Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
It is estimated that 4% of all children between the ages of 10 and 14 have detectable scoliosis with about 60 to 80% of all cases occurring in adolescent girls. Most people with scoliosis have barely noticeable curvatures, but preventive checks and further treatment for mild scoliosis is extremely important. Many people that just tried to brush this problem off or were told that their case is not problematic, years later are suffering from chronic pain in their shoulder and back area.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Conditions range from mild to severe and in many cases, the abnormalities are visually apparent. Scoliosis may either be genetically based or result from a degenerative joint condition in the spine. Most commonly, it will be a cumulative effect of these two factors.
Despite the seriousness of the condition, many individuals with scoliosis may experience no apparent symptoms other than vague muscle back pain and stiffness.
Causes of Scoliosis
- Unknown cause, widely believed it involves hereditary factors.
- Muscular dystrophy
- Injuries of the spine
- Birth defects that affect the development of the spine bones.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
- Uneven hips and waist resulting in escalating discomfort.
- A deformity in the chest causing uneven shoulder blades and a rib hump
- Shoulders are different heights and one shoulder blade is more prominent
- Unevenness to breasts
- Entire body leans to one side.
How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
Early diagnose is crucial for managing this condition. Presence of idiopathic scoliosis is identified during a routine pediatric check or a screening. Many times, parents or teachers notice the curvature of the spine in their children. Since idiopathic scoliosis is a condition of an unknown cause, it can’t be diagnosed until other types of scoliosis, such as congenital, neuromuscular, degenerative, and non-structural scoliosis are ruled out.
Examination
- Adam’s Forward Bend Test – to diagnose your scoliosis, the doctor will have you perform the Adam’s forward bend test. The test includes a forward bend, at a 90 degree waist angle, arms stretched towards the floor and knees straight. Based on the visible asymmetry, the doctor will detect the scoliosis. However, this test is only effective for diagnosing scoliosis located in the upper or mid back.
- Scoliometer to Measure the Angle of Trunk Rotation – as a part of the bend test, your KKT specialist will use a scoliometer and put it on the area with the greatest asymmetry.
- Cobb Angle Measurement – your doctor will request X-ray imaging to measure the degree of the curve, which will also give an accurate diagnosis of scoliosis. The Cobb angle is the lateral curve of scoliosis, found by drawing a perpendicular line from the most tilted vertebra located above the apex of the sideways curve and another line from the most-tilted vertebra beneath the apex. The angle is formed where the two lines meet and if it is at least ten degrees, the doctor will confirm scoliosis.
Treatment of Scoliosis
There are not many effective treatments for scoliosis. The treatment depends on the severity of the scoliosis curve and its likeliness to worsen over time.
- Bracing – generally, bracing is considered in two cases. The first one is in case the curve’s Cobb angle progresses past 25 or 30 degrees and there is a significant skeletal growth left. The second reason for bracing is if the curve’s Cobb angle progresses at least five degrees in a course of 4 to 6 months. The brace can be designed to be worn all day (16 to 23 hours), with a few exceptions, or only during the nighttime. The amount of time required for the patient to wear the brace depends on the curvature. If your spinal curves are at least 35 degrees, you are more likely to wear it full-time.
- Observation – around 90% of idiopathic scoliosis are considered mild and according to many doctors, only require observation. The observation is done every 4-6 months in adolescents, until their skeleton has reached maturity. If there is rapid progression in the observation phase, the next step is bracing. But, as you age, your body starts to experience increased aches, pains and stiffness. Your spine’s functionality and function starts to decline and there is a higher chance that your bones and intervertebral discs will start deteriorate over time. The natural aging process causes disc deterioration and narrowing of the spinal canal, giving you a hard time in the morning, when standing or after a long walk. Having lived with scoliosis your entire life, treating it with only bracing or just regular observations are very likely to cause you problems as you get older. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to your condition as early as possible.
KKT takes an active rather than passive approach to scoliosis treatment. So far, other treatments allow patients to become dependent on their braces which can later deteriorate into muscular atrophy and weakness, often leading to surgery. KKT is an evidence-based, innovative treatment that allows greater mobility, as it executes immediate spinal corrections and overtime, regenerates unbalanced muscles, joints and bones.
- Surgery – Surgery is considered if the idiopathic scoliosis curve continues to progress past 40 or 50 degrees, despite bracing. There are three main goals of scoliosis surgery, to stop the progression of the curve, reduce the deformity, and maintain trunk balance.
KKT is a non-invasive scoliosis treatment that can be used to override the body’s internal sensory defenses and relax the surrounding muscles. These muscles can contract asymmetrically depending on the magnitude of the spinal curve and eventually lead to visual imbalances. Because the curved (scoliotic) spine compresses and rotates three-dimensionally, it must be clinically treated in such a manner as to correct the rotation. By repositioning the vertebrae to a more natural position and re-balancing the spine, early disease correction and prevention of a hyper rotated state is achieved. The KKT process also plays an integral role in stimulating the connective tissues of the spine to promote cellular regeneration.
The full treatment program also includes specifically prescribed dynamic spine mobilization exercises, which assist the KKT treatment process. The computer-generated exercises draw their input from specific X-ray data.
KKT provides patients with renewed hope and is paving the way to preventing the detrimental effects of scoliosis.
If you are concerned about any of the signs and symptoms above, a comprehensive diagnostic assessment by a KKT physician will show if you require treatment. Click hereto find your nearest KKT clinic and book an appointment.
TESTIMONIAL
I came to the KKT Centre after being recommended by a friend. I was suffering from a severe case of scoliosis and wanted to explore treatment options before committing to a more aggressive surgical alternative. After my first treatment I could feel the change in my structure.
Shortly after a series of treatments, the results were obvious.
I had a very measurable outcome resulting in no surgery! I’m grateful to KKT and Dr. Khan.
– Mandy, age 27.