Scoliosis & Back Pain

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Most cases of scoliosis appear in children from the age of 10 to their early teens. The disorder tends to run in families and girls are afflicted slightly more than boys. Periodic checkups may be all that is needed for mild scoliosis, while braces or surgery may be needed for more severe cases.

Causes

• It is unknown what causes most cases of scoliosis and these cases are called idiopathic scoliosis. Disorders affecting the neuromuscular system such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or birth defects may be the cause of some cases. Degenerative scoliosis affects older adults and is normally caused from arthritis of the spine. Rare cases of scoliosis may be caused by tumors in the spine.

Symptoms

• The main symptom of scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. When viewed from the side, you should have what looks like a soft S shape to your spine, but viewed from the back the spine should look straight. Scoliosis will cause the spine to look curvy when viewed from the back. Other symptoms include an uneven waist and shoulders, one hip and one shoulder blade higher than the other and fatigue. As the curvature worsens you may experience a leaning to one side, pain in the back and chest and difficulty breathing. Back pain is not experienced until the scoliosis has become severe, at which time the pain may be intense.

Diagnosis

• Your doctor will perform a physical exam checking your spine, hips, shoulders and rib cage. An x-ray will confirm diagnosis of scoliosis by revealing the curvature. The x-ray will show the location, angle, shape and direction of the curve, providing your doctor with information to help determine treatment.

Treatment

• Treatment depends on age, family history, the maturity of the child, the curve size and if the child will be in a growing stage much longer. With mild scoliosis your doctor may decide to wait and do periodic x-rays to check if the curve is worsening. When the curvature is moderate to severe and is causing back pain, your doctor may decide to recommend a brace. A brace does not cure or reverse the curvature, but it can keep it from progressing. The braces must be worn day and night and as directed by your doctor. Wearing the brace may prevent the need for surgery.

Surgery

• When the curvature is severe, your doctor might recommend surgery. The surgery is normally performed through a small incision in the back and vertebra are joined together along the curve. Metal rods, hooks and screws are put in place to hold the spine together while the vertebra heals. These implants are left inside the body to avoid another surgery on the spine and cannot be seen or felt.