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Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine.
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One in 10 persons will have scoliosis. Two to three persons
in every 1000 will need active treatment for a progressive
condition. In one out of every 1,000 cases, surgery may be
necessary.
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Frequent signs are a prominent shoulder blade, uneven hip and
shoulder levels, unequal distance between arms and body, and
clothes that do not "hang right."
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Eighty percent of scoliosis cases are idiopathic (cause
unknown). Scoliosis tends to run in families and affects more
girls than boys.
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Spinal curvature is best dealt with when a young person's
body is still growing and can respond to treatments, such as a
body brace. Mild cases may not need treatment, but must be
monitored.
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Kyphosis (round back) may also occur in developing
adolescents. It should be screened for and may need to be
treated.
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You, your physician and/or your school screening program (now
required in many schools) can perform a 30 second annual
screening during these growing years. An annual screening for
Scoliosis and Kyphosis during the bone-growing years can make
the difference between a preventable condition and disability in
adult years.
Adult Scoliosis facts:
- Scoliosis is mostly a problem of the growing spine.
- Adults rarely require scoliosis treatment.
- There is no non-surgical treatment for adult curve.
- Many adults with a curve get the same back pains as those
patients without curves.
- Adult scoliosis surgery is a huge undertaking and is not
recommended for the elderly.
- Congenital spinal column abnormalities
- Neurological disorders
- Genetic conditions
- Carrying heavy things
- Athletic involvement
- Sleeping/standing postures
- Minor lower limb length inequality
- Head alignment to one side of mid-buttocks
- One shoulder higher
- One shoulder blade higher with possible prominence
- One hip more prominent than the other
- Unequal distance between arms and body
Please consult your doctor for more information.
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