Scoliosis

Scoliosis can be present at birth or develop over time, and can result from various factors such as genetics, spinal infection, traumatic injury, disorders, and more. Adult onset scoliosis (also known as degenerative scoliosis) is attributed to the degeneration that comes along with aging. 

The three main types of scoliosis are idiopathic scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis and congenital scoliosis. 

• Idiopathic scoliosis happens for no known reason, occurs in people of all ages and is the most prevalent type of scoliosis 
• Neuromuscular scoliosis typically results from a neuromuscular disorder such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or spina bifida
• Congenital scoliosis occurs during fetal growth, and is the result of a developmental abnormality

Symptoms of scoliosis include uneven shoulders, ribcage and hips, a compensatory gait and asymmetrical posture. Some may experience chronic pain in the lower back and extremities and for others, scoliosis can be disabling.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of scoliosis or notice them in your child, consult with your doctor or a spinal specialist to get an official diagnosis and understand the severity of your condition. 

During the diagnosis process, your doctor may ask detailed questions about your family and medical history. Since scoliosis may develop during the growth spurt prior to puberty, when diagnosing your child, your doctor may ask about recent growth.

To confirm a diagnosis of scoliosis, your doctor may conduct a series of tests or scans. 

• Adam’s Forward Bend Test: During this test, your doctor will ask you to bend forward at the waist with your legs straight and feet together to reveal any irregularities in the shape of the spine
• X-ray: This test produces a detailed image of the spinal structure and can show signs of fracture, infection and other issues
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan: Your doctor may conduct an MRI scan to get a better view of your spine’s discs, nerves and vertebrae
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans provide detailed images of the spine’s structure and may be used as an alternative to MRI scans

While both MRI and CT scans can be used to get a better view of the spine and confirm a scoliosis diagnosis, they can also be used to discover other issues causing the curvature such as a growth or tumor.

After a diagnosis of scoliosis is confirmed, your doctor may conduct further tests to determine the curve’s location, shape and degree. A C-type curvature occurs when the spine has a single curve, creating a “C” shape. Those diagnosed with an S-type curvature have two curves in their spine.

While scoliosis isn’t curable, the right treatment plan can help you prevent its progression and improve spinal alignment. Mild cases of scoliosis don’t usually require surgery, and instead, a conservative treatment plan can be implemented. Your doctor may suggest chiropractic modalities or physical therapy to support and stabilize your spine. 

A brace may be suggested to stop the curve’s progression, and are typically recommended for children as their bones are still developing. For pain relief, your doctor may suggest an epidural steroid injection or facet injection — a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate pain and inflammation. 

Depending on the severity, extent and type of deformity, surgery may be recommended. In this surgery, your doctor will correct the deformity by inserting interbody spacers into your spine and use rods and screws to maintain the correction while the fusion heals. This surgery will correct spinal alignment, restore disc height and alleviate pressure and pain.