Scoliosis: symptoms, causes and how to treat it

Definition of scoliosis

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a spinal disorder characterized by the spine curving sideways. Normally, the spine will curve at the top of the shoulders and the lower part of the back.

However, in people with scoliosis, the spine curves to the side. If you look at the spine, it will form the letter "S" or "C".

Most cases of this type of musculoskeletal disorder are mild. However, with age, the curvature of the spine has the potential to worsen. The spine with a curve that is severe enough can affect the performance of the vital organs around it.

Types of scoliosis

Scoliosis can be divided into several types, and the more obvious ones are:

1. Congenital scoliosis

This spinal deformity occurs because the fetus does not fully develop vertebrae in the womb. This type of scoliosis disease generally occurs in newborns.

2. Idiopathic scoliosis

This type of scoliosis generally occurs in children who are going through a period of growth. This condition is more common in children aged 10-18 years.

3. Degenerative scoliosis

This condition is more common in adults who have had scoliosis before. The sufferer's spine will wear out with age. This condition causes the spine to bend.

4. Neuromuscular scoliosis

This type of spinal disorder is caused by abnormalities in the nervous system or muscular system. Usually, associated with disease cerebral palsy and spina bifida.

5. Syndromic scoliosis

This type of spinal disorder occurs due to a person's syndrome, such as connective tissue disorders (Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), trisomy 21, Prada-Willi, Retts syndrome, and Beale syndrome.

6. Scheuermann's kyphosis

This type occurs when the front of the spine grows slower than the back in childhood. This causes the front of the spine to become smaller, resulting in a curved spine.

How common is this disease?

Scoliosis is a fairly common spinal disorder. Disorders of the skeletal system, especially in this type of spine, can affect newborns, developing children, adults and the elderly.

Scoliosis signs & symptoms

In mild cases, scoliosis sometimes causes no symptoms or signs. However, symptoms can be observed by others through your changed physical appearance. Some of the symptoms or signs of scoliosis are:

• Slanted shoulders.
• Left and right waist not parallel.
• One hip is higher than the other hip.
• There is a scapula protrusion on one side of the body.
• One leg is a different length.
• The position of the head is not right in the middle of the shoulder.
• Nearly 23% of people with idiopathic spinal disorders experience back pain, tingling, and numbness.

In severe cases, scoliosis can cause symptoms in the form of a spine that appears to be twisted, that is, it curves to the sides of the body. Sometimes it forms the letter S or C.

Another feature of scoliosis is the altered appearance of the skin on the spine, such as ingrown areas of skin or hairy patches.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience symptoms of scoliosis, which are S or C-shaped spinal abnormalities, as mentioned above, see a doctor immediately. In mild cases, you may not notice symptoms. However, other people can see the symptoms from your physical appearance.

So, if family or friends tell you the position of your shoulders that are not parallel or your spine is not straight, consider consulting a doctor.

Causes of scoliosis

The cause of scoliosis is generally unknown. However, scientists are of the opinion that this disease is likely to run in families. Meanwhile, less common causes of scoliosis are:

• Neuromuscular conditions

Conditions that indicate impaired nerve and muscle function, such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.

• Birth defects

This condition indicates incomplete development of the spine when the fetus is in the womb.

• Injury or infection to the spine

Falling from a high place, an accident, hit by a heavy object on the back, or an infection in the spine can cause bone injury and cause scoliosis.

• Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can make bones break more easily and cause them to bend excessively.

Scoliosis risk factors

Apart from the causes, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing spinal disorders. The risk factors for scoliosis are:

• Age

Although it can occur at any age, these spinal disorders generally appear at the age of the child approaching puberty.

• Gender

Boys or girls have the same risk of spinal abnormalities. However, girls have a much higher risk of it in severity and require earlier treatment.

• Family medical history

A minority of cases of children with spinal disorders have family members with the same disease.

Scoliosis complications

Spinal disorders that are not treated properly, can cause complications. The dangers of complications due to scoliosis that generally occur are:

Heart and lung damage

In severe cases, the curved spine can put pressure on the ribs, narrowing the space needed for the heart and lungs. This has the risk of causing problems in the respiratory system and problems with the bloodstream.

Back problems

Almost all sufferers of this condition suffer from back pain that is chronic or chronic. This can interfere with various activities, even sleep.

Bad appearance

If the patient's condition worsens, there will be obvious physical changes, such as uneven shoulders or hips, protruding ribs, or the waist tilted to one side.

Scoliosis diagnosis & treatment

In diagnosing this disease, the doctor will perform a series of tests to see if your spine has any abnormalities. However, before that, you must first undergo a physical examination.

Physical examination

The doctor will check your back while you are in an upright position. From this standing position, the doctor can find out if there is any curvature in the spine, and whether your shoulders and waist are in a symmetrical position or not.

