Scoliosis
Scoliosis: Overview, Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature and often a twisting (rotation) of the spine. The spine may curve into an “S” or “C” shape rather than maintaining a straight vertical line. It most commonly affects the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) regions.
Types of Scoliosis
- Idiopathic Scoliosis
- The most common type, accounting for about 80% of cases.
- Cause is unknown but likely involves genetic and environmental factors.
- Subtypes based on age of onset:
- Infantile idiopathic (before age 3)
- Juvenile idiopathic (ages 4–10)
- Adolescent idiopathic (ages 11–18; most common)
- Girls are more likely than boys to have progressive curves requiring treatment.
- Congenital Scoliosis
- Present at birth due to malformations of vertebrae during fetal development.
- Can cause fixed spinal deformities and may be associated with other organ abnormalities.
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis
- Secondary to neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, or spinal cord injury.
- Caused by muscle imbalances and weakness affecting spinal support.
- Degenerative (Adult) Scoliosis
- Develops later in life due to degeneration of spinal discs and joints.
- Often associated with arthritis and vertebral collapse.
- Syndromic Scoliosis
- Occurs as part of syndromes like Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
- Non-structural (Functional) Scoliosis
- Temporary curvature caused by factors such as leg length discrepancy, muscle spasms, or inflammation.
- The spine itself is normal and can straighten when the underlying cause is treated.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Most scoliosis cases are idiopathic with unknown causes.
- Genetic predisposition is suspected; family history increases risk.
- Neuromuscular diseases and congenital vertebral abnormalities cause other types.
- Risk factors for curve progression include female sex, adolescent age, and larger initial curve size.
Symptoms
- Visible sideways curvature of the spine.
- Uneven shoulders or hips.
- One shoulder blade more prominent.
- Tilted pelvis.
- Back pain (less common in children, more in adults).
- Fatigue due to muscle strain.
- In severe cases, breathing difficulties due to rib cage deformity.
Diagnosis
- Physical examination (Adam’s forward bend test).
- Imaging: X-rays to measure curve angle (Cobb angle) and assess spinal structure.
- MRI or CT if neurological symptoms or congenital abnormalities are suspected.
Treatment
- Observation: For mild curves (<20 degrees), especially in growing children.
- Bracing: To prevent progression in moderate curves (20–40 degrees) during growth.
- Physical therapy: To improve posture and muscle strength.
- Surgery: Recommended for severe curves (>40–50 degrees) or progressive deformities causing symptoms. Spinal fusion is the most common surgical procedure.
- Management of underlying conditions: For neuromuscular or syndromic scoliosis.
Summary Table
| Type | Cause | Typical Age of Onset | Key Features | Treatment Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idiopathic | Unknown (genetic/environmental) | Childhood/adolescence | Most common; progressive in girls | Observation, bracing, surgery |
| Congenital | Vertebral malformation | Birth | Fixed deformity, possible organ issues | Surgery often required |
| Neuromuscular | Muscle/nerve disorders | Childhood | Associated with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy | Supportive, surgery if needed |
| Degenerative | Spinal degeneration | Adults (50+) | Back pain, mild curvature | Pain management, surgery |
| Syndromic | Genetic syndromes | Variable | Part of systemic disorders | Treat underlying syndrome |
| Non-structural (Functional) | Leg length discrepancy, muscle spasm | Any age | Temporary curvature | Treat underlying cause |
Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
At DrStemCellsThailand (DRSCT)‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells for managing various health conditions. If you have questions about Scoliosis or would like more information on our services, consult with our experts today!
Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
References
1. Title: Scoliosis: A Comprehensive Review of Current Concepts and Management Strategies
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-07784-z
Summary: This review provides an in-depth overview of scoliosis, encompassing classification based on etiology (idiopathic, congenital, neuromuscular, degenerative), risk factors for curve progression, diagnostic approaches (including imaging techniques like X-rays and MRI), and a spectrum of treatment modalities, ranging from observation and bracing to surgical interventions.
