How can scoliosis be fixed?
The cause of scoliosis in most cases is unknown but could involve environmental and genetic factors. It is a medical condition in which a person’s spine has a sideways curve but without any pain. Scoliosis could also be caused by conditions like muscles spasms, cerebral palsy or tumours.
Factors that help scoliosis management
Diagnosis of scoliosis is made by physical exam and imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, following which you have to work with your doctor to decide how to manage the situation. Scoliosis management is based on:
- Age
- Category of scoliosis
- The size and look of the back’s curve
- For smaller children, the doctor will consider how much more the child is likely to grow.
Besides these, your doctor will also consider any other symptoms you may have developed due to the severe curves. These would include:
- Pain
- limited body function
- breathing problems
The treatment of scoliosis includes observation, non-surgical options, and surgery if required. However, we need to remember that there is no cure for scoliosis.
If your child has mild curves like in a majority of cases, then they don’t require any treatment, and doctors advise a wait and see approach. Some children develop what is known as “idiopathic” scoliosis, whose cause is unknown. Paediatric surgeons in Delhi or any other metro city can also be consulted regarding bracing and surgery depending on the severity of the curve and whether the condition may turn worse.
Methods of Treating Scoliosis
The entire treatment of this condition is based on how severe the shape of the curve is and whether it may get worse. Of course, the type of scoliosis one is suffering from also matters because some types of scoliosis may get worse.
Let us now take a look at the different conditions and how they can be managed.
- The cause of Functional scoliosis is an abnormality in some other part of the body and requires treatment of the affected part.
- Abnormal development of the bones of the spine causes neuromuscular scoliosis, which gets worse with time. People suffering from this condition will have to undergo surgery ultimately.
- Idiopathic scoliosis is treated depending on the age of the individual. These individuals are kept under observation to see if the condition is getting worse.
- Among the idiopathic types of scoliosis, the highest risk group are those who have from Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. Early Bracing may help if the curve is not very severe. However, most such people have to undergo surgery since the condition starts early, and they have a lot of time left to grow.
- The most common form of scoliosis is Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, which is treated with observation and routine X-rays. Depending on the age and condition, either braces or surgery may be suggested.
If you or somebody you know is suffering from this condition, do not lose hope. Though there is no permanent cure for the condition, it can be handled successfully with proper medical advice and care.