Scoliosis is the condition where the spine curves in an unnatural manner. The normal spine is curved in an S-shape when viewed from the side and is perfectly straight when viewed from the back or front. Sometimes, however, the spine curves either more than the natural tendency or in another direction.
Scoliosis can be of many types:
- Idiopathic scoliosis is when the cause of the problem is unknown. Most cases of scoliosis fall under this category.
- Congenital scoliosis is when the problem has been in existence from birth.
- Paralytic curve is a form of scoliosis when the spine twists out of shape because the muscles that hold it straight have weakened. This generally happens after paralysis, which is why it is called a paralytic curve.
- Myopathic deformity is when the curve is caused due to some problem with the muscles that hold the spine straight. Unlike a paralytic curve, however, when the curve is caused by a weakening of the muscles, a myopathic deformity is usually caused by a disease, such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, polio, etc.
- Secondary scoliosis is caused as a symptom of some other problem such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, degeneration, or even injury.
Most cases of scoliosis are usually painless. This is because, although the abnormal curvature of the spine will result in structural problems with the body, it will in no way affect its functioning. In fact, scoliosis of up to 20 degrees is generally not considered a problem at all, and at worst, you may need to go for periodic checkups to find out if the scoliosis is progressing. Even scoliosis of a much higher degree is not considered unsafe. For example, no intervention is required unless the degree of scoliosis crosses 30 degrees. Even here, unless monitoring shows that the curvature is increasing, generally nothing is done.
Since most cases of scoliosis occurs in growing children, the first method of intervention is to wear a brace. This brace is worn outside the body and helps provide support to the spine and keep it straight. Since this is the growing period for the child, most cases of scoliosis will disappear as they grow older. This does not mean that older people need not or should not wear a brace. It is just that a brace only prevents the scoliosis from worsening, and does nothing to cure the problem or reduce it.
Home Remedies
As mentioned earlier, scoliosis cures automatically in many cases when it affects small children. As we age, the chances of a cure reduce. Exercise is prescribed because it strengthens the muscles of the back and helps keep it straight. It does not, however, cure the problem.
If there is pain, it is better to seek professional help. Pain means that the deformity in the spine is pressing against a nerve, and unless evaluated can cause other, more serious problems.
References
- http://www.umm.edu/spinecenter/education/adult_scoliosis.htm
- http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_general_guidelines_treating_scoliosis_000068_7.htm
- http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/spine/specialties/scoliosis.html
- http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/Scoliosis/scoliosis_ff.asp
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/scoliosis.html
answered by G R