Scoliosis

Good Morning! This is The Field Guide to Back and Neck Pain, the newsletter to stay up to date on treatments and symptoms of back pain, neck pain and other chronic pain conditions. Welcome to all new readers! To those that have been here before, thank you, it’s so good to see you again.

Here is what you can expect from today’s edition:

• What is Scoliosis?

• How can Scoliosis be treated?

• News: Owning a dog can extend your life

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. In individuals with scoliosis, the spine curves to the side, often forming an "S" or "C" shape when viewed from the front or back. This condition can affect people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents, especially during periods of rapid growth.

Scoliosis can vary in severity from very mild to extreme. For this reason, it affects people in different ways. In mild cases, patients may experience little to no symptoms. In more extreme cases it can severely limit the patient’s ability to go about normal daily activities.

What Causes Scoliosis?

There are several types and causes of scoliosis, including:

• Idiopathic scoliosis: This is the most common type and has no clear cause. It often develops during adolescence and is more common in girls than boys.

• Congenital scoliosis: This type is present at birth and results from abnormal spinal development during fetal development.

• Neuromuscular scoliosis: It is associated with conditions that affect the nerves and muscles, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

• Degenerative scoliosis: This type typically occurs in older adults as a result of degenerative changes in the spine, such as osteoarthritis.

What Are The Symptoms of Scoliosis?

The symptoms of scoliosis can vary from mild to severe, and it may be asymptomatic or cause various symptoms, including back pain, uneven shoulders or waist, and postural changes.

Who Is At Risk of Developing Scoliosis?

Some of the factors and groups at increased risk for scoliosis include:

• Age: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type and typically develops during the growth spurt that occurs just before puberty, between the ages of 10 and 15. However, scoliosis can also occur in infants (congenital scoliosis) and adults (degenerative scoliosis).

• Gender: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is more common in females than in males. Girls are more likely to have progressive forms of scoliosis that require treatment.

• Family history: There is a genetic component to scoliosis, and individuals with a family history of the condition are at a higher risk of developing it themselves.

• Other medical conditions: Certain neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida, can increase the risk of developing scoliosis. These conditions can affect the muscles and nerves that support the spine.

• Structural abnormalities: People with congenital spine abnormalities present at birth are at increased risk of developing scoliosis.

Keep reading to learn how Scoliosis can be treated!

Laugh through the pain…

Scoliosis Treatment

Scoliosis can occur in any part of the spine including the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. The treatment for each region is generally the same.

Let’s review some treatments for scoliosis:

Treatment for scoliosis depends on the degree of curvature, the patient's age, and the underlying cause. Mild cases may only require monitoring, while more severe cases may be treated with bracing or surgery to correct the curvature and prevent further progression. Physical therapy and exercises may also be recommended to help manage the condition and improve posture and muscle strength. Injections like nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablations may also be considered to treat the pain from scoliosis.

Ask your doctor to examine you if you are concerned that scoliosis could be contributing to your neck or back pain symptoms.

In the news…

Owning a dog has many benefits, but did you know it can improve your health and extend your life?

In case you missed it…

Resources

Check out our resources below to help get the most out of your doctor’s appointments. Or get them for FREE by sharing this newsletter with a friend! See the Referrals Section below.

Advertising in the Field Guide to Back and Neck Pain

Interested in advertising directly to readers of this newsletter? Get in touch today by responding directly to this email.

About the Author

Les is an invaluable member of the team! He is the Lead Writer for the Field Guide to Back and Neck Pain newsletter. However, Les Payne is just a Pen Name to protect the identity of our expert Lead Writer who is an actively practicing, board-certified expert in the treatment and prevention of back and neck pain as well as other acute and chronic pain conditions. He has years of experience in this field and has treated over 15,000 patients with pain of all kinds!

Disclaimer: This publication is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this publication or website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No provider-patient relationship is created by this publication or web site or its use. Neither the administrator nor its employees, nor any contributor to this publication or web site, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.