Scoliosis (Curvature of the Spine)

What is scoliosis?

What is the difference between scoliosis and kyphosis?

If you look at someone from the side, normally there are three slight front-to-back curves in the spine - one in the neck, one in the chest section, and one in the lower back. An abnormal more pronounced front-to-back curve is called a kyphosis. This is different to a scoliosis.

What are the types and causes of scoliosis?

Non-structural scoliosis (functional or postural scoliosis)

In this type the spine is structurally normal, but looks curved because of another condition such as differing leg length or muscle spasm in the back muscles. The curve is usually mild and it changes or goes away when the person bends sideways or forwards.

Structural scoliosis

In these cases the curve is fixed and doesn't go away when the person changes position. There are different types:

• Idiopathic. This means the cause is not known. More than 8 in 10 cases of scoliosis are idiopathic.
• Neuromuscular. This means the curve is caused by a condition which affects muscles or nerves of the back. For example, it may occur in some cases of muscular dystrophy, polio, cerebral palsy, or neurofibromatosis. Each of these conditions has other symptoms and problems in addition to a scoliosis.
• Osteopathic. This means as a result of a bone abnormality.
• Congenital. This means the spine does not form properly when a baby develops in the womb.

Who gets idiopathic scoliosis?

Idiopathic scoliosis can develop at any stage in childhood. It is not known how or why it develops. It is not due to poor posture and you cannot prevent it.

It most commonly develops during the growth spurt of puberty and early adolescence. This is usually between the ages of 10-12 for girls and 11-16 for boys. About 1 in 40 children have some degree of scoliosis. Mild scoliosis affects about the same number of boys and girls. However, moderate or severe scoliosis is more common in girls.

Idiopathic scoliosis is not a straightforward hereditary condition. However, in about 1 in 4 people with scoliosis there are one or more other family members with the same condition.

What are the symptoms of idiopathic scoliosis?

In most cases the onset of the scoliosis is gradual and painless. Scoliosis is usually noticeable on bending down. Sometimes a mild to moderate scoliosis can develop without being noticed by the child or his or her parents. This is often because the condition usually develops during adolescence when children often become more self-conscious. Parents and others are not likely to see a naked back and see the problem.

Scoliosis can cause mild pain and imbalance of the muscles. If scoliosis becomes more severe then it can become more disfiguring. This is because when the spine curves sideways, as the curve becomes more severe, the small bones that make up the vertebrae (spine) also twist round. This pulls any attached muscles, ligaments and ribs round with them. As a consequence:

• If the scoliosis is in the thoracic (chest) region, the ribs and shoulder blade stick out like a bulge on one side of the back. Also, one shoulder may hang lower than the other and one shoulder blade may be higher than the other.
• If the scoliosis is in the lumbar (lower back) region, it can make the pelvis thrust forward on one side and one leg may appear to be shorter than the other.

If scoliosis becomes severe and is not treated, it can cause problems later in life. For example, persistent back pain may develop and breathing problems or heart problems may develop if the deformity in the chest region is very severe. This is not very common though.

How is idiopathic scoliosis diagnosed?

What is the treatment for idiopathic scoliosis?

For people with mild curves, the aim of treatment is to prevent the curve progressing and worsening. People with more severe scoliosis need treatment to stabilize the spine. Many people with scoliosis do not need treatment. Treatment depends on various factors such as the person's age, whether they are still growing, the severity of the curve, the exact location of the scoliosis (for example upper or lower back) and the chance that it may progress. Treatment options include observation, wearing a brace and surgery.

Observation

Most people have mild scoliosis and do not need any treatment. However, a specialist may arrange regular reviews to make sure that the scoliosis does not worsen as children get older. Once the main bone growth ends after puberty, scoliosis does not usually become worse. Sports and other activities can be done normally for most people. Occasionally, a specialist may advise against certain activities such as heavy contact sports or gymnastics.

Back braces

There are several different types of back brace now available; the more modern ones are more comfortable to wear than the older ones. If the scoliosis is moderate or becoming worse, then a back brace may be advised. A brace does not cure a scoliosis, the aim of a brace is to prevent the scoliosis from getting worse as the child grows. A brace is worn most of the day and night. Most normal activities can be done whilst wearing a back brace.

Surgery

An operation is sometimes performed for people with severe scoliosis. There are many different types of operation performed to correct the curve of scoliosis. The operation is done to correct the curve, stabilise the spine and also fuse the curve. Fusion is the joining of two or more vertebrae (back bones). Implants or rods are often used to keep the back straight after the operation. The operations performed for scoliosis involve many months of recovery afterwards.

Alternative treatments

There is no reliable evidence that other techniques such as osteopathy, chiropractic, physiotherapy, reflexology, acupuncture, neurostimulation, and so on can make any difference to a scoliosis. However, these complimentary techniques can sometimes be useful to improve backache or pain.

Further help and information

Scoliosis Association UK (SAUK)

4 Ivebury Court, 325 Latimer Road, London, W10 6RA
Helpline: 020 8964 1166 Web: www.sauk.org.uk