Scoliosis Treatment

Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a patient experiences an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. It is more common among children than adults, however, it can develop in older people, too. In the initial stage, further spinal curvature can be stopped without surgery. However, once it reaches the progressive stage, where the bone grows abnormally in an unusual direction, invasive treatments can help the patient overcome this deformity. Fortunately, scoliosis treatments in Dubai are now available at your doorstep, where you can halt its progress in the initial stage or undergo surgical treatment to walk again with ease, show a confident posture, and live a happy life.

What are the Causes of Scoliosis?

The cause of scoliosis in children, also known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, is generally unknown. However, experts believe this problem is genetic and can run from parents to their children. Some also believe that neuromuscular conditions and uneven growth can cause scoliosis in children. Apart from that, the following medical conditions can, potentially, cause scoliosis. 

• Congenital diseases affecting the bone and spine development
• Muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or other neuromuscular conditions (leading causes of scoliosis in adults)
• History of surgical treatment on the chest during childhood
• Infections or injuries to the spine
• Abnormalities with the spinal cord

What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?

Common symptoms of scoliosis include:

• Uneven chest
• Uneven shoulders
• One-shoulder blade becomes more prominent than the other
• One hip appears lower than the other
• Forward projection of one side of the rib cage
• One side of the back is higher than the other when bending down
• The spine twists or rotates aside from curving sideways in most scoliosis cases. As a result, the muscles or ribs on one side of the chest may stick out more than on the other side.

Diagnosis of Scoliosis

The initial diagnosis of scoliosis involves a physical exam for body joint assessment and some imaging tests, such as:

• X-rays test
• CT scan or MRI
• Spinal radiograph

Then, the doctor measures the spine deformity using the Cobb method. This method helps determine the severity of the problem by measuring the degree of the curve. Generally, a spine is considered ‘curved’ if its curvature is 10 degrees or more. A curvature of 25-30 degrees curvature is deemed to be significant. And a curvature exceeding 45 degrees is a severe problem.

Treatment Options for Scoliosis

Scoliosis subsides when your child grows into a teenager. However, progressive scoliosis worsens with age. Multiple methods are available to treat or manage this condition. Your doctor will choose a treatment plan depending on its ability to solve your problem and the problem’s severity. The most common scoliosis treatment options are:

• Brace Treatment
• Surgery
• Osteopathic Treatment

Let’s explain these briefly one by one.

Osteopathic Treatment

This body alignment correction treatment mainly depends on the abnormal spinal curve’s effect on a patient’s life. The condition’s progression towards its severity is also a factor to consider in this treatment. Osteopathy aims at mobilizing the lumbar and thoracic spine along with the rib cage. This helps increase the range of movement. Although this treatment is not a cure for scoliosis, it can help manage unsightly and painful symptoms effectively.

Brace Treatment

Bracing helps slow down spinal growth in a direction that must be prevented and speeds up its development in the right direction. This treatment doesn’t reverse the curvature. However, it can help reduce the progression of the curvature until the child reaches the age at which skeletal maturity is acquired.

Surgery

The concept of surgery for scoliosis is based on spinal fusion. This involves fusing the curved vertebrae into a solid, aligned structure. The tools and technology available today allow surgeons to improve the spinal curve significantly.

How Much Does it Cost for Scoliosis Treatment?

The cost of scoliosis treatment differs from person to person, depending on the treatment method selected and the problem’s severity.

What Exercises Can Help with Scoliosis?

If scoliosis is in its initial stage, it can be treated to a good extent with the help of exercises and sports as recommended by a qualified orthopedic. Cycling, stretching, and swimming are good for scoliosis as they can keep the body active and helps strengthen the muscles. However, the patient must be taught how to perform these exercises and sports properly to prevent excessive pressure on the spine. 

There are other exercises a patient can try, but only after properly learning them from a physiotherapist under the guidance of a board-certified orthopedic specialist.

• Pelvic tilt
• Cat-camel
• Arm and leg raises
• Latissimus dorsi stretch
• Bird-dog
• Abdominal press
• Practicing a straighter posture

My Child has Scoliosis and is Wearing a Brace. Until when this will be Required? 

Wearing a brace should continue until the bones stop growing. Generally, for boys, this happens when they develop pubic hair, while for girls, bone growth stops about two years after menstruation starts.

Can Scoliosis be Cured?

Scoliosis can be managed according to a tailored treatment plan, depending on the individual’s condition. For children with mild to moderate scoliosis, regular exercise like swimming, stretching, and cycling, along with regular monitoring, can help halt scoliosis progression and restore normal well-being. However, in severe cases, braces or even surgery are recommended to restrain scoliosis progression and help patients begin their journey towards a healthy physical structure.

Is Scoliosis a Serious Condition?

Scoliosis is not a life-threatening condition, but it can lead to severe spinal curvature if left untreated in its progressive state.

What will Happen if Scoliosis is not Treated?

Mild cases of scoliosis may not cause significant damage to your body. However, if left untreated, it can cause spinal curvature, which can constrain your mobility and may also damage the lungs or heart.

Can You Correct Scoliosis Without Surgery?

In the initial stages, you can correct scoliosis without surgery with the help of osteopathy and bracing treatment. However, in progressive scoliosis, where spinal curves rapidly occur and reach severe deformity, surgical treatments are considered.

What Should I Avoid if I Have Scoliosis?

You will need to exclude a few specific things from your life if you have scoliosis. For example, you should not consume fast foods, processed foods, soda, and foods containing corn syrup. Moreover, you will need to avoid sleeping on your stomach and engaging in physical activities involving too much body movement.

Can Adults Develop Scoliosis?

Yes, there is a chance that an adult develops scoliosis, though it is much rarer compared to children.

Schedule a Consultation

Treating scoliosis in the early stage can protect children from unwanted consequences and can return them to routine life with as much agility and strength as common people. In this regard, consulting the right orthopedic specialist is essential to understand the situation and provide the patient with customized treatment. For that purpose, Euromed Clinic Dubai is your place to go, where board-certified and highly experienced osteopaths and orthopedic specialists provide their services in a calm, credible, and fully-equipped clinic. For more information, please call us at +971 4 394 5422.

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