Scoliosis Secondary Diseases

The National Scoliosis Foundation estimates that scoliosis, or the "abnormal curvature of the spine," affects 6 million people in the United States alone. Scoliosis can root from a birth defect or an underlying disease connected to the neuromuscular system, but 85 percent of the cases have been declared idiopathic, or scoliosis that has no known cause.

Who Are at Risk?

• Although scoliosis can appear at any age, some children are born with the deformity. But in most cases an adolescent's growth spurt triggers the abnormal formation of the curve. Moreover, girls have it worse as the deformity is eight times more likely to progress in girls than in boys.

  Early detection may prevent the scoliosis from worsening. It is best to consult a medical professional when you see symptoms of the deformity such as uneven shoulders, waist and hips, and fatigue.

Lung and Heart Damage

• People with scoliosis face the risk of having serious health problems if their condition is not monitored and treated properly. Having a curve of about 70 degrees can be dangerous, as the ribcage presses hard against the heart and lungs---preventing two of your most vital organs from functioning properly. A very severe curve of 100 degrees causes lung and heart damage, making it very difficult for you to breathe and for your heart to pump blood into your system. Severe scoliosis can also lead to pneumonia and lung infections.

Back Pain

• Untreated scoliosis in childhood may come knocking at your door again. And in adulthood, it promises to be persistent. Chronic back pain and arthritis of the spine are found to be most common in adults who were diagnosed with scoliosis as children.

Anxiety and Insecurity

• Since scoliosis most often occurs in adolescence, or when a child is beginning to be most conscious about his appearance, the deformity may result in increased anxiety and insecurity over the child's body. At this point in their lives, children need all the support, guidance and a sense of normalcy from family and friends.

Treatment

• Treatments for scoliosis include bracing and surgery but those with mild curves (less than 20 degrees) have no need for those anymore. Regular checkups and X-rays are recommended to monitor the development of the deformity, especially in children who have yet to reach their full spine growth.

  However, a child with 25 to 40 degrees curve should consult a doctor if bracing would help prevent the curve from progressing. Scoliosis braces are generally non-restrictive, allowing the child to participate in sports and other social activities. Braces can't do anything for children aged 15 to 18, as their bones have already matured.

  Scoliosis surgery is recommended for children with curves greater than 40 degrees, to prevent the spine's further deterioration in adulthood. Adults with scoliotic curves greater than 50 to 55 degrees may also be advised to undergo surgery.