed and the adjustments are more limited. Depending on the Cobb Angle, scoliosis can appear as mild, moderate, or severe. Mild Scoliosis appears when the Cobb angle gets between 10 and 25 degrees. In Moderate Scoliosis, the Cobb Angle appears between 25 and 40 degrees. Angles above 40 degrees become designated as Severe Scoliosis. 

Doctors can stop Mild and Moderate Scoliosis from progressing in many children and most do not usually require surgery. Patients are advised to visit their spine doctors for regular checkups to monitor the curve. X-ray images are taken and used to monitor the progression of the condition. 

Severe scoliosis usually presents complications ranging from malformed posture to breathing problems. This type usually requires surgery to correct. 

Types of Scoliosis

The following are two reasons for the different classifications of scoliosis. Two reasons are as follows:

• Based on the Nature of the Curve
• Based on the Cause of Curvature

Because of the nature of the curve, scoliosis has different identities

Structural Scoliosis

This is also known as True Scoliosis. The curve becomes permanent due to a previous medical condition or injury. It appears as the most common type of scoliosis and it affects the structure of the spine and its alignment. 

Congenital Scoliosis 

This develops in the womb and before birth. It occurs from the malformation of the vertebrae, due to genetic problems. The child comes into the world with spinal curvature.

Degenerative Scoliosis

This type occurs in adults and affects the lower back. It occurs due to aging and progressive degeneration of intervertebral joints in adults. 

Idiopathic Scoliosis

Doctors use this term when the cause of Scoliosis is unknown.  This type appears as the most common type in children and adolescents. It affects the thoracic region of the spine.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis

This typically occurs due to neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. It can also be referred to as Myopathic Scoliosis. 

Non-Structural Scoliosis

This often gets referred to as Functional Scoliosis and the curve in this type appears temporary and does not refer to the structure of the spine. Non-Structural Scoliosis can occur due to:

• Muscular Spasms

Muscle spasms caused by severe muscle strains can slowly result in functional scoliosis.

• Inflammation

When inflammation occurs along the back or spine, it can lead to side curvature of the spine.  Then, inflammation can be a direct result of an injury.

• Differences in leg heights

This puts a strain on the spine during movement due to the imbalance that a difference in leg height causes.

Causes of Scoliosis 

• Cerebral palsy 
• Birth defects
• Genetic conditions like Down’s syndrome
• Muscular dystrophy
• Tumors 
• Spinal infection
• Previous surgery, maybe during birth.

Doctors know that other conditions like aging and disc degeneration usually occur with adult scoliosis. As one grows older, especially after the age of 40, the bones and muscles become weaker and might not support the body.

Conditions that contribute to adult scoliosis include:

• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Trauma to the Spine 

Symptoms of Scoliosis

• A Visible Curve in the Back 
• Tilted Pelvis 
• Uneven Positioning of the Shoulder Blades
• Uneven Length of Arms and Legs
• A Bulge to One Side 
• Ribs Sticking out to One Side

Other non-visible symptoms include;

• Fatigue from Strain of Muscles
• Lower Back Pain 
• Stiffness of the Back 
• Pain and Numbness in the legs due to compression of nerves in the lower back.

How to Straighten the Spine of Adults with Scoliosis

Treatment of scoliosis usually focuses first on relieving pain and improving the general well-being of the patient — rather than fixing the alignment of the curve. Treatment courses are usually determined by age, health, and the degree of the curve. These factors help the Spine Specialist choose the treatment option that will work the best for each and every patient.   

They include:

Sex

Females are more susceptible to scoliosis progression than males are and doctors take this into account when treating females.  

Severity Scale

Doctors determine the severity by the extent and shape of the curve. Also, they manage Mild and Moderate Scoliosis with regular checkups and the use of braces. However, severe scoliosis usually requires surgery to correct, especially in adults.

Age

The age of the patient determines the extent of bone maturity. Therefore, age is important for doctors to devise treatment plans that also encompass the growth of bones. For instance, braces are more effective when the bones can still grow.

Position of Curve

The position of the curve, whether at the thoracic region, center, or lower spine determines the progress of the curve. For example, curves at the center are more likely to worsen than curves at the upper or lower spine. Straightening the spine of an adult with scoliosis incorporates two methods.  

