Scoliosis :: Health, Informative, Medicine

Scoliosis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Everyone's spine has curves. These curves produce the normal rounding of the shoulder and the sway of the lower back. A spine with scoliosis has abnormal curves with a rotational deformity. This means that the spine turns on its axis like a corkscrew.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine which may have its onset in infancy but is most frequently discovered in adolescence. It is more common in females by a 2:1 ratio. However, when curves in excess of 30 degrees are evaluated, females are more frequently affected by a ration of approximately10:1. The cause of the most common form of scoliosis; idiopathic scoliosis. is unknown, but there have been hereditary factors discovered that are present.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Scoliosis causes shoulder, trunk and waistline â€Å"asymmetry†. In mild forms, the condition may be barely noticed; however, in severe forms there is significant disfigurement, back pain and postural fatigue, and it may be associated with heart failure. Fortunately the majority of scoliosis cases need only close follow-up to watch for worsening of the curve. Some cases require more aggressive treatment which could include surgery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The non-operative treatment of scoliosis involves observing the deformity with examinations and repeated x-rays. Under certain circumstances, when spinal growth remains, a brace may be used in combination with follow-up x- rays. Physical therapy exercises have not been shown to be effective treatment for scoliosis.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The most common surgical treatment for scoliosis is a spine fusion using special stainless steel rods, hooks, and a bone graft. The rods are attached to the spine with hooks and the curved portion of the spine is carefully