Doctors don't know what causes the most common type of scoliosis — although it appears to involve hereditary factors, because the disorder sometimes runs in families. Less common types of scoliosis may be caused by: Certain neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
Orthopedic surgeons or neurosurgeons are often consulted if surgery is needed. The prognosis for an individual with scoliosis ranges from mainly good to fair, depending on how early the problem is diagnosed and treated. There is no cure for scoliosis, but the symptoms can be reduced.
Mild scoliosis is often managed simply with exercise, medical observation, scoliosis-specific physical therapy, and chiropractic treatment from a chiropractic scoliosis specialist. For some people with scoliosis, yoga or pilates is also recommended to decrease their pain level and increase flexibility.
Jayme F: “It feels like a stiffness and tightness in my lower back.” While more common in adults, stiffness and tightness of the lower back can be a common scoliosis-related symptom. As the body tries to adjust to the abnormal spinal curvature, muscles and ligaments can become stretched and strained from overuse.
Most people with scoliosis are able to live normal lives and can do most activities, including exercise and sports. The condition does not usually cause significant pain or any other health problems, and tends to stay the same after you stop growing – see a GP if it gets any worse.
This sideways curvature of the spine can have many side effects and health problems. So, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers benefits for scoliosis disorder. If you are wondering whether scoliosis is a disability, the answer is YES! It is a disability, and you can get disability benefits for it.
Scoliosis is a progressive condition – it does tend to get worse as you age.
Need inspiration? Here are 8 jobs for people with scoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis and other spinal disorders:
Oct 8, 2020
First of all, it is important to note that scoliosis is NOT considered to be a fatal condition. A curved spine cannot directly result in death. However, there are some secondary risks which sometimes occur as a result of scoliosis, and these can lead to death in a small minority of cases.
Untreated severe scoliosis of 70° or more is associated with increased mortality as compared with the normal population [1]. Most patients with scoliosis of 60° or more present with major spinal deformity, restrictive lung disease, and, if left untreated, rapid progression of the deformity [2–4].
Mild scoliosis may result in little to no issues while moderate cases may cause chronic pain and limited range of motion. If scoliosis is left untreated and progresses, the condition may lead to a severe spinal deformity that is often painful and renders the sufferer unable to walk normally or work physically.
If left untreated, scoliosis can worsen and have serious long-term physical and emotional complications. Severe scoliosis, where the curvature exceeds 50 degrees, can cause the spine to rotate, which can lead to decreased lung capacity and heart problems.
Scoliosis isn't a death sentence. Many people have scoliosis and it has little affect on their lives. Depending on the severity of the curve(s), people are affected differently.
Most scoliosis surgeons agree that children who have very severe curves (45 to 50 degrees and higher) will need surgery to lessen the curve and prevent it from getting worse. The operation for scoliosis is a spinal fusion.
Rarely does adult scoliosis alone cause paralysis or other severe neurologic problems, but it can be associated with lumbar stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal or tube where the nerves lay), which can result in nerve irritation, leg pain and possibly weakness.
Some examples of foods scoliosis patients should avoid include: Fast food or other highly processed varieties of “junk” food. Soda pop (even the “diet” varieties) Foods containing corn syrup in any form (high fructose, crystallized, etc.)
In terms of sleeping position, the best position for someone with scoliosis is to sleep flat on their back. The use of pillows to fill the gaps between the back and the mattress help to keep the spine in a straight and neutral position.
Results may vary. Complications such as infection, nerve damage, blood loss, and bowel and bladder problems are some of the potential risks of any type of spinal surgery, including spinal fusion for the treatment of scoliosis.
Yet, scoliosis spinal fusion surgery is often recommended when a scoliosis curve measures over 50 degrees. It also gets recommended before children are done growing — as young as age 14.
Do the rods stay in my back for the rest of my life? In the majority of patients, the rods stay implanted for life. In about 2% of patients, the rods are removed. The most common reason for rod removal is discomfort arising from rods irritating overlying muscles.
Very large curves can damage the joints and cause arthritis of the spine. Large curves can make the ribs rub against the pelvis, causing pain. If the spine curves a lot, people might get lung problems. Kids of any age — even infants — can have scoliosis.