Scoliosis by Hannah & Tylyn

What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine, or back bone. The spine has normal curves when looking from the side, but it should appear straight when looking from the front.

Causes Symptoms Neuromuscular conditions (cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy) Birth defects Injuries to or infections of the spine Uneven shoulders One hip higher than the other Back pain Difficulty breathing Abnormal curve of spine

Statistics on Scoliosis Scoliosis affects 2-3% of the population, or an estimated 7 million people in the United States. The primary age for scoliosis is 10-15 years old. Females are 8x more likely to get scoliosis than males. Scoliosis patients make more than 600,000 visits to private physicians

Age range scoliosis If someone is less than 3 years old it is called infantile idiopathic scoliosis Scoliosis that develops between the ages 3 and 10 is juvenile idiopathic scoliosis People over the age of 10 have adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis In many cases, infantile idiopathic scoliosis will improve without any treatment. X-rays can be obtained and measurements compared on future visits to determine if the curve is getting worse. Bracing is not normally effective in these people.

Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis has the highest risk for getting worse of all of the idiopathic types of scoliosis. Bracing can be tried early if the curve is not very severe. The goal is to prevent the curve from getting worse until the person stops growing. Since the curve starts early in these people, and they have a lot of time left to grow, there is a higher chance for needing more aggressive treatment or surgery.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form of scoliosis If the curve is small when first diagnosed, it can be observed and followed with routine X-rays and measurements If the curve stays below 25 degrees, no other treatment is needed You may return to see the doctor every three to four months to check for any worsening of the curve. If the curve is between 25-40 degrees and you are still growing, a brace may be recommended Bracing is not recommended for people who have finished growing If the curve is greater than 40 degrees, then surgery may be recommended.

Types of Scoliosis There are three main types of scoliosis: Functional Neuromuscular Degenerative

Functional Scoliosis Functional scoliosis is caused by an abnormality elsewhere in the body. This type of scoliosis is treated by treating that abnormality, such as a difference in leg length. A small wedge can be placed in the shoe to help even out the leg length and prevent the spine from curving. There is no direct treatment of the spine because the spine is normal in these people.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by an abnormal development of the bones of the spine. This type of scoliosis has the greatest chance of getting worse. Observation and bracing do not normally work well for these people. The majority of these people will eventually need surgery to stop the curve from getting worse.

Degenerative Scoliosis Degenerative scoliosis describes a side-to-side curvature of the spine cause by degeneration of the facet joints. The condition occurs most frequently in people over 65 years of age.

Scoliosis Curvatures Mild Scoliosis- less than 20 degrees Moderate Scoliosis- between 25 and 70 degrees Severe Scoliosis- over 70 degrees Very severe scoliosis- over 100 degrees

Detection/testing Routine physical exams Some schools test for scoliosis If a doctor suspects a person has scoliosis, they might order an x-ray The angle of the curvature assists the doctor in deciding whether or not treatment is required, as well as how to treat it

Cure There is no cure for scoliosis, but there are alternative options for pain relief Depending on the severity and location of the pain, it may be treated with surgery or non-surgical options

Treatment Treatment of scoliosis is based on the severity of the curve and the chances of the curve getting worse The type of scoliosis helps to determine the proper treatment There are three main categories of treatment, these include observation, bracing, and surgery willmington jacket-custom fit light weight jacket, wore under a persons clothes so it is not visible. Designed to be worn from 18-20 hours per day Charleston brace-bends the spine in effort to straighten the curve, can only be worn while sleeping

Effect Affect Headaches Chronic Fatigue Joint Pain Difficulty Sleeping Loss of concentration Depression

Prognosis Depending on how severe the curve is depends on how scoliosis will effect their body later in life

References; Cheung, K. (2008, September 2). Information and Support. Retrieved from National Scoliosis Foundation: http://www.scoliosis.org/info.php Jason, C. (2014, March 31). Scoliosis. Retrieved from Medicine Net: http://www.medicinenet.com/scoliosis/article.htm Staff, M. C. (2012, February 3). Diseases and Conditions Scoliosis. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/scoliosis/basics/definition/con-20030140?reDate=25032015 Weiss, T. C. (2012, July 24). Scoliosis Information. Retrieved from Disabled World: http://www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/spinal/backpain/scoliosis.php Woggon, G. R. (2011, May 11). The Impact of Scoliosis. Retrieved from The American Chiropractor: http://www.theamericanchiropractor.com/articles- special-features/5308-the-impact-of-scoliosis-on-the-people-living-with-it-and- their-families.html