Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. In a normal and healthy spine, when viewed from the back, the vertebrae extend in a straight line in the neck, back and waist areas. In scoliosis, the vertebrae are displaced left and right and at the same time rotate on their own axis. Therefore, it is a three-dimensional deformity. It may develop due to reasons such as trauma, congenital developmental disorder and posture disorder, and most of the time the cause is unknown. Since there are shifts in other bones besides the spine, posture and appearance disorders occur. Due to this situation, abnormal loading and resulting deformities occur in children in the developmental age.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SCOLIOS?
Scoliosis may not show symptoms in the early period. Since it usually does not cause any complaints, it can be noticed late. The first symptom that brings the person to the doctor is visual disturbance. In scoliosis, the cause of which is unknown, the noticeable shoulder is higher than the other. Apart from this, symmetry disorders such as swelling in a part of the back and hips not being at the same level are also observed. The most common problem in these people is back and waist pain.
WHAT IS THE FREQUENCY OF SCOLIOSIS?
Scoliosis is seen in approximately 2 to 4% of the population. Most of these are low-grade curvatures. It can be seen approximately 8-10 times more frequently in girls than in boys. Scoliosis progresses to a degree that requires treatment in only 10 percent of people with a curvature in their spine.
TYPES OF SCOLIOSIS
Idiopathic scoliosis (scoliosis of unknown cause):
Percentage of scoliosis cases The cause of more than 80 cases is unknown. It is the most common form of scoliosis. It occurs especially in girls during adolescence, when rapid growth occurs and the skeleton develops. Infantile-onset idiopathic scoliosis seen in the 0-3 age group, juvenile-onset idiopathic scoliosis seen between 4-9 years of age, and adolescent-onset idiopathic scoliosis seen between 10-18 years of age.
Congenital scoliosis:
It is a type of scoliosis due to spinal anomalies that occur during the development of the child in the womb. Congenital scoliosis progresses rapidly in the first years. For this reason, the treatment process of congenital scoliosis that occurs in the early stages is short. It may require surgical intervention at young ages.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis:
The main causes of neuromuscular scoliosis may include muscle or nerve diseases. Nerve diseases can originate from the brain and spinal cord; Muscle diseases can be seen in childhood and later periods. In neuromuscular scoliosis, unlike idiopathic scoliosis, respiratory distress and sensory deficits are more common. Early diagnosis and treatment of patients in this group is extremely important in eliminating progressive defects. With early treatment, it is possible to slow down the progression of the child's curvature and prevent possible complications.
HOW IS SCOLIOSIS DIAGNOSED?
Both examination findings and radiological examinations (X-rays) , Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography, etc.). During physical examination, the curvature appears more pronounced when the patient leans forward than in a standing position. Spine x-rays in different positions (anterior-posterior, lateral, leaning sideways, etc.) and scoliozometer (an instrument that measures the amount of curvature of the spine) measurements are diagnostic methods used to determine the amount of scoliosis.
SCOLIOS DEGREES AND TREATMENT
Scoliosis is diagnosed by looking at the degree of spinal curvature. Relative to the image of the spine, curvature is measured in degrees as an angle. The angle that measures the degree of scoliosis is called the "cobb angle".
Curves below 10 degrees are defined as asymmetry, not scoliosis. For the diagnosis of scoliosis, the curvature must be over 10 degrees.
If there is more than one curvature in the spine, it is necessary to talk about degrees of scoliosis, not a single degree of scoliosis.
A meter called scoliometer is also used to measure scoliosis. However, not the curvature but the degree of rotation accompanying the curve is determined.
In case of curvatures below 20 degrees, the patient is closely monitored. At the same time, back and waist exercises and swimming are recommended. No intervention (corset treatment or surgery) is performed.
Corset treatment may be preferred in people whose scoliosis degree is between 20-40 degrees and who have growth potential.
If the degree of scoliosis is more than 40 degrees, scoliosis surgery day breastfeeding comes.
SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT:
The potential for progression of scoliosis and whether growth has stopped affects the treatment decision. The younger the child, the higher the potential for the curvature to progress.
Various manual therapy applications and scoliosis exercises aim to get rid of pain and correct the deformity in the spine.
In children where growth has not started. If the Cobb angle is below 15 degrees, specialist follow-up is generally recommended. Special scoliosis exercises and rehabilitation programs should be continued in those with a Cobb angle of 15-20 degrees. Intensified scoliosis rehabilitation programs should be applied for children whose Cobb angle is over 25 degrees.
The aim of our intensive special exercise program, which is organized according to the direction of the curvature and the person; It is a three-dimensional scoliosis treatment based on sensorimotor and movement principles. These special exercises aim to correct the patient's asymmetrical posture and have a proper posture during daily life activities.
Read: 0
