Scoliosis how does it affect

Some people may also suffer from radicular or nerve pain , problems with digestion and some females also have menstrual cycle irregularities. Often times it can lead to an imbalanced appearance in the shoulders , hips, shoulder blades and ribs. You may also noticed a shift in the head, torso and pelvis. The more severe the curve, the more likely of having more serious side effects.

Another side effect people suffering from scoliosis may deal with is balance issues — especially when eyes are closed. Pair that with osteoarthritis that is also common, it becomes a bad combination for fractures from falling down at any age. Long term side effects are not good either. Scoliosis can lead to osteoarthritis and degenerative changes in the spine , hips and knees. If a case is severe enough, internal organs may also be compromised or severely damaged.

For some, a scoliosis brace might be helpful and surgery is sometimes an option. At our medical office in Scottsdale, our treatment for scoliosis is unique. We use motion patterns that are normalized through proprietary injection methods and exercises with the improvement of the spinal curvature. We almost never recommend surgery for scoliosis and believe mobilization is the proper treatment paradigm. We highly recommend a consultation with one of our physicians if you are experiencing pain from scoliosis.

The main reason surgery is not often recommended in the treatment of scoliosis is because it is rarely effective. Chiropractic treatment may improve the quality of life for a person with scoliosis. However, it is not a cure as it does not resolve the curvature of the spine. Research has not proven that chiropractic manipulations have benefits for scoliosis. People who wish to visit a chiropractor should take care to select one who specializes in scoliosis.

Receiving chiropractic treatment from a nonspecialist can make symptoms worse. Various exercises may help with scoliosis, and experts propose a range of strategies. However, they all aim to realign the spine, rib cage, shoulders, and pelvis to achieve a typical posture.

The authors of a study stated that there is growing evidence to suggest that exercises can help treat scoliosis. However, they noted that researchers need to do more studies to work out which exercises are most effective.

In severe cases, scoliosis can progress over time. In these cases, a doctor may recommend spinal fusion. This surgery reduces the curvature of the spine and prevents scoliosis from getting worse.

A surgeon may use metal rods, hooks, screws, or wires to hold a part of the spine straight while the bone heals. They may also use bone grafts to help the bone heal. Children can usually go back to school after 4—6 weeks and can take part in sports after between 3 and 6 months.

They should avoid sports that jar the back, such as horse riding and contact sports, for a year. In some cases, they may need to wear a back brace for about 6 months to support the spine. A doctor will only recommend spinal fusion if they expect the benefits to outweigh the risks. The risks include:. Scoliosis usually becomes apparent from infancy or adolescence. The most common form of scoliosis appears in adolescence and is known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

It can affect people between 10 and 18 years of age. Some types of scoliosis can cause back pain, but it is not usually very painful. This symptom is more common in older adults. If an infant does not receive treatment for scoliosis, they will be more at risk of problems later in life, such as impaired heart and lung function. The Scoliosis Association in the United Kingdom describe seven main types of scoliosis:.

A doctor will carry out a physical examination of the spine, ribs, hips, and shoulders. With the aid of a tool called an inclinometer, or scoliometer, the doctor can measure the degree of scoliosis. An angle greater than 10 degrees indicates scoliosis. Imaging scans such as X-rays , CT scans , and MRI scans can help the doctor assess the shape, direction, location, and angle of the curve. Scoliosis refers to an abnormally curved spine. The spine. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.

Elsevier; Scherl SA. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Clinical features, evaluation and diagnosis. Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Management and prognosis. Miller MD, et al. The adolescent: Scoliosis. In: Essential Orthopaedics. Kim W, et al. Clinical evaluation, imaging and management of adolescent idiopathic and adult degenerative scoliosis.

In: Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology. Azar FM, et al. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. Surgical treatment for scoliosis. Devlin VJ. Idiopathic scoliosis. In: Spine Secrets.

Larson AN expert opinion.