Scoliosis can begin from the age of 10. While a normal spine progresses in a straight line, individuals with scoliosis have a curvature. There are multiple factors involved in the development of scoliosis. There are 3 types of scoliosis, which can be listed as idiopathic scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, and neuromuscular scoliosis.
Idiopathic Scoliosis
In idiopathic scoliosis, the reason why the spine is curved is unknown. It is the most common type of scoliosis. Although spinal curvature may develop from an early age, it may go unnoticed because no posture disorder occurs. As the person gets older, some problems may arise. A mild posture disorder may begin to appear, and pain may also occur. At the same time, the person may experience balance problems.
In idiopathic scoliosis, the development of scoliosis may occur in the thoracic region of the spine. This may cause the person to experience difficulty breathing. Pain may occur because the joints that are important for spinal movement and connect the vertebrae become impaired.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Neuromuscular scoliosis is the second most common type of scoliosis, and its cause may be known. This type of scoliosis is generally caused by muscle and nerve disorders. Scoliosis may develop if the person has experienced muscle diseases or if neurological disorders have occurred due to the spinal cord or brain. Since these disorders may cause nerve damage or muscle imbalance, they may lead to curvature of the spine. Muscular dystrophies, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries are conditions that increase the risk of scoliosis. Neuromuscular scoliosis may cause pain in the lower back. Symptoms such as shortening of the neck, an abnormal appearance of the back when the person bends, or imbalance may be seen in this type of scoliosis.
Congenital Scoliosis
Congenital scoliosis is seen less frequently than other types of scoliosis. This type of scoliosis, which develops in the womb, may occur due to maternal infections, diabetes, hyperthermia, alcohol consumption, heart disease, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, or the use of valproic acid. Some structural abnormalities may occur while the baby is developing in the womb. Problems may arise while the spine is forming or separating. In some individuals, both may occur together. During the baby's development in the womb, the ribs may fuse together.
Congenital scoliosis may be seen together with other conditions. These conditions may include kidney anomalies, heart anomalies , and spinal cord abnormalities. Scoliosis may not be noticeable at birth in babies with congenital scoliosis. This type of scoliosis may initially begin at a low degree and later progress, becoming noticeable as differences in the baby's neck and lower back appear while the baby grows. If any difference is detected in the baby's lower back, back, or neck, it is important to consult a doctor. The earlier the treatment of congenital scoliosis is started, the higher the success may be. Surgical intervention may be required in this type of scoliosis. If a child has congenital scoliosis, another spinal curvature may also be seen below the existing curvature. This may occur because the body is trying to maintain balance.
Degrees of Scoliosis
There are different degrees of scoliosis. The greater the degree of scoliosis, the greater the curvature. The Cobb angle is used to measure the degree of scoliosis. Imaging techniques are used to determine the degree of curvature in the individual. Angles below 10 degrees generally do not cause pain. The characteristics according to scoliosis degrees can be listed as follows:
5-degree scoliosis; the spinal curvature is very mild and may not be noticeable.
10-degree scoliosis; in this degree of scoliosis, where very mild curvature is seen, back pain may rarely occur. Mild prominence on one side of the spine and asymmetry between the shoulder and hip may be seen.
20-degree scoliosis; back pain is more intense and the shape of the spine is abnormal. While asymmetry between the hip and shoulder is noticeable, a hunched appearance of the back may occur.
40-degree scoliosis; back pain is more severe, and the person may notice the curvature with the naked eye even without imaging techniques.