Coping with Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine. With scoliosis, the spine is crooked and curves to the side. If the spine is very crooked, the ribs or hips may stick out more on one side than the other or one shoulder may be lower than the other. In severe cases, lung and heart function can be compromised. It may begin in childhood but often is not noticed until the teenage years.

There are many types and causes of scoliosis, the most common being:

Congenital scoliosis, which is a bone abnormality present at birth.

Neuromuscular scoliosis, caused by abnormal muscles or nerves, usually seen in people with various conditions that result in, paralysis.
Degenerative scoliosis, which may result from traumatic injury or illness, previous major back surgery or osteoporosis.

Idiopathic scoliosis, which is most common, has no specific identifiable cause. There is, however, strong evidence that idiopathic scoliosis is inherited.

Doctors are not sure what causes the most common type of scoliosis. Sometimes, an underlying disease that affects the neuromuscular system, a leg-length discrepancy, or a birth defect may cause scoliosis. Scoliosis can also begin in a fetus during fetal development. Congenital scoliosis is a type of birth defect that affects the development of the vertebrae and often occurs with other congenital problems.

In most cases, no treatment is needed. The risk of curvature progression is increased during puberty, when the growth rate of the body is the fastest. Your doctor will check regularly to make sure the curve isn't getting worse. Sometimes a brace is worn to keep the spine from curving any further. Newer braces are light and less bulky than old braces. Most braces fit under the clothes and are not visible. If a brace doesn't stop the spine from curving, surgery may be needed. During surgery, the bones in the spine may be moved and joined together to strengthen the spine, or a rod may be placed in the spine to straighten it.

Coping with scoliosis is especially hard in adolescence. With all the pressures of fitting in, and finding yourself, the diagnosis of scoliosis can be overwhelming. If you or your child is diagnosed with this condition, you should consider joining a support group for parents and kids with scoliosis. Support group members can provide advice and help you connect with others facing similar challenges. I have also found that regular exercise and calming things like yoga and swimming have helped with the pain that comes along with having scoliosis. Though scoliosis is usually not life-threatening, a medical evaluation by a physician with experience in the disorder is essential.