is a condition
of an abnormal curve of the spine. Curves are often S or C-shaped. It can occur at any age, but it is usually diagnosed early in childhood, during growth spurts. There are many degrees of severity of scoliosis so that treatment varies, depending on its location and degree of curvature.
The 4 types of scoliosis
are Neuromuscular, Congenital, Degenerative Scoliosis with the most common being Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis affecting those between 10-18 years old.
Causes for
idiopathic scoliosis is mostly unknown. However, in cases where cause is known, doctors classify curves as Nonstructural and Structural. Scoliosis can run in families so a child with parents/siblings with scoliosis should have regular medical screenings.
Common Symptoms
signs of scoliosis
- Asymmetrical body
- Uneven shoulders
- Uneven waist; tilting to one side
- Uneven hips; one hip higher than the other
- Prominent shoulder blade on one side
- One side of the rib cage jutting forward
- Uneven hips
- Rib hump present when bending forward
- Spine looks curvy (back view)
nonstructural
Spine is structurally normal and curve is temporary. Identification of root cause needed to treat and correct the curvature of the spine. An example of nonstructural scoliosis is leg-length discrepancy.
structural
Structure spine is caused by a disease, injury, infection or birth defect.
in singapore
the incidence of scoliosis is about 2.3% – around seven times more common in girls than in boys. The health screening program in local schools has successfully identify children for immediate intervention with conservative bracing treatment.
People with scoliosis experience numbness or muscle weakness in lower limbs or pain in shoulders and arms.