Side-Effects Of Untreated Scoliosis & Why Surgery Isn't The Solution?

Posted by abby smiths on September 8th, 2016

Scoliosis is a term that is used to describe a medical condition in which there is an abnormal, side-to-side curve in the spine. Spines of naturally healthy human beings have natural curves. It is these natural curves that are responsible for the inward curve of our lower back and roundness of our shoulders. Some children have sideways curvature in their spines, which unlike poor posture, can't be corrected by standing straight. This is why the spine of a person with scoliosis looks like a 'C' or an 'S' and not a straight line on any X-ray. In some of the cases, a few of the bones that are a part of the scoliotic spine may also rotate a little, leaving an individual with uneven shoulders and waist.

Most of the people suffering from scoliosis have the idiopathic version of it, which means that the causes of the condition are not known. The condition develops at an early age and is more common in girls than boys. Though it can occur in children with other medical conditions, such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy, it mostly affects children who are otherwise quite healthy. If someone in your family has scoliosis, you have 20% chances of getting this condition than due to any other reason. So, if there is already someone with this condition in the family, you shouldn't wait and get yourself examined as soon as possible. And if you are diagnosed with scoliosis, you should look for a scoliosis correction center for treatment, but make sure you thoroughly check the reviews and reputation of the facility beforehand. Surgery is not the answer, and people who really like to see patients get over this condition wouldn't ever suggest surgery. However, there are others who would suggest surgery just because they are more worried about making money than the health of their patients. Try and avoid these people, but don't stop looking for an alternative treatment because scoliosis can lead to serious side effects if left untreated.

Children with a visibly curved spine could have a significant impact on the quality of their life, self-esteem, and body image. And this is just the emotional side of leaving scoliosis untreated. In severe cases, the person may start having breathing problems or his or her heart may start finding it difficult to pump blood. This could lead to lung infections or even heart failure. In other cases, particularly involving adults, untreated scoliosis may cause nerve compression leading to problems like leg and back pain, loss of bowel and bladder control, etc. So, it is very crucial to detect scoliosis as early as possible and then find a suitable treatment to help the person affected by it lead a better life.