What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine (spinal column), giving rise to one or two turns.
It comes in more or less dramatic in 4 out of 100 people. The spine usually rotates on its axis (this is called a torsiescoliose) and causes a hunchback (gibbus).
One distinguishes an S-shaped scoliosis with two bends and a C-shaped scoliosis with a bend. An S-scoliosis appoints people to the convex curved side of the main curve; For example, an S-shaped thoracic scoliosis, convex to the right of 35 degrees.
Description
Although it is a complicated three-dimensional deformation, one can at a normal anteroposterior X-ray well see the lateral curvature as a C-shaped or S-shaped sling in the spine that ought to be in fact a straight line. A structural scoliosis will usually be accompanied by a rotation, a torque; also an additional stooped posture (kyphosis), a hollow back (lordosis) or both often coexist with scoliosis for. It is important whether the scoliosis is in equilibrium, that is, whether the center of gravity of the body is between the feet. For example, if the patient has an S-shaped scoliosis can occur at chest level a convex curve to the right and are at loin level a left turn. Usually, the lift curves on each other. The risk of progression is greater if this is not the case.
What causes scoliosis ?
It is important to distinguish between a non-structural scoliosis and a structural scoliosis. A non structural Scoliosis can be caused by pain and forced stand, by a wrong attitude or as compensation of a difference in length or a hip abnormality. A non-structural Scoliosis can be corrected; in the picture is the scoliosis or not to see more. Causes of a structural scoliosis:
- In 65% of the cases, the scoliosis is idiopathic, i.e. the cause is unknown. This scoliosis occurs during growth, and infantile (0-3 years); juvenile (3-10 years) and adolescents (9-17 years) called.
- In 10% is the neuromuscular scoliosis, that is to say that this is caused by an imbalance of the left and right muscle strength.
- 15% is innate. Scoliosis is common in children with developmental disabilities (Rett syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, Down Syndrome and many others) and in children with brain damage and one-sided hemiplegia or paralysis. Also, spinal cord, syringomyelia and abnormalities such as poliomyelitis, and muscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy can be accompanied by a scoliosis.
- Deviations from the vertebrae, for example vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, bone fractures, tuberculosis etc. can also cause the symptoms of scoliosis in later life.
Complaints
A structural, idiopathic scoliosis is progressive during growth. When there is an angle of more than 40 degrees between the upper closure plate of the vertebrae at the top of the bend and the lower closing plate of a vertebra at the bottom of the curve, the result is considered insufficient. The patients have problems with cosmetic changes. At a bend in the chest cavity can lead to problems with breathing and blood circulation; at slightly lower level touches the stomach from its place and there will be gastric acid in the esophagus. In principle, the end result is achieved if the scoliosis is not in equilibrium, and at extreme scoliosis (often the last in any case will have at least in part, neuromuscular and / or congenital causes) with a bend of 70 to 90 degrees can even outside the scoliosis growth still be progressive. Then there is significant disability, the patient can often hardly sit well. Pain occurs when the bottom of the rib cage is going to hit the top of the iliac crest.
Scoliosis treatment
- Chiropractic
With physical therapy, it is impossible to improve this. This has to do with the fact that physical therapy is concerned with the muscle groups.
- Scoliosis brace
- Operation