My struggle to live a normal life is usually a painful one. There are very few activities that do not cause me discomfort and/or pain. However, I refuse to let Scoliosis stop me from living an active and enjoyable life. The information you will find in this article, is meant to educate and inform, but should not be a replacement for professional medical care.
According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, there are an estimated six million people affected by Scoliosis in the United States. This accounts for only 2-3% of the overall population in America. Because Scoliosis changes the normal spinal alignment, it is considered to be a disfiguring disease. That one word, disfiguring, is not a favorite of mine. That’s because, unless it is a severe case, you can’t see Scoliosis just by looking at a person. In my case, no one knows I have it until they get to know me and I tell them.
Scoliosis generally develops during adolescence. The National Scoliosis Foundation reports that the typical age for onset is between ten and fifteen years of age. Personally, I have experienced back pain my entire life. Although I received regular physicals growing up, and even participated in Scoliosis screenings in school, it was never discovered. I had no idea I had a curvature in my spine until I was in my early twenties, when I sought out professional help for my pain.
Scoliosis tends to runs in families, and can be hereditary, but there is no known cause. While it can effect both genders, females are eight times more likely to develop Scoliosis severe enough to require medical treatment. This is the case in my family, where both my brothers have milder cases of Scoliosis and I mine is severe enough that I am monitored by specialists.
Signs and symptoms, as reported by The Mayo Clinic, include:
– Uneven shoulders
– One shoulder blade that appears more prominent that the other
– Uneven waist
– One hip higher than the other
– Leaning to one side
– Fatigue
If you suspect that you, or someone you care about, has Scoliosis, it is important to have them see a doctor. If Scoliosis is suspected, a doctor will order an x-ray to confirm and diagnosis the degree of curvature in the spine. If the x-ray confirms that Scoliosis is present, the patient may have to undergo further tests, such as an MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging). An MRI gives a more accurate view of the spine, and can detect other problems that can’t be seen on an x-ray. MRI’s are not painful, however, they can be frightening for a person that suffers from claustrophobia. When an MRI is performed, the patient lays down and is slid into a very tight chamber. The head is contained to prevent movement, and it is loud inside the chamber. Images are immediately sent to the technician and are visible while the MRI is being performed.
If Scoliosis is caught at a young age, or before the spine is fully developed, there are treatment options that can be considered. One popular treatment is a back brace, which will NOT cure Scoliosis, but will prevent it from getting worse. Back braces are molded to fit each individual, and must be worn at all times. Even during the night. The braces are typically worn until the back reaches maturity, and is done developing, to be completely effective. The Mayo Clinic is a helpful website, and more information on back braces can be found there.
If Scoliosis is severe enough, meaning that the degree of the curve is over 40 degrees, Spinal Fusion Surgery may be recommended. The decision to undergo this surgery should NOT be taken lightly, and should only be performed when absolutely necessary. Spinal fusion involves connecting two or more bones in the vertebrae with new bone. There are many risk factors involved. For more information on this procedure, visit The Mayo Clinic website.
Scoliosis impacts the quality of a person’s life, and can cause a great amount of pain. I have found that by staying active, and being aware of what triggers my pain, I live a much happier life. Exercises that are helpful, and don’t put a lot of stress on the spine are:
– Swimming
– Walking (not jogging)
– Light stretching
– Yoga
Activities that should be avoided are heavy lifting, excessive bending, and sitting for long period of time. Because I work at a desk, I do a lot of sitting. I’ve found that by getting up and walking around every thirty minutes, and sitting with a good lumbar support pillow, I can decrease the amount of pain I feel at the end of the day. Pain medication, such as Vicodin, and muscle relaxants, such as Flexeril, are also helpful in my case.
Treating Scoliosis with Chiropractic care is a highly debated topic, and opinions vary greatly. In the time that I’ve been diagnosed with Scoliosis, I have heard both sides of this debate, and the jury is still out. Some specialists think that Chiropractic therapy is an excellent idea, while others maintain that it is something that should be avoided. Not all health insurance carriers will cover Chiropractic visits for Scoliosis patients, so it is important to find out what your coverage allows. I have made a personal decision to stay away from this form of treatment.
There are several different forms of Scoliosis, and various names distinguishing the age of the patient when it was discovered. For a comprehensive explanation of each form, visit Spine-Health.
SOURCES:
http://www.scoliosis.org/info.php
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scoliosis/DS00194
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MRI
