Dr Ravi Bhanushali

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SPINE ISSUES

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that typically occurs during growth spurts before puberty. It can affect people of all ages, but most often develops during adolescence. Scoliosis can be classified as either structural (fixed curvature) or non-structural (temporary curvature).

Causes:

  • Idiopathic scoliosis: The majority of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. Idiopathic scoliosis can be classified into three main types: infantile (0-3 years old), juvenile (4-9 years old), and adolescent (10-18 years old).
  • Neuromuscular scoliosis: Certain neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury, can cause abnormal muscle function and imbalance, leading to scoliosis.
  • Congenital scoliosis: Abnormalities in vertebral development present at birth can result in scoliosis.
  • Degenerative scoliosis: Degenerative changes in the spine due to aging, such as disc degeneration, facet joint arthritis, and vertebral compression fractures, can lead to adult-onset scoliosis.

Symptoms:

  • Visible spinal curvature: Scoliosis may cause an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, which may be noticeable when standing or bending forward.
  • Uneven shoulders or waist: One shoulder or hip may appear higher than the other, and the waistline may be uneven.
  • Back pain: Scoliosis can cause varying degrees of back pain, particularly in adults with degenerative scoliosis.
  • Neurological symptoms: Severe cases of scoliosis may lead to compression of spinal nerves, resulting in radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.

Diagnosis:

  • Medical history and physical examination: Healthcare providers assess symptoms, perform a visual examination of the spine, and measure spinal curvature using the Adam’s forward bending test.
  • Imaging tests: X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans may be ordered to visualize the spine in detail and assess the degree and location of spinal curvature.
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