Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Scoliosis is defined as a spinal curvature of greater than 10 degrees. Although it usually doesn't cause pain Scoliosis impacts infants, adolescents, and adults worldwide. The age of onset for scoliosis is 10-15 years old. Scoliosis occurs equally among both genders. However, females are eight times more likely to progress to a curve magnitude that requires treatment. Scoliosis affects 6 million people (2-3% of the population) in the United States.

Physical Therapy for Scoliosis

Physical therapy is the best non-invasive treatment of scoliosis. Usually muscles on one side are weak and extended, and tense and shortened on the other side. It causes rotation of the vertebras.
The goals of physical therapy are:

1. Improve circulation and microcirculation in the area
2. Work with the muscles to relax them on one side and improve their function on other side
3. Optimization of nerve and muscle work

Scoliosis Physical therapy treatment includes:

1. Manual therapy 20-30 minutes
2. Electrical stimulation of weak muscles 10-12 minutes
3. Short wave therapy to the affected area 10-12 minutes
4. Low frequency magnetic therapy 10-15 minutes
5. Ultrasound 5-6 minutes each side
6. Scoliosis exercises

Unfortunately, this condition is chronic and progressive without the treatment. It requires at least 2 courses a year with 12-15 sessions each. During the course, treatment has to continue everyday or every other day. In between patient has to follow instructions and continue exercising.

More on Scoliosis...

Scoliosis Description

The cause of most scoliosis is unknown (idiopathic). Scoliosis is often first noticed just before and during adolescence, during a growth spurt. Growth is the biggest risk factor for worsening of an existing curve. Other than growth, risk factors that make it more likely that a scoliosis curve will get worse include:

  • Sex - Curves in girls are more likely to worsen than curves in boys.
  • Age - The younger the age when scoliosis appears, the greater the chance of progressive disease
  • Angle of the curve - The greater the curve angle, the higher the likelihood that it will worsen
  • Location - Curves in the middle to lower spine are less likely to progress than those in the upper spine
  • Spinal problems at birth - Children who are born with scoliosis (congenital scoliosis) may have rapid progression of the curve. Congenital scoliosis is thought of as a birth defect in the spine itself.

Scoliosis Symptoms

Scoliosis can impact the quality of life with limited activity, pain, reduced respiratory function. There are several different "warning signs" to look for. In case you notice one or more of these signs, you should start doing something.

1. Shoulders are different heights.
2. One shoulder blade is more prominent than the other.
3. Rib cages are at different heights
4. Appearance of a raised, prominent hip
5. Uneven waist
6. Leaning of entire body to one side

The curve may occur in the upper back area (thoracic), the lower back area (lumbar) or in both areas (thoracolumbar). The curve can bend to the left or to the right. As scoliosis curves get worse, the spine will also rotate or twist, in addition to curving side to side. This causes the ribs on one side of the body to stick out farther than on the other side. Severe scoliosis can cause back pain and difficulty breathing.

Scoliosis Diagnosis

Usually scoliosis revealed by physician at routine well-child visits or during screening program at school. Many schools also have screening programs for scoliosis.

Once suspected, scoliosis has to be confirmed with an x-ray, CT scan or MRI. Bone scan of the spine can also be used.

The curve is then measured (Cobb Method) and is discussed in terms of degrees. A curve greater than 25 to 30 degrees is considered significant. Curves exceeding 45 to 50 degrees are considered severe and require aggressive treatment.

Surgery for Scoliosis

This is the last option in treatment of scoliosis. If your child's curve is greater than 40 to 50 degrees, doctors typically recommend surgery. Scoliosis surgery involves techniques to fuse or join the vertebrae along the curve. Scoliosis surgery is one of the longest and most complicated orthopedic surgical procedures performed on children. The operation takes several hours. Hospitalization can last several days, and activities are restricted for several months.

 

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