A Look At Scoliosis. (With a featured interview.)

Authors Note: I am in no way a medical professional of any kind, and I highly discourage self-diagnosing. Please consult with a  trusted medical professional if you feel you, or someone who knows has this condition or any other serious medical condition. Thank you, founder, Jessica 

Photo credit: unspash.com, Hanna Postova

Scoliosis: The sideways curvature of the spine that occurs during a growth spurt, just before puberty. Known to be caused by medical conditions like Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy. But for the most part, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown. People of all ages can get this condition, However, it usually occurs In children between the ages of (10-12) as well as in your teens. Girls are more commonly know to get this type of Scoliosis than boys. This is the most common form of the condition. 

Most cases of scoliosis are mild, however, some children with this condition do form deformities that can and do continue to get more severe as they grow. For those with severe cases, it can be debilitating. For children with a severe curve to their spine, can and does reduce the space within the chest making it difficult for the lungs to work correctly. In mild cases, X-rays are done to monitor if the curvature is getting worse for the child. Most cases do not require treatment. In some cases to prevent the cure in the spine from getting worse, a back brace can be required and worn by the child. In severe cases, some children may require surgery. 

The following symptoms can occur. Uneven shoulders, one shoulder blade shows more prominent than the other, uneven waist, and one hip higher than the other. If the curve worsens, the following can also occur. The spine can also twist, and or curve side to side. This can cause the ribs to stick out more on one side more than the other. If you suspect your child may have this condition, then you seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is also important to note that mild curves occur gradually and usually spotted by teachers and coaches, adults that can recognize the condition in the child. 

Other possible causes for the condition 

Birth defects that affect the bones and spine 

 Injuries or infections to the spine 

Risk factors for developing the most common form of the condition. 

Age signs and symptoms occur during a growth spurt just before puberty.

Sex Boys and girls can develop a mild form at about the same rate, Girls are a higher risk of the curvature getting worse and requiring treatment for it. 

Family history This condition can run in families, but most kids who have it don’t have a family history of the disease. Links used in this piece are as follows: 

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scoliosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350716
2. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/scoliosis

Photo credit of unspash.com, Hadis safari 

Photo credit unspash.com, Becca  Tapert

The following is an interview with Leslie S: A Scoliosis and Cerebral Palsy fighter

• - For those that don't know what scoliosis is would you mind telling us? As well as what caused you to have it?
• - What treatments or therapies have you sought out that help you manage your Scoliosis?
• - I did some basic research on this condition recently, and I found out that the most common forms affect children before they hit puberty. What would your best advice be to a child that was just diagnosed with this condition?
• - What is one positive thing you have learned about having this condition, and what is one negative thing?
• - And lastly, what would you tell those in the medical field studying this condition that you think they should know for the future?

Answers: 

 A1. Scoliosis is defined as s curiture of the spine.  Most people are born with it. It is concurrent with other disabilities most often.

A2. I am beginning to use alternative therapies like a TENS unit for the chronic pain associated with it as I have gotten older.  Encourage continuing education in 

physical therapists and combine this with alternative therapies that make the patient feel better and focus on the whole person.

A3.  would tell children Who are newly diagnosed that they are not defined by any of their conditions.

A4, One negative thing I have learned is that pain can be caused by every day activities and I wish I had learned more about it as I was growing up.

One positive thing I learned is that in my late teens I was introduced to water therapy through physical and  at Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago.  

A5. I would encourage professionals just starting out in the field to take the wait-and-see approach and to encourage alternative therapies for pain management. I've been told by many physicians' and physical therapist's that the use of functional Devices like braces will restrict a patient mobility and should not be used unless it is a last resort.