After that, your doctor may ask you to bend over, so the doctor can check for curves in your upper and lower back.

Imaging test

Imaging tests or imaging tests will help your doctor see the structure of your spine clearly. The following types of imaging tests are recommended:

• X-ray. During this test, you will be exposed to a small beam of radiation which can produce images of your spine.

• MRI scan. This test uses radio waves and magnets to produce detailed pictures of your spine, as well as the surrounding tissue.

• CT scan. During this test, images of your spine will be taken from various angles using an X-ray technique. With a CT scan, the resulting image is a 3-dimensional photo.

• Bone scan. A bone scan test uses a radioactive fluid that is injected into your body. This fluid will then be detected with certain instruments to see if there is an increase in blood circulation, which indicates abnormalities in the spine.

What are the scoliosis treatment options?

Until now, there has not been found a treatment that can make scoliosis heal. Even so, there are various treatments available that can help relieve symptoms, reduce excessive curvature of the spine, and prevent the negative effects of scoliosis complications.

Common ways to treat scoliosis are:

Take pain relievers

For those of you who experience symptoms of back pain, your doctor will prescribe acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms of scoliosis. If it doesn't get better, your doctor may increase the dose or prescribe another drug with a stronger effect.

Bracing therapy

Bracing therapy is one of the ways to treat scoliosis. Bracing itself is a clamping device used on the back. The use of this tool does not heal, but it can prevent the curvature of the spine from getting worse.

The most common types of braces are made of plastic and contoured to fit the wearer's body. These braces are almost invisible under clothing, as they fit under the arms and around the ribs, lower back, and hips.

Most of the bracing is worn day and night. The effectiveness of the clamp increases with the number of hours it is used. Children who use these devices are usually able to participate in most activities and have few limitations.

The use of bracing in children is usually discontinued after the bones have stopped growing or 2 years after a girl has had her first menstrual period.

Spinal surgery

How to treat and cure mild scoliosis is often done without surgery. Surgery is only done if the case is severe and it is not effectively treated with previous treatments.

The type of surgery performed to treat this spinal deformity is spinal fusion. The surgeon will connect two or more bones in the spine (vertebrae) together, so they can't move.

Pieces of bone or bone-like material will be placed between the vertebrae. Metal rods, hooks, or screws usually hold that section of the spine straight and don't move, while the old and new bone material will stick together over time.

Complications from the treatment of this S-shaped spinal cord include bleeding, infection, pain or nerve damage. After scoliosis surgery, you are required to rest to recover.

Home remedies for scoliosis

Apart from doctor's treatment, how to deal with scoliosis also needs to be done through home remedies, including:

Get physical exercise

Therapy with sports such as yoga or gymnastics can be a way to treat scoliosis. Even so, not all sports are safe to do.

Sports that are prohibited for scoliosis sufferers are those that put a lot of pressure on the spine which can cause the bones to become abnormally curved.

According to CHOC's Children's website, an example of a gymnastic movement for scoliosis is the pelvic tilt. You lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet touching the floor. Then, make sure your back is touching the floor and tighten the muscles around your stomach and buttocks.

Hold for 5 seconds, breathe normally and relax your muscles. Repeat this exercise ten times (1 session). During one day, you can do this exercise repeatedly for 2 sets.

Stay away from abstinence

You will be advised to eat foods that are healthy for your bones, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish and whole grains.

In addition, you should also avoid dietary restrictions for people with scoliosis, such as foods high in sugar and fat or soft and alcoholic drinks.

Sleep in a suitable position

A good sleeping position for a scoliosis sufferer is the one you find most comfortable. However, you should avoid sleeping on your stomach. Instead, choose to sleep on your back or side.

Warm compresses of water

If using a pain reliever has unpleasant side effects, you can reduce the pain by applying a warm compress to the affected area of ​​the back.

Apply the compress whenever your back hurts. Each time you apply the compress, it shouldn't be more than 15 minutes. So after 15 minutes, remove the compress and let your skin breathe freely. The goal is to avoid problems on the outer skin surface due to heat exposure.

Scoliosis prevention

Most cases of scoliosis cannot be prevented because it is associated with birth defects and genetic problems. Unless, if the underlying cause is osteoporosis.

Avoiding scoliosis associated with osteoporosis can be done by doing osteoporosis prevention. Some things you can do are increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D in foods, such as green vegetables, fish, eggs, red meat and milk and yogurt that are fortified with vitamin D.

Then, complete by doing regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. In people who are at risk for bone loss, consumption of bone-building drugs may be a consideration. Consult your doctor further.

So far, improving posture has not been proven effective as a way to prevent scoliosis. However, you still need to get in the habit of sitting in the correct position to prevent other spinal problems.