Scoliosis

=__Scoliosis__=

//__What is [|Scoliosis]?__//
Scoliosis is a complex condition that involves an abnormal curvature or deformity of the spine. It can be classifed by juvenile,[|idiopathic], [|congenital], or adolescent according to when the onset appeared. It can also result from the secondary symptoms of [|cerebral palsy] or [|spinal muscular atrophy].

__What are the Causes of [|Scoliosis]?__
Causes of Scoliosis are poorly understood. The most common form of scoliosis is Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis. This means that heredity was clearly involved, however there is also an [|incomplete penetrance]. There are numerous theories to what may cause scoliosis but none of which have been accepted among scientists as a clear cause of the disease. Scoliosis is most common in women and can be diagnosed at birth due to congenital vertebral anomaly. The most common development of scoliosis occurs during adolescence due to an inert anomaly such as a tethered spinal cord. When the cause for scoliosis is unknown, which is very common, it is called idiopathic. Scoliosis is not caused by slouching, awkward sitting, or sleeping in a bad matress contrary to common beliefs.

//__How common is [|Scoliosis]?__//
2-3% of the American population have a spinal curvature that is greater than 10 degrees. 1 in 2500 people are have a spinal curvature that is greater than 20 degrees. A significant curvature of the spine is more common in males than in females.

//__Are there any syptoms of [|Scoliosis]?__//
Pain in the back is not a common symptom of adolescent scoliosis. However, if left untreated pain becomes prominent in adulthood. Adults with scoliosis commonly complain about the cosmetic deformities it leaves behind such as: uneven musculature of the spine, uneven hip levels, asymetric size in breast of females, unequal distance between the arms and the body, and in few cases slow nerve action is present.

//__Are there any other conditions that are associated with Scoliosis?__//
Even though the majority of adolescents with scolios show no other signs or symptoms, there are other deformities and diseases associated with scoliosis such as:[|familial dysautonomia], [|friedreich's ataxia], or [|spinal bifidas].

//__What treatments are available for those with scoliosis?__//
There are several treaments available for anyone with scoliosis. [|Bracing] is common among those with juvenile and adolescent scoliosis. One form of [|bracing] is known of [|Boston bracing] ( also known as Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis) which fits its patient like a tight jacket pressing against the rib cage to prevent the spine from continued curvature. [|Milwaukee bracing] ( aka Cervico-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis) is another form of bracing that contains metal bars that extend around the shoulders to prevent further spinal damage. Depending on the situation braces are typically worn 16-23 hours a day. However, since bracing is not always effective surgical means are sometimes necessary. Surgery is mostly used for cases of scoliosis in which there is pain or comsmetic appereance is unacceptable. Curvatures that effect physiological functions such as breathing need surgery. [|Spinal fusion] is the most common surgical techinique for those with idiopathic scoliosis. This technique combines two or more vertebrae to straighten the entire spine. ==  ==