What You Need To Know About Structural Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve to the right or left side. The severity of the curve varies from very mild, which is barely visible, to severe, in which the symptoms are more pronounced. The curve can occur in the upper part of the spine (thoracic) or the bottom (lumbar). In some cases, there’s a second curve that results in an “S” shape. It can be categorized into two forms: structural scoliosis and non-structural scoliosis. Structural scoliosis, commonly referred to as scoliosis, is entirely different from functional scoliosis. Structural scoliosis means that there are actual bony changes that have occurred in the vertebra of the spine.
On the other hand, functional (non-structural) scoliosis means that the spine is structurally healthy but looks curved due to a secondary adaptive change in response to a primary problem in another part of the body, such as the paraspinal muscle tone asymmetry or a differing leg length. Functional scoliosis can be alleviated or reduced after the underlying cause is eliminated. In this article, we’ll discuss structural scoliosis.
Types of Scoliotic Curves
- Infantile scoliosis: typically occurs before age 3, and it’s often seen in boys. While some neurological involvement may be possible, many infantile scoliosis cases are resolved spontaneously; however, some progress into states of severe deformity.
- Juvenile Scoliosis: This is found more in girls between 3 years and ten years of age. The condition has a high risk for progression and may require surgical intervention.
- Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: This typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 18 years. Females are generally at a higher risk for AIS, and it may require surgical intervention if the non-surgical treatment options fail.
- Adult Scoliosis: As the name suggests, it occurs after maturity.
Risk Factors
Structural scoliosis can result from a disease that affects the vertebral column, including congenital factors, the imbalance of the neuromuscular system, or trauma. It’s not a straightforward hereditary condition; nevertheless, in about one out of four cases, one or more family members usually have the same condition.
Symptoms
In many cases of structural scoliosis, the onset of the condition is gradual and painless. The curve is usually noticeable when the patient bends down. As such, mild to moderate structural scoliosis may develop without the knowledge of the patient or their parents. If the scoliotic curve becomes more severe, it can result in further disfiguration because the spine’s vertebrae start to twist around as the curves enlarge. This will also pull the attached muscles, ribs, and ligaments around with them.
What is the Best Scoliotic Spine Treatment in Malaysia?
Most of the cases are mild and usually don’t require any treatment. However, the physician might suggest a regular review to ensure that scoliosis doesn’t worsen over time.
Scoliosis Bracing
Our clinical teams do not recommend any scoliosis brace doing for those over the age of 3. Bracing leads to additional muscular and soft tissue weaknesses that could rapidly worsen the scoliotic curvature. Also, recent literature has found bracing to be ineffective in managing a scoliotic condition. The only time scoliosis brace has been found helpful was in babies younger than two.
Scoliosis Surgery
While it is an option, Scoliosis surgery involves risk; you should first exhaust all your non-operative means of care. Contact CSC today for the best alternative to scoliosis surgery. Chiropractic specialty Center® offers award-winning chiropractic treatment combined with clinical physiotherapy in Kuala Lumpur from two locations. Get your scoliosis treated by the best clinical teams in KL today
- Top chiropractors & physiotherapists in Sri Petaling
- Award-winning chiropractors and KL’s top-rated clinal physiotherapists in Damansara Heights
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
There are a variety of non-operative means of treatment available. However, the effectiveness of these therapies is widely dependent on the provider’s skills, knowledge, and methodologies they use. Some treat scoliosis as they would have other spine conditions and, in these cases, may not have a positive result. Scoliosis is a three-dimensional disorder that requires specific means and methods of treatment. Therefore, it is not physiotherapy, chiropractic adjustments, or other alternative means that make or break for a successful outcome. Rather, the physiotherapist and chiropractor treat you and the technologies they use in their offices. Learn more about Scoliosis and Tethered Cord. Call Chiropractic Specialty Center® today for the best structural scoliosis in Malaysia.