Our spine can be affected by a wide variety of conditions that compromise its well-being. Among them is scoliosis, a condition that affects a large portion of the population. In this article, we'll explore what scoliosis is, its causes, and the treatments available to improve the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a abnormal curvature of the spine. Although the spine naturally has a slight curvature in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, scoliosis causes a more pronounced curve that can affect different parts of the spine, causing pain and limited movement.
Our team of traumatologists specializing in scoliosis They will be in charge of diagnosing, reviewing and controlling your pathology, resorting to spinal endoscopy if necessary, and thus performing a minimally invasive intervention.
What are the causes that give rise to scoliosis?
The causes that cause this spinal deviation They are often uncertain, although it is possible to determine some factors that may influence the different types and degrees that occur, such as:
- Sex: This is a factor that has a certain impact, as women are more likely to suffer from this spinal deformity.
- Type of work or bad posture: Maintaining incorrect postures on a continuous basis, whether standing or sitting, can cause an imbalance in the spine that, over time, can lead to an abnormal curvature.
- Age: children in the stage of development and adolescence They tend to present more aggravated symptoms of this type.
- Diseases and malformations of the spine Congenital: Some people are born with alterations in the structure of the spine that predispose them to scoliosis, such as problems with leg length or alterations in the vertebral discs.
What are the symptoms of scoliosis
Generally, most of the cases of scoliosis do not present any symptoms In addition to the curvature of the spine. However, in some cases, patients may experience symptoms that affect their quality of life. Below, we'll discuss some of the most common symptoms experienced by some people with scoliosis:
- Back pain: Although these symptoms are generally not serious, in some cases, the pain may persist due to wear and tear on the vertebrae, which can seriously affect the patient's quality of life. This pain worsens over time if the curvature is not treated properly.
- Feeling of tiredness in the back: It is common for patients to experience back fatigue, especially after long periods of standing or sitting in the same position.
- Having one shoulder or half of the hip higher than the other: This symptom can be seen with the naked eye and causes, like postural problems, the patient to overload one side more and this makes this malformation more and more pronounced in the spine.
While most cases of scoliosis are mild, if it reaches a severe condition can lead to more serious problems such as respiratory problems and damage to the spinal nerves. This is due to the pressure the curvature of the spine exerts on the surrounding structures, which can severely affect the function of nearby organs and tissues.
Types of scoliosis
There are different types of scoliosis These are differentiated according to the factors that cause them, such as the disease causing the deviation, the length of time the problem has been present, and the type and/or age of the person suffering from it. Below, we'll explore each of these types in detail, describing their main characteristics and the causes that give rise to them.
Scoliosis that develops due to the patient's age.
This is the most common type of scoliosis and is known as idiopathic scoliosis. The 80% of the cases presents a scoliosis of this type, meaning that the cause that produces it is not known.
It is characterized by manifesting at different stages of development, from childhood to adolescence, and its true causes are unknown. In the case of infantile scoliosis, it is very important to diagnose and treat it early, as if it progresses, it can lead to lung problems.
Types of scoliosis according to its duration over time
The duration of scoliosis can influence its treatment and outcome. Depending on how long the spinal curvature has been present, scoliosis is classified into two main types:
- Functional scoliosis: In this type of scoliosis, the spine has a normal curve, but due to poor posture or a specific activity, the curve is temporarily altered. This type of scoliosis can be easily corrected with lifestyle and posture changes, and in some cases, physical therapy.
- Structural scoliosis: Unlike functional scoliosis, this type occurs when a disease, injury, or birth defect causes a permanent curvature in the spine. Structural scoliosis cannot be corrected on its own and generally requires specialized medical treatment.
Types of scoliosis that occur due to a disease
Within structural scoliosis, there are forms that are directly related to pre-existing diseases:
- Congenital scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is caused by defects in the development of the spinal bones during pregnancy. It's a rare condition, but it can be serious if not properly treated from an early age.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis: In this case, scoliosis occurs due to a nervous system disorder that affects muscle control. The curvature of the spine in these cases often progresses more rapidly and may require a more complex treatment approach.
lumbar scoliosis
When this deformation occurs in the lowest part of the column we are talking about lumbar scoliosisThis type of scoliosis is the most common and usually occurs in young children and adolescents. The cause of the curve may be related to rapid skeletal development during growth or genetic factors. In some cases, lumbar scoliosis may also be related to poor postural habits that, over time, cause the curve.
Diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis
As we have mentioned previously, scoliosis can be a mild problem if it is detected and treated early. Without a doubt, it is a disease that affects the quality of life, so it is important to go to a doctor if you suffer from any of the symptoms so that a specialist can evaluate the medical condition and prescribe the correct measures for an effective recovery.
First, the specialist will perform a physical examination to assess the curvature of the spine. Depending on the initial findings, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs will be ordered to obtain a detailed view of the curvature and determine the most appropriate treatment.
In many cases, treatment consists of a combination of physical therapy and exercises to manage symptoms, improve posture, and prevent the condition from progressing. In more severe cases, when the curvature is severe and significantly affects the patient's quality of life, spinal surgery may be necessary.
Can scoliosis be corrected in adults?
Correcting scoliosis in adults is more complex than in children or adolescents, as the spine has already completed its growth process at this stage. However, there are effective treatments to relieve symptoms, such as pain and discomfort, and prevent the progression of the condition. The most important thing, regardless of age, is to always seek the help of a specialist to ensure proper treatment.
Traumatology clinic for scoliosis treatment in Madrid
At Elgeadi Traumatology, we have a team of spine specialists who will help you diagnose and treat the different types of scoliosis in the best possible way. It's essential to address this condition as early as possible to avoid further complications.
Consult our team of expert trauma doctors in Madrid to start your treatment as soon as possible and be able to enjoy a higher quality of life.
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12 thoughts on “¿Qué es la escoliosis y cuáles son sus principales síntomas?”
If a 79-year-old woman has lumbar scoleosis, can she have surgery if she has foraminal stenosis?
Good morning, Manuel.
To offer you a complete diagnosis, you can write to us in more detail about the pathology you present by sending an email to [email protected].
All the best.
Hello, I have been diagnosed with lumbar scoliosis and lumbar arthritis plus crushed vertebrae between L4 and L5 and I have a lot of bone pain every day I get chills I feel a lot of pain I limp on my right leg when walking I have a lot of pain between the pelvis and the hip when I go up stairs and pick up a bucket of water to wash dishes the next day I have pain in my shoulders and arms
Hello Miriam
We are very sorry that you are going through this situation. Lumbar scoliosis, arthritis, and crushed vertebrae can cause chronic pain and radiate to other areas, such as the hip, shoulders, and arms. Pain when walking, climbing stairs, and physical exertion suggests that there is nerve irritation or compression. I would recommend that you follow the treatment recommended by your doctor, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications, and in some cases, injections. Do not hesitate to consult with our spine specialists to explore additional treatment options. You can make an appointment by calling (+34) 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
My daughter is 17 years old and has scoleosis, it may hurt every day.
Hi Lidia,
Yes, although spinal cases are complex. You should undergo follow-up and physiotherapy to improve your condition.
Greetings
Hello, they tell me that I have mild high dorsal scoliosis with a right convexity and a low dorsal scoliosis with a left convexity. The medications they prescribe me don't help me much. What should I do? I have a lot of pain. How long does this pain last? I can't stand it anymore.
Hello Mercedes. We are very sorry to hear about the situation you are going through and understand how difficult it must be to deal with this pain. Even though scoliosis is mild, it can cause significant discomfort if not managed properly. Therefore, we recommend that you consult with a spine specialist to thoroughly evaluate your case, adjust your treatment and explore additional options, such as physical therapy, specific exercises or alternative treatments to relieve pain.
If you wish, you can schedule a consultation with our team by calling us at (+34) 91 005 39 00. We are here to help you and find the best solution for you together.
Hello, my 14-year-old daughter was diagnosed with lumbar scoliosis a year ago, and I would like to know what kind of preventative treatment is available to avoid future surgery, as this situation worries me as a mother. What can I do to help my daughter as best as possible?
Hi Vanessa. In adolescents with lumbar scoliosis, the main thing is to monitor its progression with an orthopedic specialist: regular checkups, specific exercises/physical therapy, and, if the curve progresses, consideration of a brace. Maintaining safe physical activity and good posture helps reduce symptoms and the risk of surgery.
Hello, my mother had hip surgery and was told she has scoliosis in her spine. Since then, she hasn't received any treatment or anything, and for the past few months she's been losing consciousness and experiencing fatigue and sleepiness. Could this be related?
Hello M. Luisa. Scoliosis, on its own, does not usually cause loss of consciousness. Fainting, fatigue, and drowsiness require urgent medical evaluation to rule out cardiac or neurological causes, anemia, low blood pressure, or the effects of medication after surgery.