Scoliosis is a condition that affects millions of people around the globe. It involves the spine, causing it to have a certain level of curvature. Patients of all ages can experience scoliosis symptoms, and their severity will depend on the stage of scoliosis they have. Given a wide range of symptoms, people can notice any spine irregularities early on, making it easier to treat the condition. This text will explore the classification of scoliosis, the different stages of scoliosis, and the available therapies and procedures. Let’s start with the different scoliosis types and move on to other details, some of which include the most common symptoms. Different Types of Scoliosis: ClassificationLike many other conditions, scoliosis has its classification. There are three ways in which scoliosis differs from one another. While the condition manifests in the same way, the cause is different. The most common types of scoliosis are: The most common type of this condition is idiopathic scoliosis. In these cases, the cause of the state is unknown. Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by other conditions that affect the proper function of muscles around the spine. The primary causes are muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. When it comes to congenital scoliosis, it usually develops in the womb. Depending on the curvature degree, the newborn or infant might require surgery. Last but not least, degenerative scoliosis occurs in adults. When it comes to adults, the cause is usually a weak disc and ligament. No matter the cause, we’d also like to share that scoliosis can attack all spine parts. It can affect the lower, middle, or upper spine. Furthermore, it can involve two spine parts simultaneously. Let’s see what the different stages of scoliosis are. Different Stages of ScoliosisNo matter which scoliosis type we are talking about, there are several stages of the condition. They are mild, moderate, and severe. It all differs from one case to another, and many factors can lead to scoliosis development. Let’s explore how they differ and what are the possible treatment options. Mild ScoliosisMild scoliosis is diagnosed if the spine curve is under 25 degrees. However, there is a significant advantage if the curve is under 20 degrees. The chance of progression in the future is minimal. While if it goes above that value, chances of progression increase as well. With mild scoliosis, patients can experience a wide range of symptoms. Some of which include:
The good news is that usually, mild scoliosis cases do not require any procedures. It is best to follow some type of therapy or exercise to lower the chances of progression. Additionally, it is a good idea to go through checkups with your doctor regularly. That way, you can see whether there are any changes. Mild scoliosis is usually present in young girls and boys. It might occur in adults, but those cases are rare. Moderate ScoliosisUnfortunately, with moderate scoliosis, things become more severe as additional symptoms appear. First of all, the curvature with mild scoliosis is between 26 and 40 degrees. In this case, since the chance of progression is on the higher side, doctors usually include scoliosis braces. They serve to prevent the condition from worsening. Besides the mild scoliosis symptoms, patients also experience the following:
Unfortunately, symptoms become worse with moderate scoliosis. While there is a chance that some cases will be best solved with a surgical approach, the majority of patients will be able to alleviate their symptoms with different forms of therapy. Severe ScoliosisSevere scoliosis occurs in cases with a curvature higher than 40 degrees. These cases are treated carefully, as they are very serious. These patients experience all the symptoms mentioned above, but more signs make this condition more challenging. They are:
Severe scoliosis has a significant impact on the patient’s lifestyle, limiting the movement abilities while causing chronic pain. What’s even worse, people with severe scoliosis will only get worse as progression continues. Furthermore, a patient’s mental health also suffers, as depression and anxiety are fueled by distorted body image. The only possible solution is surgery. The procedure is known as spinal fusion. Taking this step is one of the best ways to solve the issue in the long run. Finishing ThoughtsIn case you are experiencing any of the previously mentioned symptoms, you should visit a doctor and check your spine health. That’s the only way to catch the condition in its early stages. Doing this will help you make the right steps immediately to prevent any further deterioration.
Here at Align Clinic, we take special care of all our patients, no matter how severe their condition is. In case you want us to help you, contact us to make an appointment in one of our locations. Whatever the patient’s age, we provide custom-made orthoses for all stages of scoliosis. Otherwise, if you are interested to learn more about scoliosis, you can always explore our blog section. There’s plenty of useful content about scoliosis for you there.
