Scoliosis

1
Scoliosis

• By Matt

2
Definition of Scoliosis
Scoliosis (sko/le o/sis) Lateral curvature of
the spine
3
General Description of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine is
curved abnormally instead of being straight.
Scoliosis usually occurs in the mid or lower back.
Many people have a small curve in their spine.
It is usually less than 10 degrees, which is
normal of the spine. A spine that is curved
greater than 10 degrees means that they have
Scoliosis. If you have Scoliosis your spine is
curved is an S or C shape.
4
Cause of scoliosis
In about 80 of Scoliosis cases the cause is
unknown and is called idiopathic scoliosis. Most
cases of Scoliosis are found in children and
teenagers. This is usually genetic and runs in
the family. Scoliosis can be a result from
congenital vertebral anomalies and a workup for
other problems would need to be done.
5
Types of Scoliosis
Nonstructural Scoliosis is reversible because it
is caused by something else such as muscle spasm,
inflammatory condition or the difference in the
leg length. Transient Structural Scoliosis is
secondary to an acute medical condition such as
inflammation of the nerve root. Structural
scoliosis is irreversible and is caused for an
unknown reason from a disease or condition such
as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, Marfans
syndrome, muscular dystrophy or a tumor.
6
Adults with Scoliosis
Most adult cases are caused due to degenerative
changes. These degenerative changes may be
caused by osteoarthritis or osteoporosis.
7
Incidences of Scoliosis

• Scoliosis effects 1.5 people out of 1,000.
• Scoliosis is more common in girls than boys.
  Most scoliosis is found in their early childhood.
  In families that have scoliosis they have a 30
  chance of having it too.
• Girls between the age of 10 and 16 are seven
  times more likely to get it then boys. Scoliosis
  is more common in people that have spinal
  problems, having one arm or leg shorter then the
  other or complications at birth.

8
Treatment of Scoliosis
Treatment for Scoliosis is either nonsurgical or
surgical. The type of treatment depends of the
cause of the scoliosis and the severity. In
nonsurgical treatment being observed by your
Doctor every 4 to 6 months needs to be done to
watch for changes in your spine by x-rays and
possible the use of a brace. Surgical treatment
means that they would have to go into your spine
and place implants to hold it still so that it
will not get worse. This will depend on your age
and how severe the curve in your spine is. Home
treatments for mild cases is to promote good
health and exercise. This will help to relieve
any back pain that you may have.
9
The Cobb System
If your Doctor thinks that you may have scoliosis
he will confirm this with an x-ray, CT scan or
MRI. The curve in the spine is then measured by
the Cobb Method with measures it by degrees.
10
Do you know someone with Scoliosis?

• My mom was diagnosed with Scoliosis this year
• after we were in a car accident. She was
  diagnosed after they took an x-ray of her back.
  The auto accident aggravated her condition and it
  will not get any better. She has to exercise
  daily to decrease the pain and to help prevent it
  from getting worse. It is not life threatening
  but will get worse as she gets older.

11
Bibliography

• Websters Dictionary
• MSN Health
• http//articles.health.msn.com/id/100071856/site/1
  00000000/
• http//articles.health.msn.com/id/100071859
• http//articles.health.msn.com/id/100071858
• http//articles.health.msn.com/id/100071865/site/1
  00000000/
• University of Washington School of Medicine
• http//www.rad.washington.edu/mskbook/scoliosis.ht
  ml
• Iscoliosis.com
• http//www.iscoliosis.com/symptoms.html
• DR. DECICCOs PRESENTATION
• http//www.sp01.com/4thtri/technique.doc