The human spine comes along with a natural curve that helps them to bend and move. The unrepresentative shape of the spine is called scoliosis. In simple words, the spine curves higher than it should. It may cause due to birth deformities, genetic conditions, previous surgery on the chest, spinal cord abnormalities, neurological abnormalities, tumors, or infections. People with muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy can also get scoliosis. Mostly, it is diagnosed in early adolescence or childhood. Usually, most cases are mild, which does not influence health. But if it gets worse over time, it can cause health problems such as back pain and disability. You should see a physical therapist Plano if you spot any symptoms. The possibility of scoliosis depends upon the symptoms. You may feel that your shoulders are uneven, hips and waist are irregular, the head is not centralized straight to the pelvis, rib enclosures are at different elevations, the spine is rotating, and your back exhibits pain. Additionally, you may face breathing problems due to compressing areas in the chest, back stiffness, fatigue due to muscle strain, trouble standing up straight, loss of height, difficulty in walking, feeling full quickly, or numbness in your pinched nerves.

Types of Scoliosis

Idiopathic Scoliosis
In most cases, doctors are unable to detect the reasons for a curved spine, but idiopathic scoliosis has known causes. It can develop in infants, youngsters, and also adolescents. It mainly occurs in females because they have enormous growth spurts. Treatment depends on the child’s age, location of the curve, severity of the spinal curve, and pattern of the curve. Sometimes, it requires no treatment other than simple observation and minor monitoring. However, children with moderate scoliosis treating with bracing that keep spine in a straighter position. Children with severe scoliosis are treated with surgery called spinal fusion. In this procedure, surgeons use screws, metal rods, wires, and hooks to secure the spine.

Congenital Scoliosis
Some babies are born with spinal deformities that are referred to as congenital scoliosis. It is the least common type of scoliosis. It occurs due to the incompleteness of vertebrae. It can be life-threatening, and children may face kidney, bladder, and nervous system problems. The children may face symptoms, including dimples on the back, rib hump, pain in the lower extremities, difficulty hearing, stiff neck, etc.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis
The disorders like Marfan syndrome, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury can cause neuromuscular scoliosis. These conditions will harm your muscles because of which they do not let your spine curve. The symptoms may include a leaning sitting posture, arms hanging unevenly, and using arms for seating support. Spinal fusion surgery is used as a treatment for neuromuscular scoliosis. Sports injuries can also harm your spine due to falls. Visit sports physical therapy clinic in case of muscle injury in your spine.

Degenerative Scoliosis
Degenerative scoliosis occurs in adults due to degeneration of the joints and disks. It leads to abnormal spinal curvature or spinal asymmetry as a person ages. Adults with this type of scoliosis may feel pain in the morning, sitting feels better than walking, postural changes or pain comes on gradually.

Role of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another treatment option for scoliosis. Physical therapists help people cope up with surgery and bracing so that they function at their best. They provide various treatments that may include: range-of-motion exercises, strength training, manual therapy, modalities, and functional training. These treatments can help prevent the condition from getting worse, improve postural balance, and reduce the signs and symptoms of scoliosis. Physical therapists also provide you with education on how scoliosis can affect your movement and body. They will teach you different techniques to help handle the condition.