5 Comments
1/28/2021 02:01:11 pm
I didn't know that congenital scoliosis typically develops in the womb. That is the kind of thing that I worry about for my baby. Hopefully, my baby boy isn't born with it but we'll have a doctor ready to help him in case he is.
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5/14/2022 10:39:22 pm
One year ago at age 64 I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis and kyphosis. I had gone to my knee surgeon who had done a knee replacement for me 5 years ago, and I kept going back to him because I still had pain in that knee. On my last visit , I asked if I could show him how I had to sit down: first, on my right buttock, then by pulling my left leg over. He told me that my problem was not in my knee, but in my spine. Seveal x-rays later, he returned to the exam room, his face ashen gray. Very serious, he told me that perhps his colleague, an interventional physiatrist, could help me. I never learned what my exact curves were. I just knew that they were extreme. Fast forward to the present: I'm seeing an orthopedic surgeon who believes that in one year, I'm going to need a fusion of the entire spine.
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Jessica
7/29/2023 05:34:48 am
Hello Randi, greetings from north Norway. I wish to give you hope for the future and to make you smile again. Its not the end of the world when us golden oldies are diagnosed with Scoliosis. I was diagnosed 2 months ago and just like you i live far from specialists and family. We only have 2 Scoliosis experts who are trained Scroth Method teachers in this country. So i decided to help myself, all is not lost as long as you have a smart phone, or a computer. I've contacted one of the teachers and we communicate via the internet, she teaches me about what is best for me and guides me just like any Scoliosis expert would. Choose wisely and try to find a Physiotherapist who has experience with Scoliosis. Check to see what other patients have experienced with the specialist before you part with any money. I've taught myself Scoliosis exercises for my problems from websites on the internet. I also read alot about who the experts are and what type of education they have, the reason is because there are many so called experts, who are false.The most important thing is to first find out from your doctor which is your weakest side and in which directions your curves go. Be very careful about what exercises you choose and you will also find very good exercises on You Tube. Also advice about how to sleep and to do everyday things like lying on a sofa etc... I'm wiser about my condition now, than i was 2 months ago. Now there's no more crying, despair or hopelessness. I am now in a place where i have hope for the future and determination to stop my curves from increasing. So i wish you well and the best advice i have received from my doctor, is to take one day at a time and to remind myself that nobody else can do the training for me, i have to do it myself. I am now a better version of myself than i was before, i've lost weight and i'm fitter and intend to become more fitter than i was before i was diagnosed. Take care and i wish you well for the future. By the way your name Randi is Norwegian.
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Beth Gramling
9/20/2023 10:06:55 pm
To Randi and Jessica - thank you both for writing- especially -but hello to all- My scoliosis was named when I was 12- and I lived for years in plaster casts - later a Milwaki Brace. My second set of fully body X-rays showed my S curves with the top curve to already be above 40 and I was still growing. It made school and home life very difficult. My older brother hated all ‘the attention’ I was getting . What I would have given for him to be the identified patient but really I would not wish this for any one at any age. I had a steel rod and bone graft spinal fusion when I was early 30’s & in terrible pain. The S curve was straightened out below 30 degrees on both curves with 2 additional inches to my height. I had much less pain, better balance , less numbness/tingling in my limbs. And i hoped that the fusion was the answer. Some good years physically . What I did not know was that living with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis means that ‘it’ will continue to curve - some way somehow. And that Spinal fusions especially long ones can break, cause lead particles to leach into other body systems, the rods can go off kilter or only one side my pull away from ‘the straight’ so to say. I am now in my 70’s and I lost that exta height, lost balance, my back want to lean forward and to one side. Leg pains and numbness come and go. I used to walk an hour or more. Now I am lucky if I can do 10-15 minutes. My breathing is shortened and difficult. I can not recommend a spinal fusion for anyone - unless it is a two or three disk/vertebrae to keep the nerves from being pinched. I was told after a MRI’ recently I would die if I got a full fusion. Do yoga, Pilates, swim therapy, stretches on the floor & soft masseuses. Do not let anyone pound your back, or ‘crunch’ your spine, neck, or tailbone. The scoliosis will rebel with horrible pain. Good Luck
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