Scoliosis is not a
condition that should be taken lightly, especially when it becomes
apparent in adults. Scoliosis is a condition that describes a deformity of
the lateral and rotational curves of the spinal cord. It is classified
according to when it developed. Congenital scoliosis is caused by
deformities that were present at birth and idiopathic scoliosis refers to
another stage of life such as adolescent or adult or if it is caused by
something like cerebral palsy or spinal muscular atrophy. In adults
scoliosis surgery is only performed if there is great deformity or if the
chance of it progressing is very large.
The cause of scoliosis
is largely unknown but it most often becomes apparent during adolescence.
The other forms of scoliosis are more rare but there is a marked
difference in the amount woman that suffers from it versus men. There are
various myths about the development of scoliosis such as bad posture,
sitting in awkward positions or sleeping on old or infirm mattresses.
Research has not found any correlation between these actions and the
development of scoliosis though recently researchers in Texas may have
found the gene that codes for the condition in humans. For the average
adolescent or adult, scoliosis surgery is often the simplest option but
not the only one.
In many early cases the
doctor will simply continue to observe the patient to make sure that it
does not progress. If there is progression then a brace is often
introduced to the patient. A brace is only ever used where there is still
bone growth that needs to occur in the patient and its main purpose is to
prevent the spine from deforming further to the point where surgery would
be necessary. In younger patients like infants or very small children the
brace is actually more of a jacket or cast than brace. In some cases
physical therapy has shown positive results but there is no research to
prove the advantages thereof. In extreme cases in adolescents or adults,
scoliosis surgery may be required.
As it has been
mentioned, adult scoliosis surgery is only done in cases where there is a chance
of progression or where the deformity results in severe pain or is
cosmetically unacceptable. The surgery entails straightening the spine and
then using a combination of bone grafts and metal rods to keep the spine
in the new position. Older methods lead to a variety of problems as the
patient ages, but newer techniques are proving to be more effective with
fewer, if not no, side effects as people age. While the methods are far
from perfect, it has helped many people suffering from scoliosis to lead
relatively normal lives.
Scoliosis can be a
seriously debilitating condition if not treated correctly. If there is a
history of this condition in your family check with your physician to
ensure that you are not in the danger area. Modern medicine has managed to
give people suffering from this condition a normal life if it is treated
early and
effectively.
