scoliosis
scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine twists and curves to the side more than it should. It can start at any age, but it is seen most often in children between 10 and 15 years old.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
If you or your child show signs of scoliosis, see a doctor. They can examine the back and work out the best next steps together with you. Once scoliosis has been diagnosed, you or your child should be seen by a specialist to discuss the treatment options.
Cauda equina syndrome
In rare cases, scoliosis can lead to a condition called cauda equina syndrome. This is a serious back condition that can cause permanent damage or disability. If it develops, you will need to be seen urgently by a specialist spinal team.
Seek urgent medical care if:
- there has been a new, significant injury within the last 7 days, such as a fall from a height or a direct blow to the back
Or if any of the following symptoms have started recently:
- loss of feeling, or pins and needles, between the inner thighs or around the genitals
- numbness in or around the back passage or buttocks
- a changed sensation when using toilet paper to wipe yourself
- increasing difficulty when trying to pass urine
- increasing difficulty stopping or controlling the flow of urine
- loss of sensation when passing urine
- leaking urine, or a recent need to use pads
- not being able to tell whether the bladder is full or empty
- being unable to hold in a bowel motion, or leaking stool
- loss of sensation when passing stool
- a change in the ability to achieve an erection or ejaculate
- loss of sensation in the genitals during sexual intercourse
Causes
Causes of scoliosis
In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown and it cannot usually be prevented. This is called idiopathic scoliosis. About 80% of cases of scoliosis are idiopathic.
It’s not thought to be linked with things like bad posture, exercise or diet.
There is a family history of the condition in some idiopathic cases. This suggests a possible genetic link.
Known causes of scoliosis
Some cases of scoliosis are caused by conditions that affect the nerves and muscles, like:
- cerebral palsy – a condition that affects the brain and nerves and happens during or shortly after birth
- muscular dystrophy – a genetic condition that causes muscle weakness
- neurofibromatosis – a genetic condition that causes benign tumours to grow along your nerves
In rare cases, babies can be born with scoliosis. This is known as congenital scoliosis. It’s caused by the bones in the spine not developing properly in the womb.
In adults, scoliosis can sometimes be caused by age related changes to parts of the spine. This is known as degenerative scoliosis.
Read more information on types of scoliosis from Scoliosis Support and Research
Diagnosis
Scoliosis is usually assessed first by a doctor or other healthcare professional, who will examine your spine, ribs, hips and shoulders.
You may be asked to bend forward so the doctor can check whether any part of your back stands out more than it should. For example, one shoulder may sit higher than the other, or there may be a visible bulge in your back or ribs.
After this assessment, you may be referred to a spinal specialist, who will talk through any further tests and treatment options with you.
Scans
The specialist will usually arrange an X-ray to confirm that you have scoliosis. This also helps show how large the curve is and what shape it takes.
In some cases, other scans may be recommended, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or a computerised tomography (CT) scan.
Treatment
Treatment of scoliosis
Read about scoliosis treatment for children and young people.
Read about scoliosis treatment for adults.
Complications
Complications of scoliosis
Scoliosis can sometimes lead to further emotional and physical problems.
Having a visibly curved spine or wearing a back brace can cause problems related to body image, self-esteem and overall quality of life. This is particularly the case for children and teenagers with scoliosis.
If this is a problem for you or your child, you may find it useful to contact a scoliosis support group, like the Scoliosis Association UK. These groups are a good source of information and support for people with scoliosis.
Lung and heart problems
In young children with severe scoliosis, the rib cage can be pushed against the heart and lungs. This can cause breathing problems and make it difficult for the heart to pump blood around the body.
This can also increase the chances of developing lung infections, like pneumonia, and can lead to problems like heart failure.
Nerve compression
In some cases of scoliosis, particularly those affecting adults, the bones in the spine compress nearby nerves. In severe cases, this can cause problems like:
- back and leg pain
- numbness or weakness in the legs
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