Scoliosis symptoms and prevention

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine to the side, which can occur in segments of the cervical (neck), thoracic (chest) or lumbar (waist). Approximately 4% of all children aged 10-14 years had scoliosis; 40-60% were found in girls.


CAUSE
There are three common causes of scoliosis:

Congenital (congenital), usually associated with an abnormality in the formation of vertebrae or fused ribs
Neuromuscular, poor muscle control or muscle weakness or paralysis due to the following diseases:
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Polio
- Osteoporosis juvenile
Idiopathic, the cause is unknown.


SYMPTOMS
Symptoms include:
- Abnormally curved spine towards the side
- Shoulder and / or left hip and right are not as high
- Back pain
- Fatigue in the spine after sitting or standing for long
- Severe scoliosis (a curvature of greater than 60o) can cause respiratory problems.

Most of the upper back, spine bends to the right and in the lower back, spine bends to the left; so that the right shoulder is higher than the left shoulder. Right hip may also be higher than the left hip.


Diagnosis
On physical examination the patient is usually asked to bend forward so that the examiner can determine the curvature is happening. Neurological examination (nerve) was conducted to assess the strength, sensation, or reflexes.

Other tests are commonly performed:

Spine x-rays
Measurements with scoliometer (a tool to measure the curvature of the spine)
MRI (if found neurological disorders or abnormalities on x-rays).


TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the cause, degree and location of the curve as well as the stage of bone growth. If the curvature is less than 20o, usually require no treatment, but patients should undergo regular examinations every 6 months.

In children who are still growing, the curvature usually increased to 25-30o, because it is usually advisable to use a brace (braces) to help slow the progression of spinal curvature. Milwaukee Brace from Boston & effective in controlling the progression of scoliosis, but it should be installed for 23 hours / day until the child stops growing. Brace ineffective in congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis.

If the curvature reaches 40o or more, usually with surgery. At surgery done to improve curvature and melting bones. Bone is maintained in place with the aid of metal tools 1-2 are attached to bones recovered (less than 20 years). After the surgery may need to be fitted brace to stabilize the spine. Sometimes elektrospinal given excitation, where the spinal muscles were stimulated with a low electrical current to straighten the spine.