About Scoliosis
General Information
Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine, the presence of which is abnormal. We know that as early as 500 years BC Hippocrates was writing about it, and its name is derived from the Greek word for curvature. It can be disfiguring because when the spine bends to the side, the vertebrae (the individual bones that make up the spine) become twisted and pull the ribs round with them, which sometimes form a "bulge" on the back and cause the shoulder blade to stick out. The spine can bend towards either side of the body at any place, in the chest area (thoracic scoliosis), in the lower part of the back (lumbar), or above and below these areas (thoracolumbar). It can even bend twice, causing an S-shaped curve. When the curve is S-shaped (double curvature) it is often not noticeable and the person can appear quite straight because the two curves counteract each other. If the curve is low down in the spine, the ribs will not be affected but one hip may be higher than the other.
Muscle Problems
Muscles that are attached to the spine can also be affected due to the curvature.
These muscles can be compromised and begin to work against the patient. Muscle spasm can be quite common. A visit to the Osteopath or Chiropractor can be of great assistance in relieving these spasms. See treatments available.
Scoliosis Facts
90% of people affected are female. It is much less common in males.
Approximately 4% of the general population is affected.
Curvature can develop at any age but rapid acceleration of the curve develops around puberty.
There are other means that can cause Scoliosis such as birth defects, cerebal palsy, muscular dystrophy. However 80% of children affected has idiopathic scoliosis.
The most common time for scoliosis to develop is in pre to early teens when hormones are changing.
Treatment at this age is usually corrective surgery. The psychological trauma some teenagers experience can have serious and long lasting effects.
This is where our Association can be of help by putting you in touch with others in your area in the same age group.
Scoliosis has been recorded since the days of the ancient Greeks, but its cause is still unknown. Orthopaedic surgeons specialising in scoliosis and scientists in many countries continue to research the cause, or causes, of the condition.
Infantile Scoliosis
Infantile Scoliosis can be detected in very young children and also newborn babies.
There is no known cause for this and is generally more prolific in European countries.
Bracing has been the only treatment available until the children are at an age where surgery can be an option.
Serial Casting is also an option and is practised in Australia.
Click here for link to Infantile Scoliosis site. |
 |
