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Home >> Spine Problems >> Scoliosis Scoliosis Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. This over-curvature can cause the spinal canal to tighten. The spinal canal is a protective layer that covers the nerves of the spine. These nerves run from the arms and legs to the brain and serve as the body's message center.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Scoliosis most often attacks adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18 and is more commonly seen in females than males. While the exact cause of scoliosis is not understood, it is known that it is more prominent in women, it can be inherited genetically and it potentially stems from problems related to growth or the central nervous system. When scoliosis develops in girls prior to their first menstrual cycle, it is more likely to progress. When the onset is after the first menstrual cycle, the condition is likely to reach a point where it will stop progressing. In adolescents, symptoms of scoliosis include uneven shoulder blades, uneven ribs, or a waist that is shifted. This imbalance is most noticeable when the child bends over to touch his or her toes. Often a child with scoliosis will have one arm hang longer than the other or a waist that appears asymmetric. Adult Scoliosis In adults, scoliosis is often a byproduct of a pre-existing chronic disease such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia or disc degeneration. Also, previously untreated idiopathic curves from an untreated childhood or adolescent scoliosis can begin to degenerate because of the abnormal forces the discs have to handle from a lifetime of curvature. Either of these degenerative processes can cause a weakening in the spine, in which the spine can no longer properly support itself. Because of issues with spinal curve and abnormal load bearing, often untreated or progressive adolescent scoliosis can cause a problem in the adult as the curve degenerates. This can cause mechanical back pain and, if nerves get pinched, buttock and leg pains. In some cases, scoliosis is a side effect of another condition. Scoliosis can become painful when bone spurs stemming from scoliosis encroach on the space surrounding the spinal canal, which compresses the nerves. Scoliosis can cause weakness or numbness and tingling in the buttock or legs, making tasks as simple as walking seem challenging.
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Treatment for Adolescents In scoliosis, treatment options can vary from case to case. Sometimes treatment prescribed is called “watchful waiting” where the condition does not seem to be worsening. If the X-rays that are typically taken two to three times a year show no changes, no additional treatment is needed. When the disease seems to be getting progressively worse, a brace may be prescribed. The brace is worn a few hours a day until the child is finished growing. In severe cases where the spine curves into the internal organs such as the lungs and the heart, or if the deformity is so large the health of the spine is at risk, surgery may be necessary. Surgery may also be necessary if the condition causes pain. In surgery, the vertebrae are fused together. Rods are placed in the spine to help straighten the spine. Here at SpineAustin, the latest surgical advances (fourth generation techniques) are used to minimize the levels fused, maximize the correction, and avoid bracing in the post-operative period. In severe cases where the spine curves into the internal organs such as the lungs and the heart, surgery may be necessary. Surgery may also be necessary if the condition causes constant pain or chest pain. In surgery, some discs are removed and the vertebrae are together. Rods are placed in the spine to help straighten additionally. In most cases of scoliosis, physical activity is encouraged since it helps to strengthen muscles and ligaments surround the spine and increases flexibility. Formal physical therapy may be prescribed to some adolescents with scoliosis to help with this. |
Treatment for Adults Surgery options for scoliosis are very complex and must include considerations of spinal balance, spinal stenosis (nerve root pinching), and curve correction. The good news is that if non-operative treatment fails, surgery can often provide good results in terms of pain relief and function improvement. Your surgeon can educate you on benefits, risks, and alternatives. Surgeries can include laminectomy and spinal fusion. However, surgery is usually only recommended in those patients who have nerve or degenerative pain that steadily worsens. The goal of surgery is to lessen pain and, most of all, improve function. For osteoporosis, less invasive and more common treatment alternatives include augmenting the diet with vitamin D and calcium supplements and strength training through weight-bearing activities. For some patients this non-invasive approach has been shown to slow the progression of scoliosis. The surgeons at SpineAustin are the only surgeons in Central Texas who are experienced in the complex problem of adult scoliosis. Resources Information on scoliosis from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) Information on scoliosis from the Scoliosis Association, Inc. Info on scoliosis for parents from FamilyDoctor.org In-depth review of scoliosis from the Scoliosis Research Society Glossary of scoliosis from terms the Scoliosis Research Society
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