Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine, typically diagnosed in adolescents. Though scoliosis can develop in patients with cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most childhood scoliosis is unknown.
Though most cases of scoliosis are mild, some curves worsen as children grow and may cause disability. A severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest and make it difficult to breathe.
Children diagnosed with mild scoliosis are closely monitored to see if the curve is getting worse. Most cases of scoliosis don’t require treatment, but some children may need to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening. Others may need treatment to straighten the spinal cord.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
A child may have scoliosis if they demonstrate any of the following signs:
- Uneven waist
- Uneven shoulders
- One hip higher than the other
- One side of the rib cage jutting forward
- A hump on one side of the back when bending forward
- One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other
Scoliosis causes the spine to rotate or twist in addition to curving side to side. This makes one side of the body seem to stick out more than the other.
Causes of Scoliosis
The exact cause of scoliosis is unknown, but it does seem to be hereditary. Other, less common types of scoliosis may be caused by:
Neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
Birth defects affecting the development of the vertebrae
Previous neonatal surgery on the chest wall
Injuries to or infections of the spine
Spinal cord abnormalities
Risk Factors for Scoliosis
The risk of developing scoliosis increases due to:
- Age. Adolescents are more likely to see signs of scoliosis.
- Sex. Girls are more likely to have the spinal curve worsen and require treatment.
- Family history. The condition may be hereditary, but most children don’t have a family history of scoliosis.
Treatment Options
At Premier Urgent Care, patients diagnosed with scoliosis may need treatment for their pain with injections and pain management techniques.
A few types of joint and soft tissue injections offered at the clinic include nerve blocks, sacroiliac joint injections, piriformis injections, epidural injections, and trigger point injections. Patients should speak to their physician to find out if they qualify for joint and soft tissue injections.
Pain management techniques can help patients diagnosed with scoliosis minimize pain through cold and heat therapy, gentle exercise, physical therapy, massage, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, acupuncture, cognitive behavior therapy, yoga, deep breathing exercises, music therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. A personalized pain management plan will be created to help patients deal with their specific type of pain.
Advanced Treatment
Severe cases of scoliosis may require advanced treatment that may include chiropractic adjustment, physical therapy, and even surgery. Premier Urgent Care supports patients needing a range of treatments for scoliosis. Staff is available to answer any questions about obtaining advanced treatment.
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