Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. Whether viewed from the front or from the back, the spine of people with this problem is curved instead of looking straight and vertical. in the form of the letter S Oh well Italicized like C.
The Scientific studies Note that scoliosis affects approximately 2% of the population. However, the majority of cases – nine out of ten – are mild does not cause much discomfort. It is enough for the doctor to have a regular check-up to confirm that the curvature of the spine has not worsened.
In most cases, moreover, the specific causes of the problem are unknown, which is why we talk about idiopathic scoliosis. “The latest studies talk about A genetic predisposition in the development of curves”, says A was working It was carried out by experts from the Quirón University Hospital of Madrid. It is estimated that about 30% of cases are hereditary.
The causes of scoliosis are clear when they are neuromuscular: the disorder appears as secondary symptom From more serious illnesses such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, or spinal muscular atrophy, or physical trauma. However, remember that this is not caused by poor posture.
Commonly, the problem appears during adolescence, a period during which the body’s growth accelerates. Therefore, its most common form is the so-called Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
At that stage of life, scoliosis does not cause pain, as explained by A document from the Mayo Clinic in the USA. What are its symptoms and signs? Especially aesthetic: a Body asymmetry Which is manifested by an imbalance between the shoulders, waist or hips, or the feeling that one leg is longer than the other.
But these aesthetic results can have important psychological and emotional consequences, especially in self-esteem. Note that this is a stage where image and social acceptance are key. Therefore, bet quality of life personality.
Also, with more severe scoliosis, problems are not limited to appearance. A very pronounced deviation of the spine can also cause deformation of the ribs and cause pressure on the lungs. The result is varied breathing problems.
In general, since the problem mainly appears in adolescence, experts recommend a Clinical evaluation About ten or eleven years old. The initial examination includes observing the boy or girl to reveal the possible presence of asymmetry in the shoulders, shoulder blades, legs, etc.
A more specific result is obtained through Adam’s testA test that consists of a person standing upright, feet together, knees straight and arms outstretched in front, palms in contact, and then lowering the body as if trying to lift something off the ground.
The doctor standing behind observes the possible Inequality in the spineShoulders, shoulder blades or hips, some ribs more prominent than others or misalignment between head and pelvis.
A few years ago, the simple observation of one of these disparities was reason to take an X-ray or even start treatment. However, it was Controversial In the early years of this century, mainly because the Adams test produced a significant number of false positive.
Therefore, many boys and girls were overexposed to X-rays, which – cumulatively – could end up being harmful. What is now recommended is “Regulate the guidelines more“explain the experts of Quiron University Hospital.
For this purpose “the Bunnell inclinometer or scoliometer is used, indicating or Measures the slope of the stemThis tool – for measuring angles on paper and similar to a protractor for drawing – is placed on the back and allows determining the magnitude of the inequality.
If the angle is less than 25 degrees, it does not require treatment, but requires periodic follow-up to confirm that the problem is not getting worse. On the other hand, if the angle is greater than 25 degrees (and up to 45), treatment is recommended Wearing a corsetAn immobilization device that corrects the deviation or at least prevents it from deepening.
The above study by Madrid Science indicates that when the scoliosis angle exceeds 25 degrees, if no measures are taken, there is 68.4% chance that the deviation will increase to 30 degrees or more when the body reaches skeletal maturity.
On the other hand, if the inclination is already greater than 45 degrees at the time of diagnosis, Surgery is recommended. This involves putting some screws into the vertebrae and then some bars that connect to those screws and allow them to change their position (much like orthodontic appliances adjust the position of teeth).
As mentioned, in most cases during adolescence and almost throughout adult life, scoliosis is primarily an aesthetic problem that can affect a person’s quality of life in various ways. However, at the last stage of life, the issue worsens: Elderly people with scoliosis experience pain.
This follows from the fact that “deflection, along with degenerative changes, can compress neurological structurescause back pain and pain in other areas such as the lower limbs”. This is what the article says Carnation InstituteWith offices in Barcelona and Madrid.
adults, A corset is no longer an option: When the body is no longer evolving, this class of equipment does not prevent the curve from continuing to evolve. Thus, at this stage of life, conservative options for pain relief are medications and therapeutic physiology exercises.
But in severe cases (whose angle is more than 45 degrees) it should be Evaluate the option of surgical intervention. The problem is that there may be other diseases – or just general health, due to age – that recommend avoiding surgery.
That is why it is necessary to detect scoliosis early, control its evolution and, if necessary, treat it at the right time. Quality of life care At all its stages, especially at the end.
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Source: El Diario
