Procedures
The typical medical approach to treating a mild scoliosis is to be under doctor supervision until the curves progresses further. The chart below shows why the younger the child is when the scoliosis is first diagnosed, the more dangerous it is for the child.
Self-care
A diagnosis of scoliosis, or an abnormal curvature of the spine, can lead to a lot of questions about how to move forward with appropriate treatment and management. Most often, scoliosis is diagnosed during childhood and adolescence, which is an excellent time to treat and prevent any possible complications before reaching adulthood.
Nutrition
Mild scoliosis is generally the term used to describe scoliosis where the Cobb angle, or curvature of the spine, is less than 20 degrees. Mild scoliosis is the most responsive to exercise treatment. Moderate scoliosis may be treated with exercise, but wearing a medically prescribed brace is sometimes recommended as well.
What is the typical medical approach to treating Mild scoliosis?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might be recommended if your doctor suspects that an underlying condition — such as a spinal cord abnormality — is causing the scoliosis. Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your scoliosis-related health concerns Start Here
What does a scoliosis diagnosis mean?
What is the difference between mild and moderate scoliosis?
Does scoliosis require an MRI?
What is the treatment for mild scoliosis?
Mild scoliosis is often managed simply with exercise, medical observation, scoliosis-specific physical therapy, and chiropractic treatment from a chiropractic scoliosis specialist. For some people with scoliosis, yoga or pilates is also recommended to decrease their pain level and increase flexibility.
What is the most effective treatment for scoliosis?
Most scoliosis surgeons agree that children who have very severe curves (50 degrees and higher) will need surgery to lessen the curve and prevent it from getting worse.
How is mild scoliosis treated in adults?
How is adult scoliosis treated? The majority of cases of adult scoliosis can be managed non-operatively through regular observation by a doctor, over-the-counter pain medications, and core-strengthening exercises to strengthen your abdomen and back and to improve flexibility. If you smoke, it's important that you quit.
Should mild scoliosis be treated?
Most mild scoliosis curves don't need treatment. If you have a mild curve, you'll need to go for regular checkups to be sure it doesn't get bigger. Scoliosis is more likely to get worse while your bones are still growing. So your health care provider will want to keep an eye on you as you grow.
What is the newest treatment for scoliosis?
There are currently two FDA-approved options for non-fusion correction, both approved in August 2019: The Tether and ApiFix. These procedures offer a more rapid post-surgery recovery, less blood loss, and a faster return to sports and general activities than for fusion.
What do they do for scoliosis?
Scoliosis refers to an abnormally curved spine. It tends to arise in childhood or adolescence, and the cause is usually unknown. Treatments, such as back bracing and surgery, can often help. A person should speak to a doctor if they suspect scoliosis, as early treatment can help prevent future complications.
What does mild scoliosis mean?
Specifically, the term mild scoliosis describes an abnormal “S” or “C” shaped curve in the spine. This curve measures over 10 degrees and less than 25. In those with curves measuring less than 20 degrees, the risk of progression is usually low (around 20%).
How do you treat scoliosis in adults naturally?
6 Daily Habits to Reduce Scoliosis PainStretch Every Morning. You can improve spinal health and restore some of the imbalances of scoliosis with daily stretching. ... Keep Your Joints Warm. ... Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet. ... Supplement with Vitamins. ... Sleep on a Firm Mattress. ... Visit a Chiropractor to Begin Scoliosis Treatment.
Can mild scoliosis correct itself?
As scoliosis is an incurable and progressive condition, it will neither go away, nor fix itself without treatment.
Can you correct scoliosis?
When people ask if a condition can be 'corrected', what they most often mean is 'cured', or reversed permanently. While scoliosis can be reduced and managed to the point where it causes very few, if any, functional deficits, as a progressive and incurable condition, scoliosis cannot be cured.
What can mild scoliosis cause?
While most people with scoliosis have a mild form of the disorder, scoliosis may sometimes cause complications, including: Breathing problems. In severe scoliosis, the rib cage may press against the lungs, making it more difficult to breathe. Back problems.
