What Are the 3 Types of Scoliosis?
Back pain, uneven shoulders, one hip higher than the other… These are just three signs of scoliosis. Currently, an estimated 6 to 9 million people suffer from scoliosis in the United States alone. It’s a condition that can develop in infancy or early childhood. However, it can go completely undetected until about age 15. There are different kinds of scoliosis, too, ranging from very mild to very severe. It is important to know the difference and to visit your scoliosis bracing Stewart orthopedic doctor.
The Spine – What It Is and What It Isn’t
It’s important to understand the natural curve of the spine in order to diagnose a misalignment. Ideally, your spine should be vertical. As we age, we should be sitting with upright posture, in a comfortable yet firm chair at work or school, and eating healthy and getting enough exercise. But for some people, this isn’t a complete option because some people are born with conditions or develop conditions that make the person have a sideways curve. This curve of the spine is shaped as a “C” or an “S” and is diagnosed with x-rays. Clear research is yet to be discovered on what causes this condition in the first place, but medical professionals have assumed its relation to genetics or environmental factors.
Scoliosis is a sideway curvature of the spine. It’s a condition that is diagnosed just before hitting puberty and often during a growth spurt. Anywhere from severe to mild, these spine deformities get more severe as the spine grows. It can be painful and disabling but can be relieved with some treatment such as a brace or surgery, if required.
In a study, 60% of adults with chronic back pain showed to actually have some form of scoliosis. While testing can be done, there are some visible warning signs that a skilled scoliosis bracing Stuart orthopedic looks for:
- Noticing the center of your eyes is not horizontally aligned with the center of your hips.
- Walking with a slight limp.
- When performing a forward bend, the ribs protrude.
- Your eye line is tilted and shoulders are uneven
- One hip may appear higher than the other
- Your rib cage is tilted
- Your shoulder blades stick out
- The middle ear is not aligned with the tip of your shoulders. This is often viewed from the side.
Three Types of Scoliosis
One reason that medical professionals find it slightly difficult to assign a definite diaagnosis is that scoliosis comes in many forms. Three of these forms can be detected a little easier than others. One type is known as adolescent scoliosis. This kind has an early onset and is usually diagnosed right away in adolescents. It usually happens before the age of 10. The second is degenerative scoliosis, which usually happens in adults with recognizable side curvature of the spine. This condition grows with time as disc problems and spinal degeneration happen in aging adults. Degenerative scoliosis starts when the joints and discs begin to degrade over time, causing a curvature of the spine on one side. It usually takes place in the lumbar spine and lower back as it forms a C-shape. Neuromuscular scoliosis can happen on several occasions. This spinal disorder is related to the muscles and the brain. The muscles and nerves need to communicate to maintain proper alignment. When the communication is non-existent or off-balance, curvature slowly begins, leading to a curved spine in adulthood. There are many reasons for a neuromuscular problem to occur, and most likely a scoliosis bracing Stewart orthopedic specialist can shed some more light on this growing issue.
If you’re curious if you or your loved one has a type of scoliosis, or you know you have abnormal posture, it’s best to get it checked out right away. Your local scoliosis bracing Stuart orthopedic is skilled when detecting these spinal issues. At Fenton Prosthetics and Orthotics, we offer prosthetics and orthotics to fit the needs of every client. With over 30 years of experience, our staff branches out to three convenient locations to accommodate you and your family. Take advantage of our same-day schedule and book your appointment today!
