DiseaseIllness

Adult Scoliosis is a spinal abnormality that occurs during adulthood
or is a continuation of the disease that was undiagnosed or ignored during childhood or adolescence.

Adult Scoliosis is generally idiopathic
which means that its cause is unknown. However
several other types of Scoliosis also occur in adults. These include congenital curve
paralytic curve
and myopathic deformity.

A congenital curve is present at birth
and if undiagnosed or untreated
may worsen in adulthood due to age and weakening of the spine. This results in Adult Scoliosis. A paralytic curve may be caused by an injury to the spine
while myopathic deformity may result from diseases like polio or cerebral palsy. Degeneration
osteoporosis
and spinal surgery are other causes of Adult Scoliosis.

Signs of Adult Scoliosis include one shoulder or hip higher than the other
a rib or back hump
and one arm longer than the other. Severe cases of Scoliosis are often accompanied by pain because the abnormal curvature creates pressure on the spine. This may even lead to difficulty in walking.

Doctors subject individuals suspected to be suffering from Scoliosis to the Adam’s Forward Bending Test. Test results are confirmed through X-ray
CT scan
or MRI. Treatment options include medication
physical exercise
bracing
and surgery.

Medication is recommended by doctors to relieve pain caused by Scoliosis. Physical exercise
such as walking
cycling
and swimming
helps to keep the body fit and maintain a correct posture. These counter the deforming effect of Scoliosis. Exercise also helps to reduce pain. Physical therapists can design exercise programs to suit the different needs of patients. Bracing in adults is used to ease pain and discomfort rather than prevent worsening of the curve
while surgery is generally used as the last resort.

Surgery becomes essential if the spinal curve is greater than 50 degrees and is accompanied by continuous pain. It is also conducted if the curve is increasing
because this could cause heart and lung problems. In certain cases
deformity caused by the disease necessitates surgery.

To conclude
Scoliosis in adults can be largely avoided through proper treatment of the disease in its early stages
during childhood or adolescence. The earlier the treatment commences
the lesser will be the pain and discomfort
and chances of surgery. Leading a healthy lifestyle can also curb its occurrence during adulthood.