The
moment we see a person standing or walking, we can see a small
"s" shaped curvature of the spine when observed
from the sides. This curvature is normally front-to-back and
is considered normal, but when this curvature happens laterally
or side-to-side, this spine condition is called as "scoliosis"
medically. It is surprising to note that at least 10% of the
adults do have some degree of scoliosis. It really matters
only when the less-than 1% progress with scoliosis curvature
large enough to cause some postural imbalance and ultimately
muscle pain and fatigue. More serious curvature can even interfere
with breathing and cause arthritis of the spine. Scoliosis
is seen in both boys and girls, but the spinal curve progresses
faster in girls and girls undergo treatment for this five
times more than boys. The reason for this difference has remained
a puzzle till date. Although, there are a few causes for scoliosis,
four out of five cases of scoliosis remain unidentifiable
or idiopathic in medical terms which can only be concluded
as inherited.
We often think that children carrying
heavy school bags will sustain some sort of a spine injury
for sure, but it is a good news that scoliosis is not caused
by this or a poor diet and the children afflicted by scoliosis
are otherwise entirely normal without any early bone problems.
The unknown or "idiopathic"cause
of scoliosis is further classified according to the age of
occurrence. The 'infantile' occurs before age 3; between ages
3-10 is 'juvenile'; between 10-13 (onset of puberty) is 'adolescent'
and 'adult' if the problem occurs at the end of physical maturity.
It can be seen that scoliosis is most prevalent between 10-16
years and progresses fast especially among girls during the
growth spurt period, but usually stops during adulthood.
The other types of scoliosis is
"congenital" or abnormal formation of spinal bones
associated with some other organ defects. The"neuromuscular"
type is due to loss of control of the nerves and muscles that
support the spine. The "degenerative" type occurs
due to the degeneration of the discs separating the vertebrae
or arthritis in the joints that link them.
Generally, scoliosis is mostly
identified during school physical exam or screening programs
in schools by gym teachers or trained nurses. A child may
have asymmetrical torso or a tilt in the waistline. It may
appear one shoulder is elevated compared to the other or a
prominent shoulder blade. Girls may have breast dissimilarities
due to spine rotation. An orthopedist can make the exact diagnosis
with bone exam, x-rays or MRI. Approximately 2-3% of Americans
at age 16 have scoliosis.
The degree of curvature plays a
major role in the treatment options. For less than 20 degrees
no treatment is required. For 20-30 degree curvature in adolescents
watchful waiting and routine checks are carried out to keep
a close eye on the progression of curvature. As long as there
is no pain adults even with a 40-degree curvature can wait.
The treatment options for scoliosis
is usually 'braces'. Mostly, adolescents having a spinal curve
between 25-40 degrees benefit by this, especially if the bones
are in the maturing stage and if they have a couple of years
to go. By this method only progression can be halted, but
on removing the brace the curve will assume its original magnitude.
For curvatures between 40-50 degrees 'surgery' is considered
as the best option which can arrest the progression. Normally
metal implants are placed until the bone graft forms a rigid
fusion at the curvature. A scoliosis surgery usually means
spinal fusion or joining of the vertebrae permanently.
There is no known way of prevention
of development of scoliosis. Progression of scoliosis may
be prevented through bracing or surgery. Exercise and physical
fitness are of paramount importance for the scoliosis-afflicted.
That not only maintains flexibility and health, but decreases
the likelihood of osteoporosis, which can be extremely damaging
and debilitating in these individuals.
Watch the Video: Check if your kids have Scoliosis.
13 minute
workout plan for men - 5BX
Image credit:www.cio.com
5BX plan, published
by Royal Canadian Airforce, represents 5 Basic exercise
men can follow to keep themeselves physically fit.
The whole plan is built around 13 minutes and it
does not need any special equipment to follow. The
plan publishes a series of progressive charts which
can be followed to add difficulty into the same
13
Disclaimer: The above content is provided
for information and awareness purpose only. It is not prescriptive
or suggestive or meant to replaces your qualified physician's
advice or consultation.
