Subtle signs you may have scoliosis

Subtle signs you may have scoliosis

The early stages of scoliosis can be very subtle. You may have attributed your lower back pain or your diminishing ability to stand up tall and straight to being out of shape or getting older.  Maybe the real reason is because you have scoliosis.

Scoliosis is an abnormal curve in the spine or backbone with most causes of it being unknown or idiopathic.  It affects about 2% of females and 0.5% of males with the most common location for this disorder found in the thoracic spine. Risk factors for scoliosis include being female, having a family history, and being between the ages of 9-15 as this is often when symptoms begin.

The diagnosis of scoliosis is done by a physical exam and by imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI.  Treating this condition will depend on the severity – if it is causing back pain, rib pain, neck pain, muscles spasms, or abdominal pain, then bracing of the back or surgery may be recommended.  Otherwise, periodic observation will suffice for noting any changes over time. 

Signs and symptoms of scoliosis

It is possible for some people who have a mild curvature in the spine to have scoliosis and not know it.  They may be having certain symptoms that they blame for something else when this condition could be the reason why. 

Generally, the most common symptom of scoliosis is a noticeable abnormal curve of the spine.  It is often diagnosed in childhood typically during a routine physical exam by a doctor for a child’s school or sports activities.  However, changes within the curve of the spine can occur very slowly so it can be easy to miss until it becomes a more severe physical deformity later on in life. 

Our spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae that are stacked on top of each other.  All of us have a natural curve in our back allowing us to bend and move.  In scoliosis, the spine curves more than usual to where it can actually form a “C” or “S” shape.  In most cases, the curve is very mild and does not affect one’s appearance.  But as a person ages, it can become worse leading to a more noticeable curve along with back pain and other health problems.

Scoliosis symptoms in children can include the following:

·      The shoulders are two different heights

·      Their head does not look centered with the rest of their body

·      One hip is higher than the other or sticks out

·      The ribs are pushed out

·      When standing straight, the arms do not hang straight next to their body

·      When bending forward, the two sides of the back are different heights

Scoliosis in adults can include the following:

·      Uneven shoulders and/or hips

·      Bump in the lower back

·      Numbness, weakness, or pain in the legs

·      Trouble walking

·      Trouble standing up straight

·      Tired feeling

·      Shortness of breath

·      Loss of height

·      Bone spurs – bony bumps in the joints of the spine from bone and joint damage

·      Feeling full quickly while eating due to the spine putting pressure on the stomach

Treating scoliosis

Many people who are told they have scoliosis fear they will have to have back surgery to correct it.  The vast majority of those with scoliosis will not require major reconstructive surgery as most can manage their symptoms without it.

Treatment can include physical therapy to strengthen and stabilize the spine or using anti-inflammatory medications or epidural injections to relieve pain.  If those treatments do not help, then some people may need spinal decompression surgery.  If surgery is what is recommended, be sure to use a physician who specializes in back surgeries.

Any person who has scoliosis and smokes is only setting themselves up for difficulties in relieving symptoms.  Smoking is the leading cause of back and neck problems, regardless of having scoliosis or not, and anyone who does smoke needs to find a way to quit. 

Another practice people with scoliosis can do is to be and remain physically active. The more physically active a person is with scoliosis, the less likely they will be symptomatic.  Weight loss can also help to reduce the symptoms along with monitoring bone density and seeking treatment for osteoporosis.