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Diagnosis & Treatment Of Scoliosis
Scoliosis, the lateral curvature of the spine, affects 2% of women and 0.5% of men. This condition is often detected in children and adolescents during school physicals or routine checkups with their pediatricians. More than 80% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, or have no known cause. Other types of scoliosis include:
- Congenital Scoliosis – Related to a bone abnormality present at birth.
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis – Often accompanies conditions related to abnormal muscles or nerves such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy.
- Degenerative Scoliosis – Can occur at any age and may result from traumatic spine injury, previous major back surgery, or osteoporosis
Symptoms
Physical indications that a patient has scoliosis include uneven shoulders, a prominent shoulder blade, uneven waist, or leaning to one side. Adults suffering from degenerative scoliosis may complain of progressively debilitating lower back and leg pain.
Scoliosis is confirmed through careful bone examination and a spinal X-ray. This diagnostic imaging makes it possible to evaluate the magnitude of curve in the patient’s spine.
Treatment
“Several factors influence the type of treatment utilized for each individual patient,” said Samuel Chewning, MD, of Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, “including age, if the bones are still maturing, the amount of curvature, and the degree to which pain is impacting quality of life.”
While scoliosis patients should remain active and fit, non-invasive treatments that are often effective with other spine disorders, such as exercise programs, manipulation and physical therapy, do not prevent the progression of scoliosis.
Adolescents with significant idiopathic scoliosis are usually monitored observed at regular intervals every four to six months, using a physical exam and X-ray. The Upright MRI®, now available at Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, is the first radiation-free imaging tool to monitor patients with scoliosis. (See related article)
Bracing
Bracing is often utilized with adolescents who have a spinal curve between 25 to 40 degrees. The purpose is to stop the spinal curve from progressing. This is usually a temporary solution.
Surgery
Surgery is reserved for patients suffering from curves beyond 40 to 50 degrees. The purpose is to prevent the spinal curve from getting worse, but surgery does not necessarily result in a perfectly straight spine. The procedure involves using metallic implants to correct some of the curvature and hold the spine in position, as well as permanent spinal fusion.
“There are no simple answers,” said Samuel Chewning, MD, of Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates. “Our goal is to assess, monitor and provide treatment to adults and children with scoliosis so that they can lead as productive and active lives as possible.”
To learn more about scoliosis diagnosis and treatment, call 800-344-6716.
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