Scoliosis

• What Causes Scoliosis?

  Most often, the cause of scoliosis is unknown, and is referred to as idiopathic scoliosis. More than 80% of people with scoliosis have idiopathic scoliosis, and many of those are adolescent girls. Besides idiopathic, there are three additional types:

  • Neuromuscular scoliosis: occurs when there was a problem when the spinal bones were forming. They will either fail to separate from each other or not form at all, which is why this is typically seen with people who have muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy. Neuromuscular scoliosis is consistent with the spine having a long C shaped curve along with weak muscles.
  • Functional scoliosis: actually consists of a normal spine that curves because of a problem somewhere else in the body. Two more common reasons are muscle spasms in the back or one leg being shorter than the other.
  • Degenerative scholiosis: occurs most often in older adults, as it is the result of spinal changes because of spondylosis. This type of spinal arthritis consists of ligaments in the spine weakening and abnormal bone spurs growing on vertebrae to cause the spine to curve. Degenerative scoliosis can also be caused by disc degeneration and osteoporosis.

• How is Scoliosis Treated

  Treatment options for scoliosis will depend solely on the severity of the curve and if it seems to be getting worse. If the patient is done growing with just a slight curve, they may just need some physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles around their spine. However, if the patient is still young and has a significant curve, bracing will be considered. Doctors may also recommend surgery to correct the curve with a series of screws, hooks and rods, and a fusion to help keep the vertebrae in place.

If you have an abnormal curve in your spine and suspect that you may have scoliosis, relax. The doctors at the Florida Spine Institute are very familiar with this condition and look forward to helping you get back on track with treatment and recovery.