If you notice your spine is twisted and sideways, chances are that it’s scoliosis. Scoliosis often makes work tough and causes pain too! Studies show about 2-3% of people in the U.S have this condition but there's no need to worry - doctors can help with a corrective brace or surgery depending on what kind of shape your body is really in. 

Scoliosis can happen or be visible when you are a child or teenager. The abnormality can be small, big, or appears to be indifferent sides of your spine. Remember, anything that measures around 10 degrees more in their x-rays is considered scoliosis. Doctors also use the letters C and S to describe the condition of the patient or scoliosis.

What is Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a bone problem that involves your spine. It occurs because of the spurting growth that children experience during their puberty. Muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy can also be reasons for scoliosis though there is no particular cause for it. Adolescents and children are the ones who predominantly suffer from these cases.

People who have scoliosis have mild symptoms. But, as they grow, the deformities can become severe as they develop their bones. Once it gets worse, it can lead to disability. Remember, a severe spinal curve reduces the space in your chest and enables your lungs and other organs to function correctly. 

Scoliosis symptoms should be monitored closely, especially in the case of children. Frequent X-rays are advisable to regulate the curve. Wearing braces is advisable to avoid the worsening of the curve. People also undergo surgery to straighten the spine and reduce the possibility of worsening the curve.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis

Spinal curvature that is more than 10 degrees is considered scoliosis. It does not matter if it appears lateral or sideways in your X-ray. It is still considered scoliosis. However, if you are at the early stages of scoliosis, you may not entirely feel the change of the curve in your body. 

The curvature in your spine is called scoliosis and it can be noticeable when you get to 20 degrees. When the curve gets worse, clothes hang unevenly or a side of your body will tilt more than the other causing imbalance that won't affect pain levels but could lead to spasms if not treated which would cause even greater discomfort.

Another indicator that you must pay close attention to is your shoulders, waist, or hips. Once it looks uneven, there is a possibility that you have scoliosis. You will also notice that your shoulder blade looks bigger. You need to pay close attention to your ribs, mainly if they are sticking farther than the other side.

These are just some of the physical symptoms of scoliosis. People with scoliosis suffer from back stiffness and low back pain. The pinched nerves also trigger numbness in the legs, and the fatigue can also cause muscle strain.

 What are the Different Types of Scoliosis

You have a lot of scoliosis information to digest. There are different types, depending on the curves and case. Here's what you need to know about these different kinds.

Idiopathic scoliosis. This is a type of spinal curvature which affects the backbone or spine. It often occurs without an identifiable cause and it can be difficult to diagnose if one doesn't have any symptoms pointing out its location on the back, neck, head or other parts of their body. 

The diagnosis may require imaging such as X-rays for more accurate results because there are various types of these curves that would need special attention in order not to increase risk over time by wearing away at discs between vertebrae bones causing them to collapse under pressure from gravity and weight distribution so they won't reverse direction unexpectedly due to being unstable until surgery is performed again providing stability with rods inserted into bone while screws secure post operation instrumentation through metal plates attached.

Congenital Scoliosis. This type of scoliosis happens when the vertebrae are not completely or correctly developed. The problems lie with their back bones, known as "vertebra" that causes a curved spine and is usually noticed at birth in some cases it will appear during puberty.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis is a form of scoliosis caused by disorders like cerebral palsy, spina bifida and even spinal cord injuries that directly damages your muscles to reduce the support that your spine gets. This makes it curved.

Degenerative Scoliosis. It is a type of scoliosis that directly affects adults. It starts with the lower back when their joints and disks begin to wear as they age.

What are the Causes and Risk Factors 

Scoliosis can have clear causes, and doctors categorize the curves into two categories- structural and non-structural. Here are the things that you need to know.

Nonstructural Scoliosis. It is a case where your spine is working fine, but it is physically curved. There are different causes regarding this condition. It can happen if one of your legs is longer than the other. Inflammation like appendicitis and muscle spasm can also be the reason behind non-structural scoliosis. The good thing is, once you treat and take proper care of your body, this scoliosis can be cured or removed.

Structural Scoliosis. It is scoliosis that comes with a rigid curve. Unlike nonstructural, where you can cure it properly, structural is irreversible. The primary causes include congenital disabilities, tumors, infections, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, 

To minimize the possibility of having scoliosis, it is essential to know and understand the risk factors associated with genetics and family history. Regular check-up to the doctor is also necessary to see if you or your child is having a problem. Remember, once your spine was curved, the possibility of getting it worse is high. 

How to Treat Scoliosis

If you are experiencing mild scoliosis, treatment may not be necessary. However, frequent visits to a chiropractor in Greenville, SC and X-ray examinations is a must to know your condition. 

If your loved ones, especially children, have scoliosis, experts might suggest the following.

Braces. Children have unlimited possibilities of growth. So, to minimize the possibility of making the curve worse, wearing braces is a must. It helps them assist their back and torso, and they are also made of plastic. Some kids wear it 24/7, and it does not prevent you from doing your everyday tasks. 

Spinal Fusion Surgery. It is an operation performed by doctors. It focuses on putting similar bones or material in your spine. It uses hardware to support the bones and then go through with your growth. It aims to lessen the curve and minimize its possibility of getting worse.

Spine and rib-based growing operation. It aims to treat severe cases of scoliosis. The doctor attaches a rod in your spine or ribs to support your body. The doctor is regularly adjusting the length of the rod depending on your growth.