More than 70% of scoliosis cases are of unknown origin (idiopathic scoliosis), although some of the predisposing factors to spinal curvature are: trauma, neurological disease or previous lumbar surgery, among others.
Scoliosis can be of various types, depending on whether the curvature is permanent or not, the location of the curvature and according to age.
Depending on whether the curvature is permanent or not, there are two types of scoliosis:
- Structural or true scoliosis: formed by the stretch of permanently twisted or rotated vertebrae.
- Functional or compensatory scoliosis: section of vertebrae that balance the spine from the curve produced by the twisted vertebrae.
Depending on the location of the curvature, we find:
- Thoracic scoliosis: the point of inflection of the curvature is located in the area of the thoracic spine.
- Lumbar scoliosis: the point of inflection of the curvature is located in the lumbar spine area.
- Thoracolumbar scoliosis: the point of inflection is in the area where the thoracic and lumbar spine meet.
And in terms of age, we differentiate between:
- Infantile scoliosis: from 0 to 3 years old.
- Juvenile scoliosis: from 4 to 11 years old.
- Adolescent scoliosis: from 11 to 18 years old.
- Adult scoliosis: over 18 years of age.
It is common for most scoliosis to develop during the growth stage. Scoliosis in children presents a curvature greater than 20 degrees and although they are usually noticed at an early age, it is also possible to be detected during adolescence either by asymmetry in the hips or men or by deformities in the trunk.
Scoliosis in adults, on the other hand, does not usually present symptoms for most of their lives, but pains appear when the curvature worsens.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the spinal curve. In adults, pain occurs with prolonged sitting or standing. This discomfort increases with time as a consequence of the degeneration of the spine.
Diagnosis and treatment
For diagnosis, a holistic physical examination is performed and treatment varies according to the stage of scoliosis. In mild cases, physiotherapeutic exercises are used to strengthen the patient’s muscles and spine.
When scoliosis is more severe, bracing may be recommended and when the deviation is disabling, patients require surgical treatment to correct it.