Scoliosis is a three-dimensional
(3D) spinal deformity in which the spine twists laterally and develops an S
shaped side-to-side curve when viewed form the backside. The human Spine has a
natural S shaped curvature but occasionally the spine develops an abnormal
sideways cure called scoliosis curve. This abnormal curvature or Scoliosis can
occur in the thoracic spine, the lumbar spine, or both areas at the same time
and can range from a minor 10 degrees to more server 100 degrees.
Scoliosis affects about 2% of
females and 0.5% of males. In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown
Idiopathic
This is the most common type of
Scoliosis. Usually there is no clear-cut reason why the spine is curved.
Congenital
The term "congenital"
means that you were born with the problem. A congenital scoliosis is present at
birth. Many different problems in growth and development can lead to spine
problems. Fortunately, most of these are rare. Congenital scoliosis may not be
recognized, or may not be severe enough to require treatment during childhood.
The scoliosis may get worse later in life due to wear and tear around the
abnormal area of the spine.
Paralytic
"Paralytic" means that
muscles do not work. When muscles do not work around the spine, the spine
itself may be thrown out of balance. Over several years, this can result in a
curvature of the spine developing. This type of scoliosis is often caused by
spinal cord injuries that lead to paralysis.
Myopathic
"Myopathic" means
muscle that does not work properly. Like paralytic curves described above, this
curve results from a muscular or neuromuscular disease, such as muscular
dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or polio.
Secondary
Scoliosis developed in adulthood
can be a "secondary" cause of another spinal condition that affects
the vertebrae, such as degeneration, osteoporosis (loss of bone mass), or
osteomalacia (softening of the bones). Scoliosis can also appear following
spinal surgery. The surgery may cause an imbalance in the spine that leads to
scoliosis.
Most common symptoms of
Scoliosis are
- Stiffness, fatigue and pain while standing or
sitting
- As the child enters puberty, and is growing more
quickly, the degree of spinal bending can increase and become very noticeable.
- Most curves are convex to the right in the upper
back and to the left in the lower back, so that the right shoulder is higher
than the left one.
- One hip may also be higher than the other.
- The spine curvature may diminish lung
capacity,thereby putting pressure on the heart, and restricting physical
activities
Physical examination
A physical examination is
conducted to first identify if the scoliosis is functional or structural. A
posture evaluation of the frontal and lateral view is conducted to check if the
scoliosis is caused due to poor posture. The Spine consultant will also check
the extent to which the condition has restricted patient’s movement.
Diagnostic tests
After forming an opinion on the
cause of the patient's pain, a diagnostic test like X-ray and DSA are conducted
to identify the root cause of the condition.
X-Ray
A full spine X-ray is used to
measure the cobb’s angles. The Cobb angle is used to quantify the extent of
spinal deformities, especially in the case of scoliosis.
DSA
A Digital Spine Analysis helps
identify qualitatively the imbalance in the spine by accurately measuring the
deficient in the efficiency of the spinal muscles.
The Treatment is advised based on
the reason of scoliosis and degree of deformity. Scoliosis treatment focuses on
correcting the curve through stretching of tight muscles and strengthening of
weak muscles. Certain specialized approaches such as Schroth’s are also used
which are a 3D treatment for scoliosis by correcting not only from side to
side, front to back but also longitudinally by making relevant pelvic, thoracic
and shoulder corrections.
Most of the patients suffering
from postural scoliosis can lead a normal lifestyle by maintaining a correct
posture will do well throughout life.
Qi Treatment Protocol
Our Qi spine consultants will devise
an individual treatment protocol for treating functional scoliosis. The
treatment focuses on correcting the scoliosis curve. The goal of the treatment
is to correct the postural imbalance between the rotators and side muscles in a
controlled manner using our patented biofeedback medical devices. Also,
flexibility and strengthen the hip musculature as they are secondary supporters
of spine.
Clinic Locations: Currently we have 19 clinics across India in Mumbai, Delhi & Pune
Contact Us: +91 8655885566/ +91 7827907070
To learn more, please visit qispineclinic.com