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- Scoliosis: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatments
With the increasing prevalence of health issues and the trend toward a more active and health-conscious lifestyle, our perspective on health also shifts as we progress and undergo revolution. Nowadays we frequently concentrate on health factors and pursue proactive treatment for them; however, spinal health is one of the crucial aspects that is commonly disregarded. The number of cases of spinal deformities/conditions is increasing over time and this neglect is a significant contributing factor to the trend. A study found that approximately 619 million people globally experience back pain and related disorders annually, and according to a report, this number will rise to 800 million by 2050, with the biggest increases in cases to be in Asia and Africa.
Numerous factors including sedentary lifestyles, congenital conditions, etc contribute to back pain and other back problems. Scoliosis is one such condition that significantly contributes to the increasing number of back issues. The side-to-side curvature of the spine is known as scoliosis. Naturally, the spine has a straight forward & backward curve but in scoliosis, the spine turns to the left or right forming a ‘C’ or ‘S’ curve. Individuals suffering from scoliosis may face issues standing upright, core muscle weakness, numbness, weakness & pain in the leg.
Scoliosis can occur at any age and is usually mild without causing any symptoms, however, it can cause abnormal posture and back pain. While the cause of scoliosis in adolescence is still unknown but is thought to be related to genetic factors, scoliosis in children can be mild at first but as the child gets older the symptoms start to get worse and may require wearing a brace to prevent the curve from getting worse. In adults, scoliosis can be caused by weakening of the spinal discs or joints.
Types of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a spinal disorder characterised by lateral curvature of the spine. The types of scoliosis are defined based on their cause and severity. There are different types of scoliosis including,
Idiopathic Scoliosis: This is the most common type of scoliosis, however, the exact cause of idiopathic scoliosis is unknown, though it is linked to hereditary factors. It can be further characterised by age:
Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis: Occurs in children younger than 3 years.
Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis: Affects children between 3 to 10 years.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Affects individuals aged between 10 to 18 years.
Congenital Scoliosis: By birth or congenital scoliosis is a condition that occurs due to abnormal formation of the spine during fetal development. The condition may progress over time as the child grows.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis: This type of scoliosis may progress rapidly and is associated with neurological or muscular disorders. Any abnormalities or injury in the muscles and nerves that support the spine can cause neuromuscular scoliosis.
Degenerative Scoliosis: This condition usually occurs in adults aged over 50 due to natural wear and tear of the spine and can cause lower back pain and nerve issues.
Causes of Scoliosis
Several identifiable causes such as congenital factors, trauma or injury can result in scoliosis but there are also unidentified causes that lead to scoliosis. The cause of scoliosis depends on its types:
Trauma/Injury: Any serious injury or accident to the spine may result in spinal misalignment, or fracture resulting in scoliosis.
Tumor: Abnormal growth and tumours in or around the spine can slowly alter the bone structure or put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots leading to various spinal deformities.
Birth Defects/Vertebrae Malformation: Malformation of the spine during fetal development like fused vertebrae, missing vertebrae, or partially formed vertebrae.
Aging: As we age the bones in our spines begin to compress or crack as a result of wear and tear leading to abnormal curvature of the spine.
Other conditions that may lead to scoliosis include spinal cord irregularities, infections, neuromuscular conditions, prior surgery, etc.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
The symptoms can vary depending on the type and underlying cause of the condition. Back pain and posture changes are visible in more severe cases but the symptoms are undetectable in milder ones. The following are a few typical signs of scoliosis:
| Symptom | Description |
| Spinal Curvature | Spine appears curved in a "C" or "S" shape |
| Uneven Shoulders | One shoulder is higher or more prominent than the other |
| Uneven Hips | One hip appears higher or more protruded |
| Back Pain | Common in adults or in severe cases |
| Breathing Issues | Severe curves may restrict lung function & chest expansion |
| Postural Changes | Altered posture affects balance & appearance |
Diagnosis of Scoliosis
Scoliosis can be diagnosed by a spine specialist through a physical examination. Finding the painful area, and assessing the surrounding muscle strength, sensations, reflexes, postural changes, etc. can be aided by this physical examination. The examiner may ask to make movements like standing straight, bending, walking, etc to check for any curvatures and abnormalities. To determine the precise cause the specialist may also inquire about medical history, family medical history, pain areas etc. The specialist may recommend specific imaging tests after conducting a physical examination in order to ascertain the location type and severity of the problem. Imaging tests such as these are commonly used to diagnose scoliosis.
MRI: For a detailed image of the soft tissues, disk ligaments nerves etc.
X-ray: Provides a basic view of the spine to help identify bone spurs, fractures, etc.
CT Scan: Aids in creating a 2D image of the spine and offers a comprehensive perspective.
The degree of spinal curvature helps determine the severity of the condition. A spine specialist may measure the degree of the curve to determine the severity:
| Degree of Curvature | Severity |
| Spinal curvature between 10° to 24° | Mild Scoliosis |
| Spinal curvature between 25° to 39° | Moderate Scoliosis |
| Spinal curvature of more than 40° | Severe Scoliosis |
Treatment Options for Scoliosis
Treatment for scoliosis depends upon the severity and progression of the condition. The type of treatment is determined by a number of factors such as age, family history, degree of curvature, and type of scoliosis. Not all cases require treatment particularly in children with mild symptoms however, routine checkups are necessary to determine whether the curve is getting worse. Treatment options for scoliosis can be of two types, i.e. non-surgical and surgical.
Non-surgical Treatment: These involve managing the symptoms through conservative measures. Typically suggested for those with mild symptoms, non-surgical treatments include wearing a brace to support the spine and prevent the condition from worsening, taking over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and discomfort and routinely seeing a doctor to monitor changes. Physical therapy may also be used as part of conservative treatment to help with posture correction, muscle strengthening, and nerve strain relief.
Surgical Treatments: Surgical treatments are recommended for individuals with more severe symptoms. Surgery may be recommended to stabilize the spine, restore balance, and relieve pressure on the nerves. Among the surgical techniques used to treat scoliosis are spinal fusion, expanding rods, vertebral body tethering, etc.
Prevention of Scoliosis Progression
Prevention from certain types of scoliosis is not possible (congenital or idiopathic), though certain strategies can help reduce the risk or manage factors that may contribute to its development. Some of the measures that may help the condition from getting worse include,
Maintaining a good posture: Helps reduce strain on the spine and back muscles.
Regular Monitoring: Regular checkups, especially during growth spurts, to detect scoliosis early.
Core Strength Exercises: Exercises to strengthen the core muscles to support the spine and help improve the posture.
Healthy Nutrition: Ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to strengthen bones.
Use Brace: Prevents the curve from getting worse.
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FAQs around Scoliosis
Can scoliosis be cured?
No, there is no permanent cure for scoliosis, however, there are treatments that help the progression of the symptoms and pain management.
How is scoliosis treated?
Scoliosis can be treated by surgical and non-surgical treatment methods. Individuals with mild symptoms may be treated with non-surgical methods while more severe symptoms require surgical intervention.
Is scoliosis dangerous?
Scoliosis with mild symptoms may not have serious complications and may even not require treatment, however, severe or progressively worsening scoliosis can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
Does scoliosis cause back pain?
Yes, scoliosis can cause back pain, particularly in adults.