How do you treat scoliosis without surgery?
"The appropriate treatment depends on the magnitude of the curve, the location of the curve in the spine and the child's developmental stage of maturity in their bones." Nonsurgical treatments for scoliosis include observation, physical therapy, the Schroth method, bracing and Mehta casting.
Causes
In the most common case of scoliosis, doctors do not know what causes it but the disorder is sometimes hereditary.
Diagnosis
This is done by the physical exam and by imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI.
Risk factors
Below are the following risk factors for developing the most common type of scoliosis:
Scoliosis Treatment
Mild Scoliosis – For those who have mild scoliosis, the goal is to manage any symptoms, resolve and pain and allow your joints to function to their best ability. Chiropractic care is a perfect fit.
What is considered a mild scoliosis curve?
Mild Scoliosis in Children. A curve size of less than 20 degrees is considered a mild scoliosis in a child. The typical medical approach to treating a mild scoliosis is to be under doctor supervision until the curves progresses further. The chart below shows why the younger the child is when the scoliosis is first diagnosed, ...
How many cases of scoliosis go on to require surgical treatment?
Without effective bracing and a scoliosis exercise program, nearly 95% of juvenile cases go on to require surgical treatment. In infantile cases (birth to 3 years) scoliosis under 20 degrees many spontaneously resolve.
What is a curved spine in a child?
Scoliosis in children, also referred to as Pediatric Scoliosis or Juvenile Scoliosis , is a condition in which a child’s spine is curved sideways. The Scoliosis Research Society defines pediatric scoliosis as a curved spine in a child measuring 10 degrees or greater. Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis is a spinal curvature that is first diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 10. The word “Idiopathic” is a medical term, which means the exact cause is unknown.
How long does it take for scoliosis to get worse?
The physician will first wait up to 6 months to determine if the curvature is progressing—or getting worse. While a small percentage of children will have a curvature of the spine that is stable and unchanging, the large majority of children with a curve size above 20 degrees will have a curve that rapidly gets worse.
What causes the spine to twist?
Scoliosis causes the bones of the spine to twist or rotate. Instead of a straight line down the middle of the back, the spine looks more like the letter “C” or “S.” Scoliosis curves can occur only in the upper and middle back (thoracic scoliosis ). They can also develop only in the lower back (lumbar scoliosis ). Many times the curvature will occur in both the upper and lower parts of the spine known as a double major scoliosis . Scoliosis that involves both the middle and lower back can also be called thoracolumbar scoliosis in children.
What percentage of scoliosis is idiopathic?
Causes of Scoliosis in Children. Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis comprises about 10% to 15% of all idiopathic scoliosis in children. At the younger end of the age range, boys are affected slightly more than girls and the curve is often angled to the left. This shape of scoliosis is referred to as “levoscoliosis”.
How often should a child go to a scoliosis doctor?
However, because of the very real risk of rapid progression, it is vital to keep a close eye on the child! This means taking the child to a scoliosis professional every 3 months to be evaluated for progression. The chart above shows the extremely high rate of growth in young children.
How to treat mild scoliosis?
Mild scoliosis is often managed simply with exercise, medical observation, scoliosis-specific physical therapy, and chiropractic treatment from a chiropractic scoliosis specialist. For some people with scoliosis, yoga or pilates is also recommended to decrease their pain level and increase flexibility.
What is the best treatment for scoliosis?
It’s important to always get the opinion of your orthopedist or physical therapist before beginning a scoliosis treatment regimen, even one that involves simple exercises.
How to reduce scoliosis pain?
Takeaway. Exercise is being recommended more and more as a treatment for mild to moderate scoliosis. By being proactive and performing these exercises, you may be able to slow the curvature of your spine and decrease the pain you feel as a result of your scoliosis.
What is the curve of the spine called?
Scoliosis is characterized by an S- or C-shaped curve in the spine. It’s generally seen in childhood, but it can also come about in adulthood. Scoliosis in adults can occur due to a variety of reasons, including genetics, uneven pelvic position, past spinal or joint surgeries, knee or foot distortions, or even head injuries.
