hi what is a scoliosis?

Answer 1

A scoliosis is a lateral or sideways curve in the spine that is apparent when viewing the spine from behind. A mild degree of scoliosis is common, occurring in up to 50 per cent of the population. Scoliosis generally does not require any specific treatment. However, severe scoliosis does indeed need treatment. Scoliosis occurs mainly in the thoracic and thoraco-lumbar regions. There are two basic types of scoliosis, structural and functional. In the structural scoliosis the mechanics of the curve are such that rotation of the vertebrae occurs in combination with lateral curvature, and this usually produces a protruberance of one side of the rib cage, seen best when a person bends forward. This is the worst type of scoliosis, and it can be progressive. In the functional scoliosis, fixed rotation does not occur, and the curvature is usually non-progressive. This type of scoliosis is classified into postural, which disappears on foward bending, and compensatory, which is most commonly due to a short leg.

There are many causes of a structural scoliosis, but by far the most common (80 to 90 per cent) is the unknown, or idiopathic. This idiopathic scoliosis develops usually as the spine is growing rapidly. The earliest form, or infantile form, occurs in the first three years of life, and it usually resolves with time. The juvenile form occurs up to the age of nine, and has a high familial relationship. It can often be a progressive scoliosis. The adolescent form is the most common, and occurs from nine to fourteen years, and the most severe cases involve females. It is not known for sure why some children get a scoliosis. It appears that genetic inheritance is a major contributor to a scoliosis.

It is often difficult for the untrained eye to detect a developing scoliosis when standing from behind, as although the bones may be twisted to a considerable degree the spine can appear straight because the spinous processes (the parts of the spine that project backwards and can be felt under the skin) can remain in a fairly straight line, while the front of the vertebrae rotate to a large extent. A better guide to the extent of a scoliosis can often be obtained by looking at a person from the front. In this view, the asymmetry of the body can be more readily detectable. This view may detect an abnormally shaped chest, or protruberance of some of the ribs on one side. The best way to look for a scoliosis is to look at the back from behind as the person bends forward. It is then easy to see the curve as one side of the rib cage will project more than the other. If there is any suggestion of a scoliosis medical opinion should be sought. Plain x-rays of the spine may be ordered. These x-rays can easily detect the extent of a scoliosis.

Answer 2

Scoliosis (sko-lee-O-sis) 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.
People of all ages can have scoliosis. The most common type is idiopathic scoliosis in children aged 10-12 and in their early teens. This is the time when children are growing fast. Girls are more likely than boys to have this type of scoliosis.
Scoliosis can run in families. A child who has a parent, brother, or sister with idiopathic scoliosis should have regular checkups by the family doctor
The cause is not known in most cases. In some cases, there is a known cause.
Doctors look at medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and tests for scoliosis. An x ray of the spine can help the doctor decide if a person has scoliosis. The x ray lets the doctor measure the curve in degrees (such as 25 degrees) and see its location, shape, and pattern.

Answer 3

Everyone's spine has natural curves. These curves round our shoulders and make our lower back curve slightly inward. But some people have spines that also curve from side to side. Unlike poor posture, these curves can't be corrected simply by learning to stand up straight. This condition of side-to-side spinal curves is called scoliosis. On an X-ray, the spine of an individual with scoliosis looks more like an "S" or a "C" than a straight line. Some of the bones in a scoliotic spine also may have rotated slightly, making the person's waist or shoulders appear uneven.

Answer 4

Scoliosis is a disease which is caused when the spine bends to the left and right. The chest area and the lower part of the back are most commonly are bent in scoliosis. Treatment for this disease is based on the age of the person, degree ad pattern of the curve and the type of scoliosis.

Causes of scoliosis are:

1. Neuromuscular conditions: This conditions affects the muscles and nerves.
2. Congenital scoliosis: This causes when the fetus is in the womb the bones develop abnormally
3. Leg length: If one leg is longer than the other It may result in scoliosis
4. Idiopathic scoliosis: The causes are unknown in above 80% of cases.
http://www.manipalinternationalpatientcare.com/our-specialties/spine-surgery/scoliosis/

Answer 5

It's curvature of the spine. It starts in early adolesence. There's no real reason why, but now there's better surgery then ever to correct the curve. It's more often found in girls, starting around the age of 12-13 ish. The doctor, or nurse has the child bend over, and one shoulder blade sticks out more then the other. Another sign is one leg is usually a tiny bit shorter then the other. I hope this has helped. ~~~

Answer 6

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. It can sometimes be corrected with surgery or I think a brace. They offten test for it in grade school.

Answer 7

Abnormal curvature of the spine. See http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/scoliosis for more information.

Answer 8

Scoliosis is a desease that causes the spine to curve unnaturally.
Some people that have it need to get a back brace, but in mind enough cases (like mine) you don't need to do anything

Answer 9

scoliosis is when your spine is curved. in certain cases medical attention is needed, in other the curvature is slight enough to not be a problem.

for more info, go on www.webmd.com

Answer 10

Abnormal curvature of the spine.