Scoliosis
Medical condition of the spine / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Scoliosis?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Scoliosis (pl.: scolioses) is a condition in which a person's spine has an abnormal curve.[2] The curve is usually S- or C-shaped over three dimensions.[2][7] In some, the degree of curve is stable, while in others, it increases over time.[3] Mild scoliosis does not typically cause problems, but more severe cases can affect breathing and movement.[3][8] Pain is usually present in adults, and can worsen with age.[9] As the condition progresses, it may alter a person's life, and hence can also be considered a disability.[10]
Scoliosis | |
---|---|
Pronunciation | |
Specialty | Orthopedic surgery |
Symptoms | Sideways curve in the back[2] |
Usual onset | 10–20 years old[2] |
Causes | Usually unknown[3] |
Risk factors | Family history, cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, tumors such as neurofibromatosis[2] |
Diagnostic method | X-ray[2] |
Treatment | Watchful waiting, bracing, exercises, surgery[2][4] |
Frequency | 3%[5][6] |
The cause of most cases is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.[3] Risk factors include other affected family members.[2] It can also occur due to another condition such as muscle spasms, cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, and tumors such as neurofibromatosis.[2] Diagnosis is confirmed with X-rays.[2] Scoliosis is typically classified as either structural in which the curve is fixed, or functional in which the underlying spine is normal.[2] Left-right asymmetries, of the vertebrae and their musculature, especially in the thoracic region,[11] may cause mechanical instability of the spinal column.
Treatment depends on the degree of curve, location, and cause.[2] The age of the patient is also important, since some treatments are ineffective in adults, who are no longer growing. Minor curves may simply be watched periodically.[2] Treatments may include bracing, specific exercises, posture checking, and surgery.[2][4] The brace must be fitted to the person and used daily until growing stops.[2] Specific exercises, such as exercises that focus on the core, may be used to try to decrease the risk of worsening.[4] They may be done alone or along with other treatments such as bracing.[12][13] Evidence that chiropractic manipulation, dietary supplements, or exercises can prevent the condition from worsening is weak.[2][14] However, exercise is still recommended due to its other health benefits.[2]
Scoliosis occurs in about 3% of people.[5] It most commonly develops between the ages of ten and twenty.[2] Females typically are more severely affected than males with a ratio of 4:1.[2][3] The term is from Ancient Greek σκολίωσις (skolíōsis), which means "a bending".[15]