It is the sideways bending of the spine in an “S” or “C” shape, which can be seen when viewed from the front or the back. As a result, the spine turns and one shoulder and one hip appear higher than the other. Although there are genetic ones, the cause of most of them is usually unknown. (idiopathic scoliosis) It can be seen alone or together with kyphosis (an abnormal curvature from back to front) (Kyphoscoliosis).
WHY IT OCCUR? WHEN DOES IT OCCUR?
Scoliosis can occur for a variety of reasons and at any age. The most common ones occur at the age of 10. It can occur for an unknown reason (idiopathic) in a previously smooth spine. It is generally thought to be due to a defect in the spine or fused ribs.
In addition to this, another frequently encountered scoliosis is congenital (congenital) scoliosis that occur due to factors in the mother’s womb and present from birth. It is thought that infections, diabetes, and some vitamin deficiencies caused by the mother during pregnancy. It is seen in spastic children or those who had a stroke in childhood.
In healthy-born children, it may occur as a result of paralysis of the muscles due to conditions such as later developing Polio (polio), cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
HOW DOES IT PROGRESS?
Scoliosis progresses rapidly during puberty, where growth continues. At the age when skeletal development is completed and growth stops, progression stops except for advanced curvatures. Curvatures of 50 degrees, especially above 70 degrees, show progress, although they are quite low in adulthood.
WHEN SHOULD SCOLIOSIS BE SUSPECTED?
Curvature of the spine to the side,
One shoulder being elevated,
Shoulders and hips not being symmetrical,
A posture disorder in the form of asymmetry in the waist recesses,
Recurrent, persistent back and/or low back pain
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Currently, there is no treatment available to eliminate scoliosis. However, it is essential to prevent lung diseases, respiratory distress and organ compression caused by curvature that may occur in the patient in the future. Surgical treatments for this purpose; It is the conversion of an existing and presumed unacceptable deformity, a disease, to another presumed acceptable disease.
For the diagnosis of the disease, there are X-rays of the spine at different positions, scoliosisometry (a device that measures the amount of curvature of the spine) measurements, and tests that can be done to determine the amount of scoliosis.
Treatment is determined by the amount of curvature and the stage of bone growth. Treatment is successful if started early. Your doctor may recommend exercise, use of a back brace, surgery, or one or more of these treatments.
Scoliosis less than 30 degrees does not require treatment, but progress should be monitored at 6-month intervals. Exercises that strengthen the trunk muscles may be sufficient to prevent the increase in curvature. Spinal curvatures between 30 and 50 degrees can be kept under control with the use of belts and exercises. The girdle supports the spine against asymmetrical pressures and can be modified to fit the body as the patient grows. The belt should be used in late adolescence until bone growth stops.
In scoliosis of 40 degrees or more, surgical correction is usually required as the curvature may continue to increase after bone growth has stopped
