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The Align Clinic Blog
​ Your Home For Orthotic and Prosthetic Knowledge

Different Stages of Scoliosis - Mild, Moderate, and Severe

12/26/2020

2 Comments

 
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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: Classification


Like 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:

  • Idiopathic Scoliosis
  • Neuromuscular Scoliosis
  • Congenital Scoliosis
  • Degenerative Scoliosis

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 Scoliosis

No 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 Scoliosis

Mild 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:

  • Tilted head
  • Uneven shoulders
  • Uneven hips
  • Different leg length
  • Mild slouching

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 Scoliosis

Unfortunately, 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:

  • Rib cage deformity (rib humps)
  • Movement Fatigue
  • Shoulder pain
  • Clumsiness
  • Headache

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 Scoliosis

Severe 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:

  • Visible “C” or “S” shape under the skin
  • The belly button is often off-center
  • The patient’s clothing might be uneven
  • Patients become tired just by standing or sitting
  • These patients are more prone to accidents and injuries
  • Loss of balance
  • Chronic pain

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 Thoughts

In 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.
2 Comments
Chris Pederson link
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.

Reply
Randi Jenkins link
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.

Worst of it is that a year before diagnosis, I had a bone density scan which reported scoliosis and spine degeneration, and the GYN who read it said nothing, like the rheumatologist who treats me for rheumatoid arthritis. This cost me a year of treatment.

I know what my future holds, and while I am definitely not suicidal, I feel I have nothing to live for. I do not live near any of your locations. And I know tat a second opinion is only going to be the same as the first. I have no family in my state and selfish relatives in another. I am single and alone, and I am scared.

There you go...the truth through a veil of tears.

Reply



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  • Home
  • The WCR Brace
    • Case Presentations >
      • Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis
      • Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis
      • Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
      • Switching to a WCR Brace
      • Adult Scoliosis Bracing
      • Neuromuscular Scoliosis
      • Treating Upper Thoracic Curves
    • Brace Articles
    • Patient Testimonials >
      • Grant's Testimonials
      • Paul's Testimonials
    • WCR Partner Testimonials
    • Grant's MS Thesis
    • Our Patients
    • Patients and Sports
    • Patients and Hobbies
    • Brace colors
    • Scoliosis Fashion
  • Locations
    • AC San Mateo, CA >
      • Inside AC SM
      • Advanced Technology
      • Stanford Children's Health Partnership
      • Local Hotels
      • Contact Us
      • Team Members
      • Our Practitioners >
        • Grant Wood
        • Paul Burnette
        • Steve Baum
        • Miguel Bustamante
    • AC Green Bay, WI >
      • Inside Wisconsin
      • Patient Testimonials
      • Contact Us
      • Emery Maloney
    • AC The Woodlands, TX
    • AC Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Patient Resources
    • WCR Brace Clinics >
      • USA Clinics
      • China Clinics
      • Canada Clinics
      • Australia Clinics
      • WCR Brace Clinic Finder
    • WCR Certified Practitioners
    • Professional Contacts & References
    • Forms & Insurance
    • Clinical Photos and X-rays
    • Scoliosis Rehab PT, CA
    • Blog
  • Events
    • Brace Clinic Calendar
    • Sosort 2022 - San Sebastian, Spain
    • Past Events >
      • Advancements in Conservative Treatment of Scoliosis 2018 >
        • Award for Advancements in the Conservative Treatment of Scoliosis
      • Past USA WCR Clinics and Conferences
      • Advancements in Conservative Treatment Of Scoliosis 2017
      • Shanghai Clinic
      • AAOP Meetings
      • BSPTS Schroth PT Training
    • Past SOSORT Conferences >
      • sosort2019 San Francisco - CA
      • SOSORT2018 Dubrovnik/Croatia
      • SOSORT2017 Lyon/France
      • SOSORT2016 Canada
    • Northeast Region Re-Align Clinic
  • Services
    • Scoliosis & Spine Online Learning
    • Prosthetics
    • Orthotics >
      • Pediatric Orthotics
      • Cranial Remolding Band
  • Hope's EmbraceĀ® Undershirts
  • Wall Grids
  • WCR Brace Fitting Evaluation
  • For PTs/Orthotists
  • WCR Measurement Order Form
  • Masterclass Conferences
  • Careers
    • Front Desk - ACSM