Scoliosis is a condition where the spine has an abnormal sideways curvature, often accompanied by rotation. While adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common type, infants, juveniles, and adults can develop the condition too. It’s important to detect the early signs of scoliosis to reduce the chances of the condition’s progression.
The earlier the detection, the more chances of implementing proactive treatment plans to minimize further curvature of the spine.
The Cobb angle, measured by X-ray, determines the severity of the condition, categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. The early signs of scoliosis vary depending on age.
Infants may develop infantile scoliosis, a condition that falls under the age of three. Mild infantile scoliosis can be hard to spot and only produces cosmetic appearance signs on the back. In moderate and severe cases of infantile scoliosis, the most noticeable signs are uneven hips, shoulders, waistline, and head not centered over the torso.
Juvenile scoliosis is diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 10 and is more likely to progress than adolescent cases. Early detection of juvenile scoliosis is necessary as it can reduce the chances of progression when the child undergoes their adolescent growth spurt. Some of the early signs of juvenile scoliosis include a noticeable lean to one side, uneven shoulders, and one shoulder blade protruding more than the other.
Adult scoliosis is diagnosed after the age of 18 and can occur after the condition progresses or was present during adolescence but wasn’t diagnosed. Adult scoliosis can lead to symptoms such as back pain, numbness, and even difficulty breathing. Early signs of adult scoliosis include uneven shoulders, hips, or leg lengths, lower back pain, and numbness in the legs.
Early detection of scoliosis is vital to implement a customized and effective treatment plan moving forward, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, and bracing. If scoliosis is detected at a young age and is mild or moderate, chances of stopping its progression are higher.
It’s important to understand that while some cases of scoliosis can self-resolve, others can progress and cause problems later in life. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor the early signs and seek medical attention if necessary.
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