Stalling Scoliosis

You suffer from back pain. You know it isn’t from arthritis or some other similar affliction. You suspect it might be from scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional abnormality of the spine and trunk in which the spine twists and curves to the side. It affects 2 to 3 percent of the population or an estimated six to nine million people in the United States. Although the condition is commonly associated with children and teens, it can affect people at any age, and any or all of the three major regions of the spine—central, thoracic and lumbar.

When children and teens are diagnosed with the condition, parents may jump to blame themselves, thinking there is something they could have done to prevent it. While carrying a heavy backpack or having poor posture may be associated with spine and back conditions, they do not cause scoliosis.

In roughly 8 out 10 cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. This is called idiopathic scoliosis. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type and is usually diagnosed during puberty. Approximately 30 percent of all adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis have a family history of the condition.

Less commonly, scoliosis may be caused by the bones of the spine not forming properly in the womb. This is known as congenital scoliosis and it usually is detected at a young age.

Neuromuscular scoliosis can result from an underlying nerve or muscle condition such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord trauma, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy or spina bifida. Finally, there is degenerative scoliosis, caused by wear and tear on the spine with age.

The telltale signs of scoliosis include a visibly curved spine, head tilted slightly to one side, asymmetry of the rib cage (ribs may be at different heights), leaning to one side, uneven shoulders, and one shoulder or hip sticking out on one side. In adults, the most common symptoms are pain and a visible bulge on the back at the site of the pain.

The specific treatment recommended by your doctor will depend on your age, how severe the curve is and whether it is likely to get worse with time. Older children may wear a back brace to prevent the curve from getting worse while they are still growing. Sometimes surgery may be necessary to control the growth of the spine.

Historically, scoliosis treatments were limited to bracing or surgery. Now, there is another nonsurgical treatment option available: the Schroth method, a personalized physical therapy regimen that can be directed and supervised only by a Schroth-certified physical therapist.

But the majority of cases can be managed by nonsurgical means through regular observation by a doctor, over-the-counter pain medications, and core-strengthening exercises to strengthen your abdomen and back and to improve flexibility. If you smoke, it is important that you quit. Smoking has been shown to accelerate the degenerative process.

In most cases, your doctor will recommend some forms of physical therapy, to improve elasticity, maintain strength and relieve pain. These may include:

·       Daily stretching

·       Staying active

·       Working to improve your posture

·       Doing low-impact exercises, such as swimming

If pain is not relieved by oral medications or physical therapy, your doctor may suggest epidural (given around the spinal cord) or nerve block injections for more effective relief.

Surgery may be recommended in some cases of adult scoliosis. It may be the last option due to the risks of spinal surgery. Surgery may be used to address pain, spinal imbalance, and to improve quality of life.

But the first line of care is usually non-operative treatment along with physical therapy, a regular exercise program and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Maintaining an ideal body weight and workout schedule is a great way to combat the difficulties associated with adult scoliosis.

If you or loved one should get a diagnosis of scoliosis, it’s good to know that most people can lead normal lives and do most activities including sports and exercise. Surgery and bracing are just two of the options available, and it may be that pain medication, spinal injections or physical therapy are enough to help you live a pain-free and enjoyable life.