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Straighten Spinal Curvatures with Available Treatments
Scoliosis can pose a difficult challenge for anyone who has it, causing discomfort and fear, especially children. This condition may cause them to not interact freely because of insecurity and low self-esteem. There are effective scoliosis Sandy Springs treatments that can help treat your child and help keep their curves straight.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a deformity that causes the spine to curve sideways, occurring mainly in adolescents. It primarily affects people with conditions like muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy. It is still unknown what causes childhood scoliosis. Though most of the occurrences are minimal and mild, the curves may worsen as one gets older. If it is left untreated early enough, it may be disabling. There are no known causes of scoliosis, but it may be a result of:
· Congenital disabilities
· Neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy
What are the signs and symptoms of scoliosis?
Depending on your deformity’s severity, you may experience different signs and symptoms. The symptoms may be:
· Uneven shoulders and waist
· A more prominent shoulder than the other
· One side of the rib cage jutting forward
Your spine may twist apart from the sideway curving. If the curve is too severe, it may cause a reduction in the amount of cavity in the chest, leading to difficulty in breathing. You may have to visit a doctor if you start noticing any signs of scoliosis.
What is the diagnosis and treatment for scoliosis?
Your doctor may first have to conduct a thorough physical examination of questions and information about your medical history. You may have to perform actions like bending forward and hanging your arms. These actions may help give a clear picture of the prominence of the rib cage. Your doctor may also conduct imaging tests to confirm the curvature’s severity. The test can either be an X-ray or an ultrasound, and if your doctor suspects you have an underlying condition, they can conduct a Magnetic Resonance Imaging. If your child has a mild case of curvature may only require checkups to check the progression of the curving. If the curve is severe, treatment may include:
· Bracing
Your doctor may recommend braces for your child if their bones are still growing. This brace can’t cure scoliosis but helps prevent the curving from worsening. The brace covers the lower back, rib cages, and arms. Your child may continue participating in activities but with minor restrictions. The more you keep the brace on, the more effective it works.
· Surgery
You may have to undergo surgery if your doctor diagnoses severe scoliosis, which may keep progressing as time goes on. This treatment may help prevent it from worsening and also straighten your curves. Your doctor may perform a spinal fusion that involves connecting two or more bones to allow independent movement. You can also have an expandable rod attached along the spine. This rod adjusts in length as your child keeps growing. Your doctor may also perform vertebral body tethering to place a cord and screw along the spine. The spine straightens after the cord is tight.
Visit a doctor at Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center for any questions on scoliosis or request an appointment online today.
Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.
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