Scoliosis

Epidemiology

According to figures published by the Department of Health, approximately two to three percent of children have scoliosis. Of every 1,000 cases, two are classified as severe scoliosis, while the risk of developing severe scoliosis is eight times higher in females than males.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine and often involves a “C” or “F”-shaped spine. The condition can be generally classified into: mild scoliosis (curve is over 10 degrees), moderate scoliosis (curve is between 20 and 40 degrees), and severe scoliosis (curve is more than 40 degrees). Patients with severe scoliosis may require spinal surgery.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mild scoliosis are not very apparent, so it is easy for parents to overlook the condition in their children. However, if scoliosis is left untreated, it may deteriorate when the child encounters a growth spurt during puberty. Possible complications can range from mild to serious, including visible worsening of posture, back pain, and even compression on the lungs, which can affect breathing.

Uneven shoulders
Asymmetry of lumbar spine
Shortness of breath
Head is not centered
Back pain

Causes + Risk Factors

There is currently no evidence to show that daily activities or poor posture (such as wearing a backpack, playing an instrument, leg length discrepancy, exercise, or poor sitting posture) are linked to scoliosis. According to clinical studies, 80 to 90 percent of scoliosis cases develop after birth, while the rest are congenital. Spinal adjustment is helpful in reducing complications caused by scoliosis.

Risk Factors

Family history: some studies have shown that approximately 30% of scoliosis patients have some family history of the condition
Medical history: history of neuromuscular conditions, meningitis, polio, etc. increases risk

Diagnosis + Treatment

Physical examination: the orthopedist will take a medical history and ask questions about the patient’s lifestyle habits. Various clinical tests will also be conducted to determine whether the patient has scoliosis.
Imaging tests: X-rays are able to reveal the severity of scoliosis and enable the doctor to determine whether spinal adjustment treatment is needed.

Treatment

Monitoring	Most patients with mild scoliosis are only required to attend regular checkups to ensure the curvature does not worsen.
Braces	Patients with moderate scoliosis may be fitted with a brace to slow down or stop further progression of the curve.
Surgery	Patients with severe scoliosis may require surgery, such as spinal fusion – a minimally invasive, computer-guided procedure that inserts bone grafts and screws into the spine to hold it straight. This type of surgery is less invasive and allows for a quicker recovery.

Prevention

Maintain a balanced diet that includes adequate consumption of calcium-rich foods, such as milk or other dairy products
Maintain proper posture and perform regular stretching exercises
Exercise regularly (at least 60 minutes per day)

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