What is Scoliosis?
- Julia Earnest
- Dec 19, 2023
- 2 min read
Written by Ibadat Warring
Scoliosis is a spinal deformity characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine and vertebrae rotation (Janicki & Alman, 2007). While it can affect individuals of any age, it is particularly prevalent among children and adolescents. Typically, a child should see a specialist if the curve is greater than 10 degrees when they are younger than 10 years of age or greater than 20 degrees as they grow older (Janicki & Alman, 2007). There are many syndromes and conditions that are associated with scoliosis including cerebral palsy, paralysis and achondroplasia (Janicki & Alman, 2007). Thus, it is critical that children receive the care they require in a timely manner due to the detrimental impacts on the child’s health and quality of life as the curvature of the spine increases.
Causes (or Types) of Scoliosis
There are multiple broad causes of scoliosis including congenital, neuromuscular, syndrome-related, idiopathic and spinal curvature due to secondary reasons (Janicki & Alman, 2007). In the community, school children mostly show pelvic tilt scoliosis, spinal scoliosis or progressive scoliosis which resembles idiopathic scoliosis (Dickson, 1983). In developing countries, like Kenya, the disease progression can be exacerbated by lack of access to new medical technologies and resources like MRI machines or lack of consistent follow up with the patient (Albright, 2023).
Idiopathic Scoliosis: This is the most common form of scoliosis, and its exact cause is unknown. It often appears during adolescence, particularly during growth spurts.
Congenital Scoliosis: Caused by spinal malformations present at birth, congenital scoliosis is a result of irregularities in vertebral development that can be identified in a fetal ultrasound (Janicki & Alman, 2007).
Neuromuscular Scoliosis: Conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy can contribute to scoliosis as the muscles supporting the spine weaken.
Degenerative Scoliosis: This type occurs later in life due to the wear and tear on the spine's discs and joints.
There can also be progressive scoliosis.
However, terminology varies and we can see different types of scoliosis being called different things!
Symptoms of Scoliosis
Uneven Shoulders or Hips: One shoulder or hip appearing higher than the other.
Spinal Rotation: The spine may rotate, causing a rib hump on one side.
Back Pain: Some individuals may experience back pain, though this isn’t a universal symptom.
References
Albright, A. L. (2023). Placodectomies for myelomeningoceles. Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, 1(aop), 1-3.
Dickson, R. A. (1983). Scoliosis in the community. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed), 286(6365), 615-618.
Janicki, J. A., & Alman, B. (2007). Scoliosis: Review of diagnosis and treatment. Paediatrics & Child Health, 12(9), 771-776. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/12.9.771
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