Scoliosis is a medical diagnosis that indicates an abnormal curvature of the spine. The spine typically develops curves during early childhood when the bones are still growing. Some patients with scoliosis have a “C” shaped spine, but it is more common for patients with this condition to have an “S” shaped bend. Fortunately, many patients with this condition experience little to no pain, but for the patients that do suffer from chronic pain, treatment is readily available.
Pain management experts have not yet been able to pinpoint the exact cause of scoliosis. However, researchers believe that it may be a genetic condition. In some cases, scoliosis may be caused by neuromuscular conditions and may be referred to as neuromuscular scoliosis. Conditions that cause scoliosis may originate in the brain, muscles, or in the spinal cord itself. Scoliosis can also be caused by a birth defect or an injury to the spine. Outside factors like carrying a heavy backpack each day or having poor posture cannot lead to the development of scoliosis.
For mild cases, patients may not experience any symptoms at all. The curve in the spine may go undetected with the patient experiencing little to no pain. However, as scoliosis progresses, the body may undergo some changes. With scoliosis, the patient's posture will change, causing uneven shoulders or hips. Visually, the curve may be more apparent with one shoulder blade sticking out more prominently than the other. In severe cases, lung function within the ribcage may be impaired, causing difficulty breathing and severe back pain.
When a patient is first diagnosed with scoliosis, treatment may not begin right away. A physician may want to monitor the degree of curvature in the spine, especially in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. In most cases, a patient will not need treatment, but if a physician observes worsening curvature, he or she may recommend a spinal brace or orthopedic brace in order to slow the progression. Tulsa Pain Consultants offers an array of back pain treatment options including steroid injections to relieve painful inflammation; medication to help manage pain; alternative therapies to complement back pain treatment, and much more.
