What is Scoliosis?

Answer:
Scoliosis is defined as the medical disorder

in which spinal deformity characterized by abnormal curvature occurs in the body.

In Scoliosis spine shows abnormal lateral or side-ways or rotational curves to produce s-shaped or c-shaped curvature over time and thus giving the appearance that the person is leaning to one side. Scoliosis can affect any person of any group but females are known to be affected more and reason for this is unknown.

Scoliosis can be classified into following major types: -
(a) Functional Scoliosis in which spine is normal but abnormal curvature develops due to the reasons like difference in leg size, muscles spam in back, etc.
(b) Neuromuscular Scoliosis in which spinal bones are underdeveloped or they fail to separate from each other. This may be congenital in nature and may be accompanied with disorders like muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, etc.
(c) Degenerative Scoliosis which occurs in older persons due to weakening of normal ligaments, arthritis, etc.

Apart from these there can be some other reasons also which may result in Scoliosis like spinal tumors as well as due to some unknown reasons (Idiopathic Scoliosis). The most common type of Scoliosis is the Idiopathic Scoliosis and for which there is no causal agent known. The various symptoms of the Scoliosis includes uneven musculature on one side of the spine, uneven rib case, hip & shoulder levels, asymmetrical breast size in females, unequal distance between arms & body, shortness of breath, chest pain, back pain and rib hump, etc.

Diagnosis of Scoliosis: - Scoliosis can be diagnosed using different methods like careful observation, Adam’s Blend Test, Scoliometer, Plumb Line Test, Measurement of Cobb Angle, X-ray, MRI, as well as Genetic Testing.

Treatment of Scoliosis: - Presently there is no cure for the Scoliosis. However symptoms of Scoliosis can be treated by the methods which are determined depending on the age of patient and severity of the condition. The various treatment methods are Bracing, Surgery (like costoplasty, spinal fusion), Chiropractic or Physical Therapy like Schroth Method, etc.
Scoliosis can be treated effectively if diagnosed in the early stage and if any individual notices any of the symptoms of the disorder than he/she must immediately contact the physician.