Scoliosis

Scoliosis: Challenges and Treatment

Scoliosis, in simple words, is a disorder in which the spine curves into “S” or “C”. This abnormal curvature of the spinal cord can occur at any age but mostly affects adolescents. This disorder makes a woman’s life complicated if she is pregnant. This article focuses on the impact of scoliosis on an individual life and its treatment.

Scoliosis category based on Age

• Infantile Scoliosis: Affects infants of age group 0-3 years and can be treated.
• Juvenile Scoliosis: Juvenile Scoliosis occurs in children aged 4-10 years and can be treated without the need for surgery.
• Adolescent Scoliosis: This Scoliosis is most common and attacks an individual in the growing age of 11-18 Years.
• Adult Scoliosis: This disorder arises if scoliosis is untreated during childhood. This can occur in old age due to degenerative changes in the spine.

Causes of Scoliosis and Risk Factors

It is hard to say exactly what causes this curvature disorder in the spine especially in idiopathic cases. The following factors can play a role in the development of Scoliosis:

• The first factor can be Genetics, if someone in the family has a history of Scoliosis then it increases the risk of passing of disorder to the next generation.
• Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy are the diseases that can cause scoliosis.
• In old age, scoliosis disorder can occur due to spinal degeneration.
• This can also occur during pregnancy during the developing stage of the womb.

Scoliosis Radiology and Cobb Angle Measurement

Radiology plays an important role in diagnosing and managing scoliosis. Doctors use the following radiological techniques to diagnose scoliosis:

• X-rays: In this method an image of the spine is taken to diagnose scoliosis. This is a primary method that quantifies the degree of spinal curvature.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI of the spine is done to evaluate any underlying factor that can cause Scoliosis.
• CT (Computed Tomography) Scans: This method is used during surgery to have a detailed image of spinal curvature making surgery more effective.

Cobb Angle Measurement

The standard method used to determine the severity of scoliosis is termed Cobb Angle Measurement. It gives a quantitative assessment of the severity of tilt. To compute Cobb Angle Measurement, choose the most tilted vertebrae at the top and bottom and then calculate the angle between intersecting lines by drawing perpendicular at the top and bottom.
 

Scoliosis and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most crucial stage of a woman’s life but if she is suffering from scoliosis this stage becomes more challenging and painful. Pregnant women with Scoliosis disorder can face the following problems:

• Pregnant women may suffer from severe back pain due to changes in body posture and weight gain.
• If Scoliosis is severe then it can affect the lung capacity adversely and pregnant women face difficulty in breathing.
• The shape and size of pelvic muscles can change during pregnancy which makes vaginal delivery difficult. Pregnant women are advised to get the help of good doctors for successful delivery.

Surgical Options for Scoliosis and Cost

Surgery is the best option in the case of chronic Scoliosis but the challenge is to find the best Scoliosis Specialist who not only suggests a cost-effective way to reduce pain but also helps during the post-surgery stage. Joint Efforts Physiotherapy Clinic is the best Physiotherapy center that offers specialized care in Scoliosis treatment. Diagnosis is done using modern radiology tools and by certified experts.

Surgery procedures suggested by doctors to treat Scoliosis are:

Spinal Fusion: In this procedure, two or more spinal vertebrae are fused to provide stability to the spinal region. This is the most common surgery to treat scoliosis

Rod Placement: This method is used to align the bones with the spine using metal rods. Metal rods help keep bone in place and ensure easy fusion.

Osteotomy: This is a complicated surgery in which surgeons cut and realign bones. This method is used to correct severe spinal curvature.

Thoracoscopic Surgery: In this procedure, correction is made through a small incision in the spine. This is a minimally invasive technique.
 

Post-Surgical Recovery

In a Scoliosis case, Recovery requires patience as it is a time-consuming lengthy process. The patient needs 3 to 4 months to recover from scoliosis surgery. Patients are advised to take the help of physiotherapists to regain mobility and balance after surgery. The success rate of scoliosis surgeries is high and patients experience immense relief from pain after surgery. Joint Efforts Physiotherapy Clinic in Noida provides specialized scoliosis care post-surgery.

Prevention of Scoliosis

Even if the causes of Scoliosis are unknown, physiotherapists and posture experts develop a few practices to help patients maintain overall spinal health:
 

• Regular exercises like Swimming, Yoga, and Pilates can strengthen back muscles and reduce the risk of scoliosis. Choose exercises that give strength to the core.
• Take a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D to maintain bone health and a strong spine.
• Practice good posture and purchase ergonomic furniture to maintain posture while standing, lifting weights, or sitting.
• Regular check-ups from childhood to adolescence can reduce the risk of scoliosis and treating it can be easy as compared to old age.
• Remember to sleep on your back and never sleep on your stomach. If you have scoliosis use a pillow under your knees to reduce the pressure on the lower back.
• Sleep on the side can help in scoliosis as it keeps the spine in a neutral position.

Conclusion

Scoliosis is a complicated disorder of spinal that needs a multifaceted approach to diagnosis, and cure. From primary diagnosis through Radiological images to undergoing surgery, every stage needs expert intervention. Exercise and a good diet can help prevent severe scoliosis while early diagnosis can help avoid surgery. Pregnant women can deliver babies normally if take good medical care for their scoliosis disorder. A good physiotherapist helps make essential changes in posture and prescribes exercise to help patients adjust in life and find balance. If you are someone suffering from abnormal spinal curvature, visit the Joint Efforts Physiotherapy Clinic in Noida and let us help you find your mobility back with our specialized services.