Scoliosis

Spinal deformitiy caused by vertebrae that is not properly fomed is known as "Congenital Scoliosis." Curvature scoliosis is a curvature of the spine caused by congenital anomaly in the spine itself. This condition occurs in the first six weeks of embryonic formation - often before the mother even knows she is expecting.
 * [|Congenital Scoliosis]**

**What causes Congenital Scoliosis?** The cause for this condition is unknown. Congenital Scoliosis does not run in the family, although this type of scoliosis is discovered during the infant-toddler period, some curvatures may not be diagnosed until adolescent years. Causes of curves are classified as either structural or nonstructural.

__**Nonstructural Scoliosis**__- A structurally normal spine that appears curved. This is a temporary, changing curve. Differences in leg length, muscle spasms, or inflammatory conditions such as appendicitis are known to be underlying conditions of nonstructural scoliosis.

__**Structural Scoliosis **__ -A syndrome or disease, such as Marfan syndrome, an inherited connective tissue disorder. In other cases, it occurs by itself. Structural scoliosis can be caused by neuromuscular diseases, birth defects, injury, certain infections, tumefaction, metabolic diseases, connective tissue disorders, rheumatic diseases, or unknown factors. Curve Measurement– The doctor measures the curve on the x-ray image. He or she finds the vertebrae at the beginning and end of the curve and measures the angle of the curve. Curves that are 20 degress or greater require treatment.
 * __[|How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?]__**
 * Doctors consult patients and analyze if there has been previous birth abnormalities, trauma, or other disorders that can be associated with scoliosis.
 * Physical Examination- The doctor also examines the back muscles while the patient is bending forward to see if one side of the rib cage is higher than the other. If there is a significant asymmetry (difference between opposite sides of the body), the doctor will refer the patient to a spine specialist.
 * X-Ray Examination- The x ray should be done with the patient standing with his or her back to the machine.

**How can Scoliosis be Treated? **
 * Observation– Doctors follow patients not on treatment and re-examine them every 4 to 6 months when the patient is still growing (is skeletally immature) and has an idiopathic curve of less than 25 degrees.

Doctors advise patients to wear a brace to stop a curve from getting any worse when the patient:
 * is still growing and has an idiopathic curve that is more than 25 to 30 degrees
 * has at least 2 years of growth remaining, has an idiopathic curve that is between 20 and 29 degrees, and, if a girl, has not had her first estrus cycle.
 * is still growing and has an idiopathic curve between 20 and 29 degrees that is getting worse.

As a child nears the end of growth, the indications for bracing will depend on how the curve affects the child's appearance, whether the curve is getting worse, and the size of the curve. Scoliosis can also be diagnosed through chiropractic manipulation, nutritional supplement, exercise, electric stimulation, and nutritional supplementation.