Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine bends to one side. If this bend is more than 100 in the spine radiograph, then it is called scoliosis. This looks like an S-shaped or C-shaped curve there. Children with scoliosis will have abnormal prominence of ribs in one side, or abnormal prominence of one hip, and sometimes one shoulder higher than the other. In most of the cases (more than 80 percent) of scoliosis cases, a specific cause is not known, and such cases are termed idiopathic. These are commonly found in adolescent girls.
Other less common varieties of scoliosis are due to Neuromuscular conditions or some birth defects in the spine called Congenital scoliosis.
How do you know the child has scoliosis or not?
-
One shoulder has seen higher than the other
-
Head tilted slightly to one side
-
A child will lean to one side.
-
One leg appears longer than the other.
-
One hip "protrudes out" more than the other.
-
The rib cage appears uneven or twisted - one side more prominent than the other. This is also called Rib hump.
Scoliosis usually does not cause back pain. Moreover, half of all teenagers suffer back pain due to many other causes like lumbosacral strain.
Scoliosis can be detected by a physical examination of the back by a doctor.
-
The doctor will examine from behind, checking for spine curvature, shoulder asymmetry, waistline asymmetry, and any trunk shift in a comfortable position.
-
There is a test named- forward bending test. The child will be asked to bend forward at the waist, if there is a curvature in the spine, it will result in rib prominence in the upper back and/or flank or waist prominence in the lower back.
-
Sociometer. This device will be put over the suspected scoliosis location to provide a "reading"—approximation of your spine's curvature.
-
If scoliosis is suspected, X-rays of the complete spine from the neck to the pelvis are routinely taken.
Consult the Spine Surgeon in Mangalore, if you have any concerns regarding side effects and treatment.
Treatment options for scoliosis are-
Observation with some spinal exercises, a regular check-up with the doctor once in 6 months to look for worsening of curvature. Done where curves are smaller than 25° to 30°.
Spinal Bracing is recommended for curves more than 25° but less than 45° in a growing child. A brace may stop the advancement of the curve(s) and, as a result, avoiding the need for spinal fusion surgery.
Surgery is recommended for those who have curves that are typically greater than 45° or 50° and/or are at a high risk of continuing to worsen even after they have stopped growing.
"Alternative" therapies? While yoga, physical therapy, and chiropractic treatments have not been clinically proved to prevent curve advancement, they can help to strengthen core muscles.
Surgery
Fusion surgery is now the most common treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. In most cases, the incision is done in the back of the patient. Metallic implants are placed in the spine and then connected to two rods to correct the curvature. This arrangement keeps the corrected spine in place until the vertebrae fuse together in the right position. Spinal fusion surgery will stop a curve from worsening. Typically, all children who underwent surgery recover fast. It takes around 6-7 days to leave the hospital after surgery and return to school after 3 weeks. 6 months after surgery child should be able to resume all the normal activities.
If you are looking for Scoliosis Treatment in Mangalore, then consult with the spine specialist in Mangalore at Manipal Hospital to know more about the process and available doctors.
Living with Scoliosis
Scoliosis patients benefit from physical activity in general. So, unless there is discomfort or specific instructions given by the treating doctor, one can keep doing the things he enjoys. Even with a spinal brace child can play or do routine activities. Keeping core muscles strong is beneficial to the back.
The backpack's weight is frequently an issue. While wearing a hefty backpack is bad for back and posture in general, it will not make scoliosis worse. However, maintaining the proper posture is very important in children.
If one comes to know that he or she has scoliosis, seek out a group of people who can provide assistance and give further knowledge about the problem. After you have gained their support, look for a group of other scoliosis patients who can share their stories and offer advice. This will boost the overall morale of the child. At the earliest child should take the family doctor’s advice or an expert opinion regarding the management. Scoliosis diagnosed early can be treated by simpler methods than those detected later with large curves.
It is of paramount importance that everyone knows about scoliosis and that it is a preventable or easily treatable condition. Early diagnosis and proper treatment is the key for success in these children. A child with scoliosis can live a normal active life like others.
Manipal Hospitals Mangalore is considered one of the best spine care hospital in Mangalore having a team of renowned physicians who follow a patient-centered approach to address unmet patient needs.
KMC Hospital, Dr. B R Ambedkar Circle, Mangalore
