Scoliosis is a sideways curving of the spine which usually develops during the growth spurt before puberty commences. By and large, scoliosis is rather mild; on the other hand, some individuals develop deformities of the spine which worsen with age.
Severe scoliosis can be disabling. Those having mild scoliosis are observed very closely, to see if the curve is worsening.
Causes of Lumbar Scoliosis
- The cause is still unknown.
- Heredity plays a role.
- Neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy may cause scoliosis.
- Birth defects.
- Infection of the spine.
- Trauma to the spine.
Symptoms Of Lumbar Scoliosis
Symptoms include:
- Irregular waist.
- One hip will be a little higher than the other one.
- One shoulder blade is seen more prominently than the other one.
- The spine may also twist or rotate. Consequently, the ribs on one side of your body will protrude more than on the other side.
Certain complications are associated with the condition too, these are:
- In severe cases, the rib cage presses on to the heart and lungs, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood as well as hard to breathe.
- Chronic back pain is very common.
- Individuals with scoliosis become very self-conscious about their appearance.
Treatment Options For Lumbar Scoliosis
Children with mild scoliosis must have checkups every 5 to 6 months to check if there are any changes in the curvature of the spine.
While treating scoliosis, you need to remember that girls have a higher risk of disease progression than boys. Fortunately lumbar scoliosis does not worsen that speedily as do thoracic. Braces are most effect in children whose bones are still growing.
The following are the treatment options for you:
- Braces – Braces are made of plastic materials and are contoured to conform to the body. If the child’s bones are still growing, the doctor will advocate a brace. A brace will not cure scoliosis or reverse the curve, but it wards off against a progression. Most braces are worn day and night. The efficacy of a brace increases with the number of hours it’s worn per day. Braces are discontinued after the bones stop growing.
- Surgery – Severe scoliosis needs surgery to reduce the severity and to prevent an aggravation with complications. The most common type of surgery done for scoliosis is spinal fusion. In spinal fusion, your surgeon will connect two or more of the vertebrae in the spine, so that they cannot move by themselves. A bone-like material is placed between the vertebrae. Metal rods, wires, screws or hooks hold that segment of the spine straight whilst the old and new bone material blend. In case the condition is progressing very quickly, your surgeon may advise installing a rod which adjusts in length as the child grows. This growing rod is fixed to the top and bottom segments of the spinal curvature, and is made long every 6 months. Certain complications are associated with spinal surgery, these include – infection, bleeding, pain or nerve impairment. Confer with your health are provider and surgeon and see what is best for you.
- Chiropractic manipulation – It is an alternative technique to manage scoliosis. However, it affords only little relief.
- Electrical stimulation of muscles – It is also recommended by a lot of the health care providers; but should be done in conjunct with other therapies.
- Also, talk to your doctor and understand whether you need any dietary supplements to deal with your case better.