2006-11-15 08:45:14 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Scoliosis is a disorder in which there is a sideways curve of the spine, or backbone. Curves are often S - shaped or C - shaped.
In most people, there is no known cause for this curve.
People with milder curves may only need to visit their doctor for periodic exams. Some people who have scoliosis need treatment.
2006-11-15 09:28:09 · answer #1 · answered by AshleyS. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine, generally in the shape of a "c" or an "s". Curves of less than three degrees are not considered scoliosis - they are perfectly normal. Anything above 45 degrees generally requires surgical correction.
The easiest test for scoliosis involves the subject bending over at the waist so that their torso is parallel to the floor. A nurse or other trained person looks to see if either shoulder blade is more prominent (a common symptom in most cases) and runs their hand along the subject's spine to see if there is a curve.
For mild curves, doctors generally only want to watch and wait to see if it will progress. If the curve does not worsen, treatment is unnecessary.
For moderate curves, treatment is generally bracing until the patient has finished growing. If the patient is also in pain from the curves, or if the curve continues to progress after growing ends, surgical correction is an option.
Severe curves can only be treated by surgical correction, known as spinal fusion surgery. This involves "straightening" the spine using metal rods and bone grafts. These curves are pretty rare, but most orthopedic surgeons who specialize in disorders of the spine have seen them before.
With "s" shaped curves, the more severe curve is generally on top. It is extremely rare to find the more severe curve on the bottom. Also, most cases of scoliosis occur in the thoracic region of the spine.
2006-11-15 16:48:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It means that the disks of the spine are not vertically aligned.
In mild cases, it may not cause serious problems, and may, in fact, go unnoticed.
In severe cases, it can affect the lung's ability to expand, and thus, take in oxygen. In more severe cases, the curvature can be so bad as to affect the heart's ability to pump blood, and can, if left untreated, result in death.
Treatments can include braces and surgery to correct the curvature.
2006-11-15 09:03:23 · answer #3 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several different "warning signs" to look for to help determine if you have scoliosis. Should you notice any one or more of these signs, you should schedule an exam with your doctor.
* Shoulders are different heights – one shoulder blade is more prominent than the other
* Head is not centered directly above the pelvis
* Appearance of a raised, prominent hip
* Rib cages are at different heights
* Uneven waist
* Changes in look or texture of skin overlying the spine (dimples, hairy patches, color changes)
* Leaning of entire body to one side
Hope I could help!
2006-11-15 08:51:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
"Scoliosis is a problem with the curve in the spine. If the curve is severe it can cause pain and trouble breathing."
2006-11-15 08:49:10 · answer #5 · answered by Mama2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a curvature of your spine.
2006-11-15 08:47:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