Idiopathic Scoliosis: Spinal Curvature to the Sides
Scoliosis is a type of abnormal spinal curvature to the sides, either to the left or to the right; under an x-ray the spine appears to be somewhat s-shaped. This medical condition has different types which include: (a) idiopathic - meaning the cause is undetermined; (b) neuromuscular - when the curvature came from a condition that affects the muscles or nerves of the back such as in cases of muscular dystrophy, polio, cerebral palsy or neurofibromatosis; (c) osteopathic - which results from skeletal abnormality; and (d) congenital - which happens when the spine is underdeveloped while the baby is growing inside the mother's womb.
From among the types of scoliosis mentioned, idiopathic is the most common, 80% of patients of this medical condition fall under this category. Since the cause is unknown, there is no way of preventing its occurrence; hence, it can develop at any stage of one's life. However, statistics show that it is usually more common during the growth spurt that happens in puberty and early adolescence and about 1 in 40 kids have some level of scoliosis. Mild form of this condition affects both genders; however, the severe kind is more common among girls.
Unless careful attention on the back is given, mild form of this spinal curvature is usually left unnoticed, hence, untreated; and since it usually happens during the awkward period of puberty, most parents can dismiss the symptoms because of the thinking that it is just part of growing up. After its initial phase, which is usually painless, scoliosis starts to cause mild pain and muscle imbalance. The more severe the condition, the more evident is the deformity considering that the small bones in the spine twist around, pulling any attached muscles, ligaments, and ribs together with them.
Scoliosis is usually seen when the person bends forward and the bulge on the back becomes obvious; diagnosis is confirmed after an x-ray which shows the angle of the curve suggesting the severity and prognosis. If the curve is still mild, treatment is carried out to deter the condition from getting much worse, however, for those suffering from the severe kind, treatment is needed to stabilize the spine. In general, treatment options vary depending on the person's age, severity of the curvature, exact area of the curving, and the likelihood of worsening.
To have more information on spinal curvatures and kyphosis, you can just visit http://www.kyphosis-treatment-solutions.com, an efficient resource site for such conditions filled with information and data on curving of the spine.
From among the types of scoliosis mentioned, idiopathic is the most common, 80% of patients of this medical condition fall under this category. Since the cause is unknown, there is no way of preventing its occurrence; hence, it can develop at any stage of one's life. However, statistics show that it is usually more common during the growth spurt that happens in puberty and early adolescence and about 1 in 40 kids have some level of scoliosis. Mild form of this condition affects both genders; however, the severe kind is more common among girls.
Unless careful attention on the back is given, mild form of this spinal curvature is usually left unnoticed, hence, untreated; and since it usually happens during the awkward period of puberty, most parents can dismiss the symptoms because of the thinking that it is just part of growing up. After its initial phase, which is usually painless, scoliosis starts to cause mild pain and muscle imbalance. The more severe the condition, the more evident is the deformity considering that the small bones in the spine twist around, pulling any attached muscles, ligaments, and ribs together with them.
Scoliosis is usually seen when the person bends forward and the bulge on the back becomes obvious; diagnosis is confirmed after an x-ray which shows the angle of the curve suggesting the severity and prognosis. If the curve is still mild, treatment is carried out to deter the condition from getting much worse, however, for those suffering from the severe kind, treatment is needed to stabilize the spine. In general, treatment options vary depending on the person's age, severity of the curvature, exact area of the curving, and the likelihood of worsening.
To have more information on spinal curvatures and kyphosis, you can just visit http://www.kyphosis-treatment-solutions.com, an efficient resource site for such conditions filled with information and data on curving of the spine.
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