I talk so much about scoliosis and this thing called a crooked spine here every day, but I realized that I've never made a post explaining what the condition actually is and how it enters our lives, right? This is a crucial post. So, let's get to it:
- What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spinal column to one side of the trunk, or to both sides (in the case of two curves), with vertebral rotation. To those looking from behind or in medical exams, it can appear as a "C" when there's just one curve or an "S" when there are two curves. We're quite literally talking about a crooked spine.
- How does scoliosis develop? Is it genetic?
It's likely genetic and hereditary, yes. Many studies have already linked scoliosis to genes, but there are still many unanswered questions. Scoliosis can develop in various ways:
Unknown cause: According to the WHO, this is the most common type of scoliosis (representing 80% of cases), and we call it idiopathic (the same type I have). It can appear in childhood (before 3 years of age), in youth (between 4 and 10 years), or in adolescence (after 10 years), often during the growth spurt. This type of scoliosis typically progresses quite rapidly and affects seven times more girls than boys.
Congenital: This is scoliosis that a person is born with. It involves three-dimensional deformities of the spine due to abnormalities in vertebral formation, vertebral segmentation, or their combinations, which occur due to abnormal vertebral development during the fourth to sixth weeks of gestation.
Neuromuscular: This type of scoliosis is quite complex because it occurs as a result of neurological or muscular disorders that affect the control of the muscles supporting the spine.
- My poor posture or heavy backpack caused scoliosis?
No, actually, poor posture may be a result of scoliosis that you have but are not aware of yet. In other words, your crooked spine is not caused by poor posture.
- How is scoliosis diagnosed?
I always emphasize the importance of early detection. Considering that idiopathic scoliosis (without a known cause) is the most common and appears in childhood/adolescence, it's essential to keep a close eye on children's spines. There's a very simple and home-based test that should be done whenever possible by parents and caregivers (preferably at schools) to identify any abnormalities, called the Adams Test. Once any curvature is identified, it's necessary to consult a good scoliosis specialist to begin imaging and clinical examinations.
- How to treat scoliosis?
There are two main ways to treat scoliosis:
Conservative treatment: This is a treatment conducted without surgery, typically involving the use of a brace and physical therapy.
Surgical treatment: As the name suggests, it involves surgical intervention, which is something we often try to avoid because it's a complex and painful procedure.
- Can I get pregnant with scoliosis?
I receive this question from many women. Yes, you absolutely can!!! With medical supervision and special exercises, everything turns out fine in the end!
- What are the best physical exercises for those with scoliosis?
That's very subjective, and we have to assess each case individually. I myself did years of hydrotherapy and swimming when I had the brace and before surgery. Today, I do Pilates and weight training. The most important thing is to stay active and have a conversation with your doctor, who will provide all the necessary guidance for your case. In any case, we should never stay inactive!!!
Everyone, I hope I've managed to explain what scoliosis is in an easy-to-understand way for you. Any other questions, please leave them in the comments so that I can address them too, okay? And as I always say, our crooked spine doesn't define us; we are so much more than that!
Until next time!!!!
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