myscoliosis.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis (pronounced Sko-lee-o-sis) is a spinal abnormality that occurs when the vertebrae rotates and curves sideways. Viewed from the front or back, the spinal column should be straight but when Scoliosis is present you will see a sideways shift of the spine to the left or right which can appear to look like an "S" or a "C" shape. When a diagnostic X-ray is preformed the curve of the spine is measured in degrees, this is known as a Cobb angle. To be diagnosed with Scoliosis, the curvature of the spine must be greater than ten degrees. Small curves usually aren't problematic. However, a curve that continues to worsen can start to cause health issues. Scoliosis can damage the joints which can then lead to arthritis of the spine and cause a lot of pain. In severe cases of Scoliosis the ribcage can be pushed against the heart and lungs, causing breathing problems and making it difficult for the heart to pump blood around the body. This can also increase the chances of lung infections, such as pneumonia, and lead to problems such as heart failure.
Types of Scoliosis
The most common type of Scoliosis is known as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, which has no known cause. Around 1 in 15 Australian girls develop this type of Scoliosis during their growing period between the ages of 9 to 14 years. Scoliosis is less common in boys and usually develops a year before puberty.
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Degenerative Scoliosis develops later in life when the facet joints which link spinal vertebrae start to deteriorate. As a person ages, an asymmetrical spine may slowly start to appear which will often show no symptoms and therefore remains undetected. It is estimated that around 60 percent or more of people who are over the age of 60 show to at least have mild Degenerative Scoliosis.
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Neuromuscular/myopathic Scoliosis is known to affect individuals who are wheelchair-bound or are living with an underlying health condition. It is shown to be most common in patients who are living with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions.
"S" or "C" Shaped Curve?
A Scoliosis curve that appears to be shaped as a "C" is when the curvature bends in one direction. This type of Scoliosis can occur in a number of different ways, which includes the Thoracolumbar Curve, Thoracic Curve and Lumbar Curve.
The Thoracolumbar Curve is a type of C-curve that begins in the upper back and ends in the lower back.
The Thoracic Curve is a type of C-curve in which the bend occurs in the upper (thoracic) back.
The Lumbar Curve is a type of C-curve that occurs in the lower (lumbar) back.
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A Scoliosis curve that appears to be shaped as an "S" is when the spine curves in two opposite directions, one in the lower back and one in the upper back.
An S-curve is also known as the "Double Major Curve" as it involves both a lumbar (lower back) curve and a thoracic (upper back) curve. This type of Scoliosis can be harder to spot at first due to these curves balancing one another out at times.
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