Conservative Treatment for Scoliosis Causes and Symptoms

This involves the use of non-operative or nonsurgical methods to manage and monitor the curve.  As such, smoking should be immediately stopped as it can speed up the degenerative process and make treatment less effective.

Conservative treatment methods include:

Bracing 

Children and adolescents with Mild or Moderate Scoliosis can wear braces to mainly prevent further curvature and not to reverse scoliosis. Additionally, braces are effective when the bones are still growing and the alignment of the spine can change. Therefore, patients should wear braces at night to ensure maximum effectiveness. 

Braces do not restrict a person from partaking in their everyday activities. If they wish to participate in more physical activities, they can take it off and put it back on after. When the bones stop growing, braces become ineffective.  

The most common types of braces: 

Thoracolumbosacral Braces

These fit neatly around the spinal curve and are visible under clothing.

Milwaukee Brace

This is a torso type of brace and It has a neck ring for resting the chin and back of the head.

Casting

In congenital scoliosis in infants, the doctor can use plaster casting as an alternative to bracing as it helps the baby’s spine grow uniformly and ensures proper alignment. Since it will be worn most of the time, it is highly effective in growing babies. Because their bones remain fragile and easily adjusted, the bracing will not normally cause a complication.  Moreover, the casting will get changed as the child grows to allow for even growth.

Exercise 

Mild and Low-Impact exercises can strengthen the core back muscles and adjust the posture. As an example, exercises like swimming help with straightening the back and conditioning the muscles. 

Regular Checkups

The patient needs to see the doctor for regular checkups to monitor any progress of the curve. To do this, the doctor will make physical observations and uses x-rays to monitor the curve. In Mild and Moderate Scoliosis, conventional pain relief medicine helps to eliminate pain.

Epidural Injections

These injections work well for pain management when conventional pain relief drugs do not work. In addition, nerve blocks and spinal injections reduce the pain felt by nerves under pressure and muscle strain. 

Surgical Treatment for Scoliosis Causes and Symptoms

Finally, surgery is usually considered a last resort in the treatment of scoliosis due to the risks associated with it. Thus, our doctors view surgery as needed for Severe Scoliosis or young people due to cosmetic reasons. Surgery is decided when the spine specialist determines that the benefits outweigh the risks. Some of the risks associated with the surgeries include;

• Displacement of Rods 
• Nerve Damage 
• Pseudoarthrosis
• Spinal Infection

Spinal Fusion Surgery 

This involves the use of rods, pieces of bone, or similar material between the bones in the spine. For this important procedure, doctors use hardware to hold the bones in place until they grow together, or fuse. The surgery can lessen the curve in the spine as well as keep it from getting worse.

Why Choose Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Specialists

Orthopedics is a specialty of our doctors and surgeons at Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute. They understand your concerns, can answer your questions regarding your condition, and know how to use their specialized knowledge to assist you.  Richard Hostin, MD, Devesh Ramnath, MD, Ishaq Syed, MD, Shyam Kishan, MD, and Kathryn Wiesman, MD, have many years of training and experience in Spine and Back Pain for kids, adolescents, young adults, and seniors and can help people of all ages get back to living the life they love.

The following are just a few of the many reasons why patients might choose Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute.

• Expertise in the spine: The team of specialists at Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute is spine experts.  They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions, ensuring the best possible care for their patients.
• Cutting-edge technology: Our practice uses the latest technology and techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions.  In addition, we use minimally invasive procedures that reduce pain and promote faster recovery.
• Comprehensive care: Our practice offers a full range of services, from diagnostic imaging and physical therapy to surgery.  We ensure that patients receive complete, seamless care for their spinal conditions.
• Dedicated facilities: Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute is dedicated to providing patients with a safe and comfortable environment.

Finally, our board-certified physicians and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons use the full range of treatments to treat their spine patients. Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute’s experts offer cutting-edge technology, comprehensive care, and dedicated facilities in Dallas, Plano, and Frisco, Texas to ensure the best possible care for their patients. Get in touch with us today at 214-556-0555 to schedule an appointment.

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Mayo Clinic – Scoliosis
National Institute of Health – Scoliosis Symptoms and Treatment