hi, i was diagnosed to have a scoliosis. what's that?

Question

i searched what it is in yahoo and Google, but i just can't understand! could somebody tell me in layman's term what scoliosis is? and what will happen to me? what are the treatments needed. i know it's a spine problem.if not treated will i look awful? h'm getting paranoid. please help :(

Answer 1

not much help but i don't think you can be healed
http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/scoliosis/a/scoliosis.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scoliosis
http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/scoliosis/scoliosis01.html
them might help i don't know though

Answer 2

Deep, breath. You're ok. Feeling scared is perfectly normal. You need to see a spine specialist, either neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon for x-rays and a definitive diagnosis. I don't trust chiropractors. I had my back manipulated once or twice, it always hurt worse after they were done with it. As a nurse, I've also cared for a few patients who required surgery after seeing a chiropractor because the chiropractor actually caused nerve damage. When you go see your spine specialist, the doctor will do a history and physical looking for abnormal curves and body symmetry. They will also try to estimate how much growth you have left to do (curves tend to increase as you grow). X-rays will allow the doctor to measure the curve and determine what treatment, if any, is necessary. Height, weight, and degree of curvature of the spine will be compare at future visits to see if the curve is getting worse. Treatment of scoliosis is based on the severity of the curve and the chances of the curve getting worse. There are three main categories of treatment: observation, bracing, and surgery. Treatment for idiopathic: If the curve is <25 degrees, it can be observed with routine x-rays and measurements. If the curve is between 25-40 degrees, a brace may be recommended. If the curve is greater than 40 degrees, then surgery may be recommended. There's not much you can do at home/on your own. If you have back pain physical therapy, massage, core strengthening exercises, and yoga can strengthen back muscles and improve or alleviate pain; heat and cold packs can also help. Drinking milk won't help scoliosis, but it will help in your future (think osteoporosis). Building strong and healthy bones requires an adequate dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, and exercise beginning in childhood and adolescence

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

Simply, it's an abnormal curvature of the spine. Most literatures cite it as lateral curvature..but that's just 2-D artifact on a plain film. In reality, it's a 3-dimentional curvature with rotation..much like helical structure of DNA.

It's really not easy to give you a straight answer on how it's treated as there are many different kinds of scoliosis.

The most common one, idiopathic scoliosis(80%), is treated with bracing and surgery if severe enough.

Posturer scoliosis can be addressed with good rehab program.

Neuromuscular disease caused scoliosis usually requires surgery.

As far as aesthetic aspect goes, usually, below 20 degrees isn't very noticeable under clothing. But once you progress on from that, depending on types of curvature you have (there are many classifications) one may be more noticeable than the other. Check out www.myscoliosis.net pretty good treatment for scoliosis..

Answer 5

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. It is treated with either a back brace or by doing surgery depending on how serious it is. You doctor should have mentioned what he felt was your best treatment option and if he didn't then call on Monday to ask what he plans to do.

Answer 6

It is when your spine is curved. If the curve is under 10 degrees, it is normal. If the curve is 50 degrees or higher you have to have surgury. If the curve is between 10 and 50, you usually have to wear a back brace. The back brace will help make your spine straighter. Better start treatment ASAP, it could get worse if you wait.

Answer 7

Curvature of the spine. It depends on how bad it is. You may have to wear a brace or a corset type thing. You need to have it corrected or it could get worse and cause back pain later in life.

Answer 8

ur doctor should have given u information on it. Really he should have discussed evrything with u, never leave without being comfortable and talking with ur doctor, u have a curved spine. some cases are bad and some are worse, really depends on u, im not sure there is alot u can do for treatment, just something u will have to talk to ur doctor about.

Answer 9

Scoliosis is a curve in your spine. its caused by cartilage and subluxation build up between the bone joints. can cause nerve damage.
My suggestion is to find a good chiropractor and keep getting treatment...

Answer 10

it is acurviter of the spine and will be treated if bad enough with a back brace. you need to keep you spine straight ad no treatmen with leave you looking like the hunchback.
good posture will also help

Answer 11

dont be scared, its a curvature of the spine, many people have it and you could never even notice, definetly see your doctor and get treatment, but you will be fine you wont look awful.