
Scoliosis is a medical condition that can develop at any age due to various factors, including genetics, congenital disabilities, neuromuscular diseases, degenerative changes, or traumatic injuries. This disorder may lead to back pain, uneven shoulders, a rib hump, and limited mobility, and in severe cases, it can affect breathing and other vital organs. Your treatment will depend on the curvature’s type, severity, and underlying cause. Early detection and prompt treatment of scoliosis Las Vegas can help to prevent further progression and improve your quality of life.
Idiopathic scoliosis
Idiopathic scoliosis has no known cause and can develop at any age, although it is most commonly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. This disorder causes the curvature of your spine to become “S” or “C” shaped. Mild cases may not require treatment, while severe cases may require surgery to prevent the curve from worsening and improve your spine’s appearance. While idiopathic scoliosis’s cause is unknown, medical experts relate it to genetic and environmental factors. Early detection and treatment are vital in managing idiopathic scoliosis to prevent complications and improve outcomes.
Congenital scoliosis
Congenital scoliosis is usually present at birth and can be due to a problem with the development of your spine. The exact cause of congenital scoliosis is not always clear, but doctors believe it to be due to a problem with the formation of the vertebrae during fetal development. This can cause your vertebrae to fuse or form abnormally, leading to abnormal spine curvature. In some cases, the curvature may be present in only one part of your spine, while in others, it may involve your entire spine.
Neuromuscular scoliosis
Neuromuscular scoliosis is a type of scoliosis due to a neuromuscular disorder. It affects the nerves and muscles that control your spine, causing it to curve abnormally. Some neuromuscular disorders that can lead to scoliosis include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy. The severity of neuromuscular scoliosis can vary depending on the underlying disease and the degree of curvature in your spine.
Degenerative scoliosis
Degenerative scoliosis, or adult-onset scoliosis, typically affects adults over 50. It is due to the degeneration of the spine due to age or arthritis, which leads to a loss of structural support and curvature of your spine. Degenerative scoliosis can cause back pain and discomfort, difficulty standing or walking, and decreased mobility. The curvature in degenerative scoliosis often occurs in the lower back and can be asymmetric or symmetric. The curvature can sometimes progress rapidly, causing significant pain and functional impairment.
Traumatic scoliosis
Traumatic scoliosis develops due to a traumatic injury to your spine, such as a car accident, sports injury, or fall. The injury can cause damage to the vertebrae, discs, ligaments, or muscles of your spine, leading to an abnormal curvature of the spine. This disorder can occur at any age and can be mild or severe, depending on the severity of your injury. Mild cases of scoliosis may not require any treatment, and the curvature may resolve on its own over time, while more severe cases may require surgery to correct the curvature and stabilize the spine.
Call the McNulty Spine office or book an appointment online for more information about scoliosis.