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Scoliosis

by Kent Pinkerton

Spinal problems are on the rise globally, due to the prevailing lifestyle of people. Lifestyles characterized by improper diet and lack of exercise lead to weak bones that in turn contribute to Scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a common spinal disease that can occur both in children and adults. Abnormalities, such as uneven shoulders or waist, raised hip, and leaning of the body, should be taken as signs of Scoliosis. These signs call for immediate medical attention. Doctors use X-rays, CT scans, spinal radiographs, MRIs, or spinal bone scans to confirm the disease.

Scoliosis in children may be noticed by a parent, teacher, or doctor. Usually, schools conduct medical examinations to detect this problem early, in children. Research indicates that a history of Scoliosis in the family increases the probability of a child developing the disease. It also shows that girls are more likely to develop the disease than boys.

Scoliosis in adults is generally the continuation of a disease that was ignored or not diagnosed during childhood. This spinal problem is likely to have increased with age.

Contrary to popular notions, Scoliosis is not always painful, so if there is pain along with spinal abnormalities, the patient should also be examined for problems like tumors or hernia.

Although some patients claim to have been benefited from exercises or muscle stimulation, doctors in general do not think that Scoliosis can be rectified through these measures.

Observation, orthopedic braces, or surgery is used to treat the disease. The patient's age, family medical history, and degree of spinal curve is taken into account by doctors, in deciding upon the course of treatment. Observation is used when a child has a minor form of the disease and has completed growth. The child is observed for several years to confirm that the problem is not worsening with age. Orthopedic braces are used in less severe cases and in the early stages of the disease, while surgery becomes essential in more serious cases.

In conclusion, Scoliosis can be avoided to a large extent by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Parents, teachers, and doctors should keep a sharp lookout for its signs in children because the condition, if ignored or undiagnosed in childhood, may require surgery in adulthood.

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