HEALTHNET

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine.

(Posted on 8 April 2007)

Q1. What is scoliosis?

A1. Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. The spine usually curves from side to side like an "S" or "C" curve if you view from behind. Scoliosis does not come from slouching, sitting in awkward positions, or sleeping on an old mattress. The cause of scoliosis is often unknown and usually develops during childhood, commonly in females than males. Once a child is diagnosed with scoliosis, he or she then requires frequent periodic checkups to monitor if the curve continues to increase or not. Most cases of scoliosis do not get worse, but out of 1000 children, 3 to 5 children spinal curves will continue to increase, their spine will also rotate or twist, in addition to curving side to side. This result in muscles imbalance of the spine and may induce back pain or difficulty in breathing.

Q2. What kinds of treatment and exercises can the child do to improve the flexibility?

A2. Treatment of scoliosis is dependent on the child's age, how much he or she is likely to grow, and the degree and pattern of the curve.

Most children with mild scoliosis, i.e. less than 20 degrees, would need periodic checkups to ensure the curve does not progress. Children who are still growing need checkups every three to six months to see if there have been changes in the curvature of their spines.

Children with moderate scoliosis, i.e. a curve of 25 to 40 degrees, would be required to wear a brace to prevent further progression of the curve. Once the skeleton is mature, or if the curve is too large, a brace doesn't help.

For children with severe scoliosis, i.e. a curve greater than 40 to 50 degrees, surgery is usually recommended. Scoliosis surgery is one of the most complicated orthopedic procedures done on children that involve fusion of the spine. Additional metal rods are required to hold the vertebrae together.

Although exercise has not been shown to be effective in correcting the curve, exercise is encouraged to minimize any potential decrease in functional ability over time. People with scoliosis may develop muscles imbalance and uneven leg lengths, hence it is important to stretch out the tight muscles and strengthen the weak muscles in our body in order to maintain the flexibility and strength of the trunk. Regular aerobic exercise is encouraged to maintain the lung function. However, since each individual case is different, it is important to perform exercise that is prescribed or directed by physicians or physiotherapists and maintain a home exercise program.

Q3. What are the signs of scoliosis?

A3. Parents should watch out for the following signs of scoliosis when their children are about 8 years old.

Uneven shoulders level
One shoulder blade appears more prominent than the other or a rib hump noted
Uneven waist level
Unequal distance between arms and body
One hip higher than the other
Leaning to one side in standing position

If you find any one of these signs in your child, he / she should be further assessed by a doctor or physiotherapist.

Source: Quality HealthCare