Scoliosis

Different scoliosis types include congenital, early onset, adolescent, degenerative, neuromuscular, and Scheuermann's kyphosis scoliosis.

Scoliosis usually is evident however there are scoliosis symptoms that vary depending on an individual’s age. Here are the symptoms:

Symptoms in adolescents

One of the common scoliosis forms is present in an adolescent and is referred to as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It involves affecting individuals ranging from 10-18 years of age. So, the warning symptoms are:

• The ribs seem to be of varying heights on each side.
• The head can feel a bit off-centre.
• One hip becomes more prominent than the other one.
• The hanging of clothes doesn’t appear evenly.
• One shoulder height seems to be higher than the other.
• The legs appear of different lengths.

Symptoms in infants

Here are the scoliosis symptoms in infants:

• There will be a bulge on the chest.
• Body curved to one side when lying consistently.
• There can be issues with the heart and lungs causing breath shortness and chest pain.

Following are some of probable scoliosis causes:

• Neuromuscular conditions can be one of the primary cause as it leads to causing damage to muscles and nerves.
• Congenital scoliosis is also there as it is present in an individual since birth hence it can occur if the spine is developed abnormally.
• According to studies, another cause is specific genes as they play a vital role in growing the condition.
• If an individual has one leg shorter and one longer, then it causes scoliosis.
• Syndromic scoliosis is also there as it involves neurofibromatosis.
• Osteoporosis is also one of the primary scoliosis causes because of bone degeneration.
• There are other causes as well such as connective tissue disorders, carrying backpacks, bad posture, and spinal injuries.

It is very important to reach out to a doctor if an individual experience or notice any scoliosis symptoms in the child or adult. Mild curves can grow without knowing anyone as it tends to appear slowly and don’t cause pain often.

The doctor will begin by carrying out a physical evaluation of the shoulders, hips, ribs, and spine. There will be the use of an instrument known as an inclinometer as it helps in measuring the severity of scoliosis.

There will be a recommendation for imaging scans as well by the doctor. It includes MRI scans, CT scans, and X-rays. This will benefit the doctor in assessing the location, curve angle, direction, and shape. Further, the doctor might also recommend visiting an orthopaedic doctor if he/she figures out that the matter is serious.

There is no requirement for treatment for mild scoliosis but your doctor will initiate X-rays to keep a check on understanding the condition's severity. If the doctor suggests a scoliosis treatment, then here is what it usually includes:

• Braces are one of the scoliosis treatments your doctor might recommend. It is because kids who are growing can wear a brace around the torso as it benefits in preventing the curve from getting worse. They are often produced from plastic and can be worn for 24 hours a day. They aren’t visible under the clothes and don’t prevent you from initiating regular activities.
• Spinal fusion surgery is also suggested in which the doctor will begin by putting bone pieces between the spine bones. They will include the usage of hardware so that bones are in place until they develop together. The surgery can benefit in lessening the spine curve and also prevent it from getting worse.
• Your doctor might also recommend spine and rib-based growing operations. It is initiated to correct the additional probability of scoliosis among growing children. The doctor will begin by attaching the rods to the spine or ribs with hardware. The doctor keeps adjusting the rod's length with growing age.

The Calcutta Medical Research Institute, Kolkata is a renowned multi-special hospital offering healthcare services to patients for decades. We have a team of skilled and expert surgeons having years of experience in their speciality area. They also have efficient know-how of the latest and advanced technologies that we have incorporated into our hospital.

With the assistance of advanced technologies, it becomes effortless for our doctors to ensure fast, economical, and hassle-free healthcare services to patients.

If you observe the signs of scoliosis in your child, then ensure to get in touch with us. We have a specific department for orthopaedics integrated with a team of expert doctors.

They will ensure the diagnosis of the issue efficiently and will go the extra mile to give you the best care.