Scoliosis

So many people are worried about their bodies. If it's the littlest thing they go see a doctor. Doctors see more patients about back pain than anything else. It seems like everyone has it. Our back is a part of our vertebral column, which is the skeletal system. Our skeletal system is used to protect our organs, aid in locomotion, and for support to our body. The spinal cord is protected by bones that are called lumbar vertebrae. Scoliosis is one out of many reasons people may see a doctor. Which gives us questions, like- what is scoliosis, where exactly can it be found, is it found in females or males more, what are some things that can cause scoliosis and when to seek medical attention?

Scoliosis is an abnormal curve in the spine, a light hump and a protrusion of one side of the chest. There are cases where scoliosis is found in the upper back, which is pain free, and unknown although some doctors think that it has to do with genetics. Scoliosis in the lower back is where the back pain is common.

Scoliosis is found more in females than males. Eighty percent of cases occur in teenager girls. This has led North America schools to a program that detect scoliosis in students. Now progress can take place earlier when found in the age eleven through fourteen. For people that are unaware of their condition it is harder to help and more expensive. Scoliosis can be caused by genetics, a birth defect, a sever accident or maybe even a neuromuscular disorder and in some cases it occurs for no apparent reason.

There are three treatment options for a victim of scoliosis. With each there are many things to consider, for instance, the location of the curve, the size of the curve and the bone age of the person. If the range of the curve is from 20 to 40 degrees the person wears a brace to stop the curve from progressing. With adults curves can not be stopped. Only children whose bones are continuing to grow would wear a brace. If the curve is beyond 40 degrees this is when surgery is performed. Again, with children surgery is the only way, and with some adults they must have surgery because of its deformity or because it may interfere with the heart or lungs. The third option is to live with the curve beyond 40 degrees and to have an electrical stimulation treatment for the pain. It is always best to visit a scoliosis specialist at an earlier age and that way surgery could be avoided.

In conclusion, out of four million people there will be 2 million with scoliosis. Although scoliosis has decreased only ten percent not all have been treated. It can cause more damage than wanted if not taken seriously. Our skeletal system has many tasks and we must do our part and take care of it so that it can do its part and take care of us.