What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition that causes a sideways curvature of the spine. While it can affect people of all ages, it most often begins during the growth spurt just before puberty. Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some curves worsen as children grow and can become disabling.
Types of Scoliosis
The vast majority of cases are "idiopathic," meaning the cause is unknown. Less common types of scoliosis may be caused by:
- Congenital Scoliosis: Caused by a bone abnormality present at birth.
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis: Resulting from abnormal muscles or nerves, often seen in people with conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
- Degenerative Scoliosis: Occurs in older adults due to the wear and tear on the spine.
Signs and Symptoms
Scoliosis often has no symptoms in its early stages. When signs do appear, they are typically visual and may include:
- Uneven shoulders or waist.
- One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other.
- One hip higher than the other.
- A visible "S-shaped" or "C-shaped" curve to the back.
In most cases, scoliosis does not cause pain, but severe curves can lead to back pain and even breathing difficulties if the rib cage presses against the lungs.
Our Treatment Approach
Treatment for scoliosis depends on several factors, including the patient's age, the severity of the curve, and the risk of the curve progressing. A thorough diagnosis, including X-rays, is the first step.
Observation
For small curves, especially in children who are still growing, Dr. Behrens may recommend a "watch and wait" approach with regular check-ups to monitor if the curve is getting worse.
Bracing
In growing children with moderate curves, a brace may be recommended. While a brace won't cure scoliosis or reverse the curve, it can often prevent the curve from getting larger.
Surgical Correction
Surgery is typically recommended for severe curves that are likely to progress over time or are causing significant symptoms. The standard surgical procedure is spinal fusion, where Dr. Behrens straightens the spine with rods and then fuses vertebrae together so they heal into a single, solid bone. This permanently corrects the curve and prevents it from getting worse.