Disadvantages of Not Treating Adult Scoliosis

Posted by abby smiths on August 9th, 2018

Everyone has a different curve in their spines naturally. But, when a person has side-to-side spinal curve that twist their spine, that condition is called scoliosis and it can make a person’s shoulder or waist appear uneven. But, it might also be so that a person develops this condition after puberty. When a person develops scoliosis at this point in time after complete skeletal growth, it is called adult scoliosis.

Now, if you think scoliosis can only be caused by carrying heavy backpacks or by a poor posture, then you’re wrong here. Because there are no certain causes to this condition and a person with a proper posture can get it as well.

There might be a chance that your pediatric scoliosis went undiscovered in your childhood and degenerated. Then, it might also be possible that you have changes in your spine due to aging, due to which you have developed this condition. Aging is apparently one of the most common causes of this condition. Even if you are not into sports or heavy weight works, you can develop this condition.

Generally, precision x-rays are used to evaluate this condition by measuring the radiographs. And if the patient experiences minimal symptoms of adult scoliosis or if some subtle neurological abnormalities are found on physical examination, an MRI is done.

Usually, there are no clear symptoms or side effects of adult scoliosis, though you might experience mild to sharp pain in your spine or surrounding area or even legs. Some people experiences various changes in their bodies, for instance, height loss, and uneven alignment of hips, among others.

It is important to realize that one should not leave this condition untreated. Leaving adult scoliosis untreated can lead to:
-Misalignment of body
-Hip problems
-Arthritis
-Problems with balance
-Shrinking height
-Weakness in legs & buttocks
-Bladder and bowel problems

Several scoliosis correction centers provide alternative treatment options for this condition, including medication, physiotherapy, and other non-surgical treatments. With evolving non-surgical techniques and equipment, the major number of patients have started avoiding Harrington rods in spine correction.

This treatment option involves inserting a Harrington rod with a ratcheting system along the concave part of the curve and attaching it to the spine with two hooks. After which, the surgeon uses ratcheting system to stretch and straighten the spine before fusing it into that straightened position.

Author's Bio - Author is an online blogger. This article is about the side effects of adults scoliosis.