– What You Need to Know
Scoliosis refers to lateral curvature of the spinal bone, which is usually common in growing adults of age 10 to 15. While the medical condition can develop in people having diagnoses like muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy, the real cause behind pediatric scoliosis is actually not known. Most scoliosis cases are relatively mild in their intensity. However, some curves get worse as children grow with age.
The Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis
Some of the signs and symptoms of scoliosis include the following:
- Apparently, uneven alignment of shoulders
- A shoulder blade which appears more usual than the other shoulder blade
- An apparently uneven waist
- One hip appears higher than the other hip
- A side of the rib cage protruding forward
- One side of the back being prominent when you are bending forward
The Causes of Scoliosis
The condition does not have any known medical causes. However, doctors suggest this disease to be inherited. Also, some of the prevalent risk factors included for the disease include female gender, adolescence, and poor economic conditions. Also, pediatric patients with scoliosis don’t have a family history usually of this case.
Some of the common causes that can be observed from this condition include the following:
- Neuromuscular conditions of the body, including muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy
- Birth defects impact the normal development of the spinal bones
- Surgical history in the neonatal or antenatal period, such as surgical intervention in the chest
- Infection or injury to the spine
- Abnormalities in the spinal cord
The Treatment Options for Scoliosis
Bracing and surgery are some interventions made in the scoliosis patient in order to address the condition. If the child has growing bones, they may get a brace. It does not treat the condition. However, it prevents scoliosis from getting worse.
Some surgical interventions required for the treatment include spinal fusion, expanding rod, and vertical body tethering. In the method, the surgeons help to connect multiple bones in the vertebral column together to hinder their movement. In rod expanding, surgeons attach some expandable rods along the column to provide support and shape, and it adjusts as the pediatric patient grows. Vertical body tethering involves small incisions.
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, telemedicine makes it possible for you to get the care you deserve. Schedule a virtual consultation with a Telakai Health online Provider and get on the road to recovery. Schedule your visit today.