Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a spinal condition, which affects many people in today’s world. It is a physical condition where the spine is laterally bent to form an “S” or a “C” curve. If the condition is minor (with degree of curvature less than 40), then it is quite harmless and unnoticeable. However, in some severe cases (with degree of curvature above 40), it starts to get uncomfortable, painful and even very noticeable. The shoulders will appear uneven and one hip may seem more protruding than the other. If diagnosed earlier on, minor curvatures can easily be treated through exercise, therapy and sometimes with the help a brace. The process of correction may take a few years but it is quite painless and easy. On the other hand, if it is diagnosed when it is already at a more severe stage, the only option available to rectify it is through a spinal fusion surgery. In this surgery, metal rods are inserted and fused to the bones to hold the spine straight and in place. Although there is an option to have them removed after a few years, most patients prefer to just leave the rods inside forever. Although there is only a one percent risk involved, the surgery is quite a major one and a lot of care needs to be taken after the surgery. One year later, the patient can resume all activities as per normal. If not treated immediately, the curve will keep worsening and may cause major problems during childbirth and pregnancy (for women) or when at an older age (for everyone in geneal). Although very rarely diagnosed, around two in every hundred people have minor scoliosis, most of which are teenage girls. Research has been going on for decades, but the cause of this condition still remains unknown.