If an individual is experiencing a lot of pain associated with scoliosis, it is necessary to do a full workup to determine the cause.
Uneven shoulders. One prominent shoulder blade. Uneven waist or hips.
If the curve is mild, the doctor might want to monitor the curve to make sure it doesn’t get worse. The patient’s age, sex, curve type, and curve placement will be taken into account when deciding what treatment to pursue. Additionally, your doctor will evaluate any family history as well as any associated pain. [7] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
The shape of the curve. Scoliosis is either structural, with a side to side curve and twisting of the vertebrae, or nonstructural, with a simple side to side curve and no twisting. The location of the curve. The vertebrae located at the highest part of the hump, called the apical vertebrae, is used to define the scoliosis. The direction of the curve. The doctor will determine whether the curve bends to the left or right as part of the description of the individual’s particular progression. This is important to take into consideration for treatments and possible issues that may arise if the spine interferes with other internal physiological processes. The magnitude of the curve. The angle and length of the curve are measured as well. This measurement will help to define the severity, as well as the necessary corrective alignment that needs to be achieved to bring the spine back to a more natural state. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
Curve type — Rated on a severity scale of 1-6. Lumbar spine modifier — Rated on a scale of A-C. Sagittal thoracic modifier — Rated as either, (-) negative, N, or (+) positive. This modifier, which measures what is known as the Cobb angle, assigns a value of either -, N, or +, depending on the angle of kyphosis, or curvature, of the spine. [11] X Research source Stirling AJ, Howel D, Millner PA, et al. Late-onset idiopathic scoliosis in children six to fourteen years old. A cross-sectional prevalence study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1996 Sep. 78(9):1330-6
Cases caused by birth defects, called congenital scoliosis, which is much more severe and typically calls for more extensive treatment. Neuromuscular scoliosis, which is when there are problems when the spine develops. This develops in people with other disorders, such as cerebral palsy, a spinal cord injury, or a damaged nervous system. [13] X Research source Functional scoliosis, which is a form where the spine develops normally but becomes abnormal because of a problem somewhere else in the body, such as one leg being shorter than the other or muscle spasms of the back. [14] X Research source
It’s important to have any type of scoliosis monitored as soon as it’s detected. Your treatment regimen will be personalized and dependent on your own situation on a case-by-case basis. Your doctor will assess and provide you the best treatment regimen.
There are two types of braces, soft braces and hard plastic braces. The type of brace a physician prescribes depends on a number of factors, such as the location and size of the curve as well as the age and activity level of the patient. The sex of the patient is also important, since girls have a higher risk of progression than boys. Some braces are worn only at night, while others are worn up to 23 hours a day. It’s important to wear your brace as often as recommended to ensure that it works properly.
Spinal fusion surgery involves connecting vertebrae together so the spine can’t curve. The doctor will implant a metal rod or similar device to keep the spine from further increasing its curvature after surgery. The procedure differs depending on the type of scoliosis and the age of the patient. Your doctor will assess the severity of your condition as well as responses to other treatments in order to determine if this procedure may be an option. Most patients with neuromuscular scoliosis will eventually need this kind of surgery to fix the curve in the spine. [19] X Research source
Physical therapy may serve the same purpose as participation in a sport or physical activity. Being active is helpful for adults with scoliosis as well.
If you decide to pursue chiropractic treatment, be sure to see a licensed chiropractor who doesn’t make promises that aren’t scientifically backed. The American Chiropractic Association has a search feature that will help you find a chiropractic doctor in your area. To find a good chiropractor, ask your doctor who she would recommend. You can also ask your family or friends. Before you go in for an appointment, talk to the chiropractor, either on the phone or in person, about his or her practice, how the practice is run, and if he or she can help with chiropractic manipulation. [22] X Research source There is also no evidence that chiropractic treatment makes a difference when it comes to a scoliosis curve, but it can help with the pain associated with scoliosis.
Acupuncture is a method that can help reduce the pain of scoliosis. Also try yoga or massage for back pain. These methods have not been proven to affect the curve of the spine, but they are both safe and effective ways to deal with back pain since they loosen and strengthen the muscles. [24] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Although no major, long term studies have been done, almost 70% of patients saw some improvement in symptoms during the course of this study. [26] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
The effectiveness of the treatment and the levels of ES are constantly checked by the physical therapist. Although this is still a controversial treatment.
