Understanding Curvature of spine: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Deformities of the spine characterized by abnormal bending or flexure in the vertebral column. They may be bending forward (kyphosis), backward (lordosis), or sideway (scoliosis). Scoliosis is a condition in which there is a twist of the spine towards one side of the body, so that the spine is not straight when viewed from behind or in front. The term kyphosis refers to the bending of the back inward. Kyphoscoliosis is a condition in which there is simultaneous torsion and bending in these two axes.
Scoliosis usually develops in adolescence, but there are a number of conditions that can cause scoliosis in old age, including: nerve or muscle diseases that cause structural deformities in the back, spinal injuries, or illness such as osteoporosis or arthritis. Conditions outside the spine, such as asymmetry in the length of the legs, can also cause scoliosis.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Adolescent Postural Kyphosis
- Radiation Scoliosis
- Acquired Kyphosis
- Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis
- Kyphosis due to Radiation
- Idiopathic Scoliosis
- thoracolombar scoliosis
- Postlaminectomy Lordosis
- Acquired Lordosis
- Postlaminectomy Kyphosis

Signs & symptoms

People with scoliosis tend to suffer from back pain more than the general population. In addition, in situations of severe scoliosis, there may be a disturbance in the activity of the thoracic organs, especially the heart and lungs, which can lead to shortness of breath, a tendency to pneumonia and in severe situations, even heart failure.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of scoliosis requires a physical examination by a doctor, and an imaging of the back, such as an X-RAY or a CT scan.

Treatment

In most cases, scoliosis is mild and requires follow-up only. In some cases, it is necessary to use an orthopedic corset, in order to prevent the deterioration of scoliosis. In some cases, back alignment surgery will be needed.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital