How To Tell If You Have Scoliosis

What is Scoliosis?

Medical condition where the spine curves sideways is a signs of scoliosis. A person with scoliosis either has a C- or S-shaped curved spine. Scoliosis can sometimes be linked to muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, birth defect, and spina bifida. The structural curve of a patient who has scoliosis is permanent and can be caused by another condition. On the other hand, a nonstructural curve is only temporary and can disappear in due time.

Signs of Scoliosis

Uneven shoulders blades: one shoulder is prominently higher than the other one.

The spine line is not straight.

Uneven waist angle: there is a gap between the arm to the trunk and is wider on one side.

The head is not centered on the body.

One hip is more prominent than the other hip.

You can conduct an X-ray or perform a Forward Bend Test, also called as “Adam’s Test” to detect for possible scoliosis.

Diagnosis

Around eighty percent of patients are diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. These signs of Scoliosis is more commonly diagnosed in children between ten to fifteen years old. Idiopathic Scoliosis can be classified into three:

Infantile: 0 to 3 years old
Juvenile: 4 to 9 years old
Adolescent: 10 years old until their teen years

12 to 21 percent of Idiopathic Scoliosis occurs in children between 3 to 10 years old, and less than one percent in infants. Girls have ten times more chances of curve progression.

Severity of Scoliosis

An Angle of the Trunk Rotation (ATR) is the tool used to determine the extent and severity of the spinal curve. ATR is usually being measured in degrees.

Mild Scoliosis: Less than 20 degrees
Moderate Scoliosis: Between 25 to 70 degrees
Severe Scoliosis: More than 70 degrees
Very Severe Scoliosis: Over 100 degrees

Treatment of Scoliosis

The treatment of scoliosis would be based on the age of the patient, the size of the curves, and the risk of progression. Here are three ways of treating scoliosis.

Braces: Braces can be used to delay scoliosis. However, it cannot reverse the effect of scoliosis.
Surgery: For most severe cases, patients can opt for surgery in order to help straighten the spine. But if you choose this treatment, there are risks and after effects that you should consider. Your doctor can thoroughly explain this to you.
Rehabilitation: Exercising, stretching, and practicing good posture techniques are great ways to reduce and delay spine curvature.

Takeaway

Living with Scoliosis is not easy. Aside from an immense amount of pain, you won’t be able to do a lot of activities. In some severe cases, it can even hinder you from living your life to the fullest. However, you don’t have to face that pain alone. If you live in New Jersey, or anywhere near NJ, there is a pain management specialist who can help you manage your lower back pain. Dr. Ronak Patel is an expert when it comes to pain management.

To schedule an appointment, you can call him at (609) 269-4451 or click here.