Although much attention is given to physical symptoms for scoliosis, there are symptoms of the condition which are harder to see. Learn the ways in which scoliosis can effect adolescent's mental health.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine. The spinal curve may develop as a single curve (shaped like the letter C) or as two curves (shaped like the letter S). In children and teens, scoliosis often does not have any noticeable symptoms and may not be noticeable until it has progressed significantly. The two most common forms are degenerative scoliosis and idiopathic scoliosis (adolescent). Three orthopedically approved options exist for combating scoliosis: observation, bracing, or surgery.
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All About Degenerative Scoliosis
Learn about adult scoliosis, or degenerative scoliosis, including what causes it and a full range of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.
A recent study at Johns Hopkins Children?s Center has shown that bracing treatment for scoliosis is significantly less effective for teenagers who are overweight. By Spine-health.com.
The goal of bracing is to prevent the progression of scoliosis and keep the scoliosis curve’s Cobb angle relatively small and manageable.
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Cobb Angle and Skeletal Maturity
Skeletal maturity can play a role in selecting a scoliosis treatment. Learn about the methods available to measure skeletal maturity.
Although each patient's situation is unique, there is a general outline of Cobb angle ranges and what they may indicate for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
The Cobb Angle is used to measure the curvature of the spine. The angle can inform doctors of the severity of scoliosis, whether the condition is progressing, and/or whether treatment is working.
Despite controversy within the medical community, current data shows that rigid bracing is the most effective nonsurgical treatment for stopping the progression of a scoliosis curve.
Common symptoms of degenerative scoliosis include low back pain and postural changes.
Degenerative scoliosis, also known as adult onset scoliosis is caused by spinal degeneration. This video explains how degenerative scoliosis affects the spine.
