What is Scoliosis
Idiopathic scoliosis is a condition of the growing spine and is defined as an abnormal lateral (side to side) curve measuring 10 degrees or more on a standing x-ray using the Cobb’s angle method.
The factors that influence scoliosis include genetics, medical conditions, birth defects, age, degree of the curve, Risser sign and maturation.
Scoliosis is divided into 3 categories:
Congenital – meaning from birth, which affects 10% of scoliosis cases.
Neuromuscular – which is associated with conditions like Marfans Syndrome ,which affects 10% of scoliosis cases
Idiopathic Scoliosis – condition of the growing spine, which affects 80% of scoliosis cases.
Signs and symptoms of Idiopathic scoliosis are:
- shoulders that are different heights.
- one shoulder blade which is more prominent than the other.
- the head which is not centred directly above the pelvis.
- the appearance of a raised, prominent hip.
- the rib cage appears to be different heights.
- an uneven waist.
- leaning of entire body to one side.
If you have picked up any of these signs or symptoms and have not yet had a medical consultation, please contact us at your earliest convenience.
Idiopathic scoliosis is present in 2 to 4% of the global population, and is most prominent in adolescents between the ages of 10 and 17 years of age. This condition is more prevalent in girls than boys. There are 26 different types of scoliosis curves that present in the spine.
All children ages 8 to 9 years and older are encouraged to be screened for scoliosis. The earlier the condition is picked up the better the condition is managed. Dubal-Beaupere found an intimate relation between the velocity of growth of the upper body and the progression of a scoliosis curve. It is incredibly important to seek treatment as early as possible, to start managing the condition for a better outcome. Even if the symptoms are noticed in late adolescence or adulthood, early treatment is advised.
Click here to find out more about the types of braces used in scoliosis treatment.
For more research on the effect of braces in treatment, click here.
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Each case of scoliosis is unique, and severity and progression is different for everyone. The progression of the curve is affected by:
- genetic insult.
- degree of curve
- velocity of growth and maturation
- age
- the starting time of treatment.
- Exercise – level of activity
Scoliosis Bracing
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