Initial Symptoms of Scoliosis
- Katelan Pittick
- May 3, 2023
- 5 min read
If an individual is diagnosed with scoliosis, it signifies that their spine is characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature that additionally involves rotation. Furthermore, scoliosis is a condition that progresses gradually over time, with a tendency to exacerbate further if not addressed promptly. To take advantage of the multiple benefits of early detection and proactive treatment, it is imperative to identify the early warning signs of scoliosis as soon as possible, especially after diagnosis, given the condition's progressive nature.
Identifying scoliosis early on is not always easy, particularly in mild cases where symptoms are subtle, especially in children and adolescents who rarely experience pain. This is because the spine is continuously lengthening during growth, which counters the compressive force of the scoliotic curve. Although there are no treatment assurances, addressing spinal curvatures during the milder stages of diagnosis generally entails dealing with smaller, less rigid, and less complex curvatures before the body adapts to the presence of the curvature.
Several factors determine the classification of a condition, with the severity of the condition being a significant determinant of the symptoms it produces. To measure the severity of the condition, healthcare providers use the Cobb angle, which is determined during X-ray imaging. The patient's Cobb angle places their condition on a severity scale of mild, moderate, or severe.
Mild scoliosis: Cobb angle measurement of between 10 and 25 degrees
Moderate scoliosis: Cobb angle measurement of between 25 and 40 degrees
Severe scoliosis: Cobb angle measurement of 40+ degrees
The severity of a patient's condition provides crucial information on the potential rate of progression, symptoms, and related complications, all of which inform the development of a tailored and effective treatment plan. Typically, the milder the condition, the more difficult it is for an untrained eye to spot. Hence, recognizing the early signs of the condition can be highly advantageous.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the condition’s most prevalent form diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 18. They are particularly susceptible to rapid-phase progression of scoliosis due to their unpredictable growth spurts during puberty, which can trigger the condition. Early detection can be challenging in this age group as adolescents tend to conceal bodily changes due to embarrassment or uncertainty, not realizing that they could be early signs of a developing spinal condition. Moreover, scoliosis is typically not painful, and in mild cases, the resulting postural changes can be subtle.
Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the early signs of the condition to facilitate timely detection and treatment.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis can be indicated by several postural changes that include:
-Uneven hips.
Individuals with scoliosis, particularly children, may exhibit a higher hip on one side. In cases of mild curvature, treatment may not be necessary and the condition may even self-correct. However, due to the ongoing growth of children's bones, approximately 30% of those with scoliosis require bracing. The brace is usually discontinued once the child stops growing. About 10% of children with scoliosis may need to undergo surgery.
-Presence of a rib arch when bending forward.
Scoliosis can cause chest twisting, resulting in a noticeable hump on the back, and ribs on one side may protrude more than the other. The type of treatment prescribed will depend on the severity of the hump. Non-impact exercises such as swimming, and yoga can be beneficial. Customized home exercises and specialized corrective bracing may also be recommended.
-Uneven leg length.
Uneven leg length is a common sign of scoliosis. When the spine curves to one side, it can cause one leg to appear shorter than the other, even if the bones in both legs are actually the same length. This can lead to discomfort and difficulty with balance and posture.
-Head not centred over the pelvis.
When the spine develops a curvature due to scoliosis, the head may not be centred over the pelvis, causing the body to become misaligned. This can lead to discomfort and pain, especially in the lower back, hips, and legs. When the head is not centred over the pelvis, it can also affect the body's balance, making it difficult to perform everyday activities such as walking and standing for long periods of time. It's important to address scoliosis and its symptoms as early as possible to prevent further progression and minimize discomfort.
-Asymmetrical protrusion of one shoulder blade. Scoliosis can cause uneven shoulder blades. The shoulder blades are located on either side of the upper back and are important for shoulder movement and stability. In scoliosis, the spine is curved, which can cause the shoulder blades to tilt or rotate, resulting in asymmetry.
As a result, one shoulder blade may appear to protrude more than the other, or one may sit higher than the other. This can also cause the arms to hang unevenly at the sides. In addition to affecting appearance, scapular asymmetry can also affect shoulder function and cause discomfort or pain.
-Changes to gait.
Changes to gait, or the way a person walks, can also be a sign of scoliosis. As scoliosis progresses, it can cause uneven leg length, which can lead to a noticeable limp or altered walking pattern. This is because the body may try to compensate for the unevenness by shifting weight to one side or altering the stride. In addition, scoliosis can also affect the alignment of the hips, which can cause the gait to be uneven or awkward.
-Uneven shoulder height.
Uneven shoulder height is a common sign of scoliosis where one shoulder appears to be higher than the other. This occurs due to the uneven force of the scoliotic curve on the spine, which causes the body to become misaligned. As a result, the shoulder on one side may be pushed upward while the other is pulled downward. This unevenness in the shoulders can often be seen when looking at a person from the front or back, and it may be more noticeable when the person is standing or sitting in a certain position.
-Tilted eye line.
When a person has scoliosis, it can cause the head to tilt to one side, which can result in a tilted eyeline. This means that one eye may appear higher than the other, or the eyes may not be level with the horizon. This can affect a person's vision, causing problems such as double vision or eyestrain. In some cases, the tilt may be so slight that it is barely noticeable, while in other cases, it may be more severe and cause significant discomfort. It is important to note that a tilted eyeline is not always a definitive sign of scoliosis and may also be caused by other factors such as a neck injury or muscle tension. A medical professional should be consulted to determine the underlying cause.
-Visibly noticeable abnormal curvature to the spine.
This sign of scoliosis refers to an abnormal curve in the spine that is visible to the naked eye. When viewed from behind, the spine may appear to curve sideways, instead of running straight down the centre of the back. The curve may also appear as an "S" or "C" shape.
Furthermore, clothing may appear to be ill-fitting, with shirt necklines favouring one side, and arms and legs seeming to hang unevenly.
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- Katelan Pittick
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