About Structural Scoliosis
What is Structural Scoliosis
According to SRS (Scoliosis Research Society), scoliosis is a condition of side-to-side spinal curves. Spinal curves that measure ten degrees or more, and the backbones might be rotated.
The backbones (spine) of a scoliosis patient look more like a “C” or “S” than a straight line when viewing a (front/back view) x-ray.
Scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional deformity of the spine & trunk, which appear in apparently healthy children and can progress in relation to multiple factors during any rapid of growth, or later in life. (M Rigo,th Grivas,J O’Brian, in scoliosis 2010)
The cause of more than 80% of scoliosis cases is unknown. Such cases are categorized as idiopathic (meaning of not traceable to a direct cause) scoliosis.
Idiopathic scoliosis is likely found in girls than boys.
Scoliosis by Age
Infantile idiopathic scoliosis is presented in children ages
Signs & Symptoms of Scoliosis may Include:
Uneven hips/waist/pelvis
Head tilts to one side
The body leans more on one side
Breathing problems because of restricted lung expansion (for severe thoracic/upper backbones scoliosis cases)
What Happens if Scoliosis Left Untreated?
- Untreated mild/moderate/severe scoliosis may continue to progress. In severe cases, the lung and heart function might be affected. In general, surgery is reserved for patients with progressive scoliosis curves (more than 45 degrees)
- Some spinal problems might be developed, such as neck pain, back pain, height loss etc
- Long term emotional impact: Scoliosis can affect someone’s body image/physical appearance. Therefore, some scoliosis patients may have more challenges socializing with peers, feel isolated and suffer from lower self-esteem/depression/anxiety. There is a study (2014) concluded that young patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis suffer stress and general concern more frequently with the increasing age.