What is scoliosis? Your child may have scoliosis if they have uneven shoulders. Immediate diagnosis and treatment may prevent further curving of the spine. However, not all cases are severe and may not need medical intervention. People with a family history of scoliosis are at an increased risk for the disease. The scoliosis Las Vegas specialist at McNulty Spine can help diagnose and treat scoliosis. Continue reading to gain a better understanding of scoliosis.

What is scoliosis?

It is a condition where your spine develops an abnormal curve to form a C or S shape. Scoliosis is usually mild, but it may become severe when left untreated.

You may know you have scoliosis if you have uneven hips and shoulders, back pain, breathing problems, uneven breasts, or a rotating spine. You may also have scoliosis if you are getting shorter, or have a shoulder blade sticking out more than the other.

Early diagnosis of scoliosis can prevent the condition from becoming severe.

What causes scoliosis?

Scoliosis occurs in various types and classifications, including structural or nonstructural. Structural scoliosis may result from injuries, degeneration, or congenital abnormality.

Nonstructural scoliosis occurs due to the postural curve of the spine and not due to natural structural spine issues. It may result from a significant leg length discrepancy.

Scoliosis may also occur as congenital, degenerative, neuromuscular, or degenerative. Idiopathic scoliosis is among the most common types of scoliosis in children contributing to about 80% of all scoliosis cases. It has no known cause.

Scoliosis may have no symptoms until a later stage when you experience age-related degeneration. Degeneration is among the common causes of scoliosis in adults. Age-related degeneration scoliosis usually causes difficulty standing straight, affecting daily life.

Congenital scoliosis occurs as a result of spinal deformity present during birth. Neuromuscular scoliosis results from abnormalities of the spine muscles, or the neurologic system. It may occur due to cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy, among other congenital abnormalities.

Unlike what you may presume, poor posture or heavy backpacks have nothing to do with scoliosis in children.

What are the treatments for scoliosis?

Your provider creates a customized treatment plan for scoliosis, depending on the cause, severity of the curve, and the patient’s age.

They may recommend wearing a brace for children with a curve of 25-40 degrees to prevent the curve from worsening. For mild spinal curves, your provider may suggest regular check-ups with X-rays to keep track of the condition.

Dr. McNulty may recommend spinal fusion surgery for severe cases of scoliosis, where the spinal curve is 40 degrees and above. The surgery helps correct the spinal curve.

Spinal fusion surgery involves using metal rods, bone grafts, and screw band anchors to correct and join the scoliosis curve. The surgery is a scoliosis treatment option for everyone, including children, teens, and adults. Younger patients may benefit from the new FDA-approved Tether System, which helps delay fusion reconstruction.

Spinal fusion provides exceptional results by correcting the curve and relieving pain.

Contact McNulty Spine today to schedule your consultation and receive a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.