Why is it so hard to move in one direction with scoliosis?
People with scoliosis have a difficult time moving in one direction due to the curvature of their spine.
Can scoliosis be treated with exercise?
Moderate. Moderate scoliosis may be treated with exercise, but wearing a medically prescribed brace is sometimes recommended as well. Moderate scoliosis may develop into severe scoliosis, defined as a spine curvature between 40 and 45 degrees.
Can scoliosis be corrected?
Some curves are more severe than others. In moderate to severe cases, scoliosis may be corrected through bracing and/or surgery. If you suspect scoliosis, you should consult your doctor about an appropriate treatment plan. We spoke to Rocky Snyder, a personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist based in Santa Cruz, California, ...
What is the best treatment for scoliosis?
Non-invasive scoliosis treatment options for holistic management include acupuncture, massage therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. Treatment is most effective for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, but can be indicated for my type.
What is scoliosis care?
ScoliCare is a top notch approach to scoliosis care that focuses on reducing the spine curvature via intentional over-correction. With 3D imaging technology, you can work with your chiropractic to understand how to start improving your spine alignment and maintain better posture with daily activities.
What are the health issues associated with scoliosis?
Common health issues with aging that can be exacerbated with scoliosis include the following: Loss of connective tissue elasticity, leading to general stiffness with daily movement and a higher risk of injury. Wear and tear of the body’s joints, leading to arthritis and symptoms like pain and stiffness. Loss of water retention, leading ...
What happens when your spine is fused?
When the spine is fused by a rod, like it is with scoliosis, it can lead to a gradual loss of normal spine curvature, otherwise known as a flat back. This can lead to changes in normal biomechanics for the entire body, making use of the core, arms, and legs feel more difficult than before. Additionally, it can lead to many ...
What is the term for the narrowing of the spine canal?
Stenosis. Narrowing of spine canal or the openings that the nerve roots exit from is known as stenosis. This can happen anywhere in the spine, but is most common in the lumbar spine (lower back) and can be worsened by a scoliotic curve (also known as degenerative scoliosis).
How does age affect scoliosis?
How Aging Affects Scoliosis. As we reach adulthood and age each decade, changes in our general health and in the health of our connective tissue can have a direct effect on the spine, particularly when scoliosis and spine misalignment is an underlying issue. How much later in life complications will develop ultimately depends on the severity ...
What happens if you have scoliosis?
If severe scoliosis develops (as determined by the measured cobb angle)- which is significantly more likely without proper treatment, management, and screenings- an individual is more likely to to experience symptoms of chronic pain, stiffness, and loss of normal everyday function.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Clinical Trials
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Specialist to consult
Coping and Support
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Scoliosis treatments vary, depending on the severity of the curve. Children who have very mild curves usually don't need any treatment at all, although they may need regular checkups to see if the curve is worsening as they grow. Bracing or surgery may be needed if the spinal curve is moderate or severe. Factors to be considered include: 1. Maturity.If a child's bones have stoppe…
Scoliosis Signs and Symptoms May Include
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Causes
- There are no specific activities that are known to cause or correct scoliosis. In general, people with scoliosis have no restrictions regarding lifting or activities. General exercise or participating in sports may have the benefit of improving overall health and well-being.
Risk Factors
- Coping with scoliosis can be difficult for a young person in an already complicated stage of life. Teens are bombarded with physical changes and emotional and social challenges. With the added diagnosis of scoliosis, adolescents may feel anger, insecurity and fear. A strong, supportive peer group can have a significant impact on a child's or teen's acceptance of scoliosis, bracing or sur…
Scoliosis Treatment
- Your child's doctor may check for scoliosis at a routine well-child visit. Many schools also have screening programs for scoliosis. Physical examinations prior to sports participation often detect scoliosis. If you are informed that your child might have scoliosis, see your doctor to confirm the condition.