Scoliosis is a malformation of the vertebrae that causes an abnormal deviation of the spine, which can be in the shape of an “S” or “C”. In most cases, the cause of this pathology is not completely known, although there are many investigations in the world of traumatology that point to genetic, environmental, developmental, etc. factors.
What types of scoliosis are there?
Scoliosis in general is a condition that is usually classified into two types depending on its origin: congenital or acquired.
When the origin is congenital, the child is usually born with it and it develops as the child grows little by little until reaching adulthood. Congenital scoliosis can have two origins:
- Segmentation defect of the vertebrae during the embryonic period: produces a congenital fusion of two or more vertebral bodies on one side only, so that the vertebra develops more on one side than on the other and causes a tilting of the upper and lower vertebrae.
- Hemi-vertebrae: these are vertebrae that develop asymmetrically (wedge-shaped when viewed from the front) and produce a wedging of the vertebral segment where they are located, so that the spine tilts more on one side than on the other.
Acquired scoliosis, also called idiopathic scoliosis, is that which develops during childhood. This type of scoliosis is not foreseeable, but its development and worsening can be prevented once it is discovered, either because parents pay attention to their children’s backs, or because of medical check-ups at school.
What complications can scoliosis have?
If not treated in time, this pathology can have fundamentally three pernicious effects:
- Increase in the degree of the spinal curve: if a curve of about 12⁰ in magnitude is discovered in a 13-year-old patient and is not treated at the time, this curve can increase to up to 30⁰ after eight or nine months and even up to 45⁰ in two or three years. This means that it will be more arduous, and difficult, and it will cost more to reach values like the initial ones.
- Loss of spinal flexibility: if scoliosis is not treated early, the patient’s spine may become stiff and lose its flexibility.
- Spinal curves of more than 50º and up to 80º to 100º, which can even reach 120º or more: this is the definitive consequence of not having treated scoliosis in time. This curve leads to significant deformities of the trunk and ribs, reducing the vital respiratory capacity and increasing the risk of pulmonary infections. In addition, it can affect abdominal organs and vessels and generate significant spinal pain or other spinal problems such as degenerative disc disease with herniated discs and canal stenosis.
Thus, once scoliosis, whether congenital or acquired, is detected, it should be treated as soon as possible to prevent it from developing and worsening and from affecting the spine, trunk and rib cage.
Can scoliosis develop in adulthood?
Scoliosis can develop in patients from the age of 50 or 60, especially in those who suffer from a combination of osteoporosis and/or vertebral arthrosis and degenerative disc disease (wear and tear of the discs). This combination can cause tilting of two or three vertebrae with rotation of the same that end up producing what is called adult degenerative scoliosis.
This type of scoliosis is usually located in the lumbar or dorso-lumbar region and requires very careful treatment that includes the recalcification of these vertebrae, rehabilitation programs, use of orthopedic corsets, control of body weight and healthy physical activity. In some cases, when the pain is severe and the scoliosis produces a number of other neurological effects, surgical intervention is necessary.
Does scoliosis affect more men or women?
In general, scoliosis is a pathology that affects almost three times as many women as men. This fact may have a genetic meaning, where women, because of their genes, are more likely to suffer from this disorder.
What sports are good for scoliosis?
Sport in general, especially swimming or Pilates, is a magnificent element of treatment of this type of deformity, as it keeps the entire spine flexible and allows to develop all the muscles in a symmetrical way.
How is scoliosis treated?
First of all, a clinical and radiological study of the patients must be made and, depending on the age, height, degree of bone development, type of scoliosis, magnitude of the curve and socio-familial conditions, a type of treatment will be adopted in each case.
When the spinal curve is small, in some cases rehabilitation is sufficient and in others it is necessary to adapt a more or less rigid or flexible brace depending on the locations of the curve and its structuring.
If the patient’s age is in full adolescence, or already an adult, and the degree of the curve exceeds 45-50⁰, surgical intervention is sometimes necessary for correction to avoid worse complications.