Scoliosis: what you need to know
Written in association with:
Published: 09/08/2017
Edited by: Alex Rolandi
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spinal column to twist and bend to one side. Deriving from the Greek word ‘skolios’, which means bent, scoliosis can affect any age group but is generally more common in children aged from 10 to 15. Adults who develop scoliosis are more likely to suffer from back pain as well. It is a fairly common condition, and not a disease. People with scoliosis are generally healthy in spite of their spine problem.
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
Somebody with scoliosis could be a healthy, well-rounded individual, but with a bent spine. Scoliosis symptoms are easy to spot. Keep an eye out for:
Visible curvature of the spine Shoulder or hip sticking out Uneven shoulders Posture leaning to one side Clothes not fitting properly Ribs protruding to one side
Why does scoliosis happen?
In 80% of patients with scoliosis, the cause is not known (idiopathic scoliosis). Sometimes scoliosis occurs because of a neuromuscular disorder such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. It can also be caused by carrying backpacks, bad posture, and uneven leg length.
Is it treatable?
Scoliosis treatment depends on the age of the patient, and how severe the condition is. In many cases, no treatment is necessary, but occasionally surgery may be recommended. If scoliosis is present in babies or children, it is possible the bent spine will improve over time. If the curve seems to be getting worse as they grow, a plaster cast or brace might be advised. In older children, surgery might be needed to control how the spine grows before a more definitive straightening operation is carried out to straighten the spine.
As adults with scoliosis are more likely to experience back pain, they may be prescribed painkillers, or given a spinal injection. On some occasions they may undergo surgery.
What does scoliosis feel like?
Living with scoliosis needn’t be arduous. In fact, most people with scoliosis can live normally and partake in most kinds of activities, even sports and exercise. If it has been present since childhood, scoliosis generally stabilises once the body is no longer growing.
However, it can be a psychological hurdle, especially among teenagers and children, as it may affect self-esteem. Kids will be kids, and sometimes bullying can be a problem. Outside in the school yard, nobody really wants to stand out from the crowd because of a deformity, but life has its own way of teaching extra-curricular classes, and bullies can be vanquished. For those that need it, there is always help at hand as well.
If you think you or your child might be showing signs of scoliosis, get in touch with a GP or an orthopaedic surgeon.