Scoliosis - Myth or Monster?
Scoliosis is an often heard term but over the years it has grown a much more sinister name than what it actually is. It is defined simply as an abnormal curvature of the spine. A healthy spine has three normal curves in it; one in the neck, another in the upper back, and in the lower back. A scoliosis can be in any of these areas, but it is a curvature that deviates from normal.
One thing that continues to baffle scientists is the reason behind scoliosis’ incidence in otherwise healthy backs. Presently in 80% of cases, there is no known cause that can be traced. There has been a genetic link made with its occurrence, but scientists cannot find the specific gene that causes it. The other 20% of cases are caused by birth defects, muscle paralysis, rheumatoid arthritis or injuries to the spinal cord. But, by far the most common causes are the simplest, namely poor posture, differences in leg lengths, and muscle spasms.
Scoliosis occurs equally in boys and girls, but serious scoliosis is ten times more prevalent in girls. It nearly always occurs during the growth spurt right before or during adolescence. Some degree of spinal curvature occurs in about 10% of the population.
Mild scoliosis, which constitutes 99.4% of all cases, is not serious and requires no treatment other than monitoring. Scoliosis is usually painless, but usually has more of an emotional cost than anything. Because it occurs during very formative years in a young person’s life, it is very important to reinforce that it is not abnormal and that often it clears up all by itself. Strong family support has been shown to be very beneficial to long-term outcomes.
Should you have any questions, your health care provider is trained in diagnosing and adequately dealing with scoliosis. For more information, contact their offices.
One thing that continues to baffle scientists is the reason behind scoliosis’ incidence in otherwise healthy backs. Presently in 80% of cases, there is no known cause that can be traced. There has been a genetic link made with its occurrence, but scientists cannot find the specific gene that causes it. The other 20% of cases are caused by birth defects, muscle paralysis, rheumatoid arthritis or injuries to the spinal cord. But, by far the most common causes are the simplest, namely poor posture, differences in leg lengths, and muscle spasms.
Scoliosis occurs equally in boys and girls, but serious scoliosis is ten times more prevalent in girls. It nearly always occurs during the growth spurt right before or during adolescence. Some degree of spinal curvature occurs in about 10% of the population.
Mild scoliosis, which constitutes 99.4% of all cases, is not serious and requires no treatment other than monitoring. Scoliosis is usually painless, but usually has more of an emotional cost than anything. Because it occurs during very formative years in a young person’s life, it is very important to reinforce that it is not abnormal and that often it clears up all by itself. Strong family support has been shown to be very beneficial to long-term outcomes.
Should you have any questions, your health care provider is trained in diagnosing and adequately dealing with scoliosis. For more information, contact their offices.