What is scoliosis and what causes it?
The scoliosis is the transverse curvature of the spine in the shape of S or C. There are different levels of deviation that determine the degree of severity of the malformation and on which the treatment applied by the doctor depends. team of spine doctors depending on the pathology.
The causes that produce it are still unknown, however, some can be established. risk factors such as age (most typically develops in the juvenile stage) and types of posture that a person frequently uses (for example when sitting at work).
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
The first step to make a scoliosis diagnosis, is for the affected patient to approach a specialist trauma doctor. This will ask a series of generic questions to establish the medical history and determine the factors that influence the patient's discomfort such as age, activities, previous illnesses, etc.
Once you have spoken with the patient, you will proceed to make a physical examination to see if there are visible symptoms, such as one shoulder higher than the other or an unevenness in the hip. The diagnosis established by the traumatologist can confirmed through a diagnostic imaging test: In this case, an x-ray of the back is usually done to visualize the bony curvature of the spine.
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We review your MRIs, reports, and tests to give you a clear diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
Request a second medical opinionIf there is any suspicion that the scoliosis may be caused by an adjacent disease such as a tumor, the doctor may recommend additional tests and a MRI to rule out possibilities. Once the degree of scoliosis is diagnosed, the trauma doctor proceeds to develop a rehabilitation treatment for the patient.
How can scoliosis be corrected?
Before talking about the treatments, it is necessary to explain the types of scoliosis and other factors that patients may present that influence the determination of treatment.
A experienced trauma clinic will take into account the following patterns:
- Possibility of evolution: There are cases in which it is common for the curvature of the spine to intensify, this depends on the location, for example in the T1-T12 vertebrae it is more common to see a growth of the disease compared to the lumbar area, where a little more.
- Disease severity: Most people almost always have some type of mild scoliosis, however, if a person has severe signs of spinal curvature, it is possible that these will worsen over time and profoundly affect the patient's quality of life.
Likewise the doctor spine specialist traumatologist who treats the case of scoliosis, will determine with his diagnosis if that curvature has reached maturity or if there is a possibility of it continuing to grow. This factor also influences the measures that will be taken to stop or correct it. Once all this information that affects the patient has been established, any of the following treatments can be applied:
Orthopedic corset for the back
This treatment It is used to stop scoliosis in growing children. It consists of a spinal immobilization device that stops the progression of the disease but does not cure or correct it.
It is generally made of plastic and adapts to the shape of the body and can be worn under clothing. Although it is very uncomfortable for sports and in hot weather, it is essential that they be used for as long as possible so that they fulfill their function. Once bone growth stops, the corset is no longer used, since its function is only to stop the increase in curvature that occurs with bone growth.
Spinal fusion surgery to cure scoliosis
When none of the more conservative treatments work and the patient presents a curve of more than 50 degrees of deviation of the spine The malformation is resolved through surgical intervention. The spinal fusion surgery stops growth and significantly correct the curvature of the spine.
What is spinal fusion surgery?
The procedure consists of join two or more bones of the spinal column by means of bone grafts. These grafts can be artificial or natural grafts extracted from other parts of the patient's body, such as the pelvis. Additionally, the spine surgeon will use screws or tensioners to maintain this fusion until the bone tissue heals and welds naturally.
This surgery is performed under general anesthesia and requires at least 2 days of hospitalization. Rehabilitation is slow and medications will be needed to control the pain.
It is necessary to arm yourself with patience and follow the traumatologist's instructions to the letter to ensure complete improvement which will occur no earlier than several months after the surgical intervention performed.
Alternative Treatment Options to Cure or Stop Scoliosis
When very mild cases of scoliosis occur that do not justify invasive treatments, lifestyle changes and exercises are usually recommended that can help improve it.
The orthopedic doctor may recommend practicing more sports, making changes to your diet, or performing physiotherapy exercises specialized in scoliosis, to try to improve the patient's life without having to resort to surgery.
Scoliosis treatment in Madrid
Our team of spine specialist traumatologists in Madrid, led by Professor and Doctor Elgeadi has extensive experience in scoliosis treatments and our surgeons have worldwide prestige. We use minimally invasive techniques such as spinal endoscopy and are supported by alternative therapies to guarantee the patient the most effective treatment and recovery possible.
26 thoughts on “La escoliosis: síntomas, causas, diagnóstico y tratamiento”
Good day. I write from Peru. I would please like more information on treatments for mild scoliosis. My 10 year old girl has an 18 degree curvature from T9 to L4
Risser 0. I haven't menstruated yet. They gave me a Boston corset.
Thank you very much for your help
Good morning, Kitty.
Thanks for your comment. We regret your daughter's situation, so we recommend that you go to a spine specialist who can study her pathology in depth and determine the most appropriate treatment for her. You can contact our spinal traumatologists in the link provided.
Greetings and much encouragement.
I have lumbar scaliosis but the orthopedist did not tell me what degree, only that he will use a brace.
Good morning Loyda,
Thanks for commenting on our blog. After the specialist's recommendation for the use of a lumbar belt, in this article you can read more information about the advice for the use of lumbar belts: https://columna.com/tipos-aplicacion-fajas-para-espalda/
For any trauma consultation, the Elgeadi Clinic team, a spine specialist, will be happy to help you.
All the best.
Hello good morning. Can a person with scoliosis (one 14 and one 9) play basketball?
Hello Laura, the important thing is to analyze the children in person to rule out any hidden ailments.
A hug.
Good morning, my daughter is 11 years old and has 81° scoliosis, how can I contact the specialists please?
Hello Riceli,
You can contact us by phone at +34 910 053 900 or by email at clinicaelgeadi@clinicaelgeadi.com
We look forward to your contact. Greetings
I am 23 years old. It seems to me that my scoliosis is already making it difficult for me to breathe little by little. If that were the case, what possibilities do I have of improving or not dying?
Hello Ivan,
We should analyze whether these symptoms are connected to your scoliosis and prescribe rehabilitation treatment to improve your quality of life.
It is essential in these cases to do a physical examination and imaging tests of the patient to find the best treatment.
Greetings
Good evening, scoliosis can be corrected and aligned in its natural form, without surgery. And likewise a fiscal hernia.
Hello Victor,
Exercises and treatments can be performed to stop its progression and improve the patient's quality of life. In general, conservative treatments are used since surgery is only performed if there is a very large deviation.
Greetings
Good afternoon. A consultation with my 67-year-old mother who was just diagnosed with lumbar scoliosis. He has been prescribed collagen. My question is, is scoliosis a disease? And if collagen is going to cure it. Thanks for the reply. »She is a diabetic patient and has arthritis»
Hello Eloisa,
Collagen is a treatment to improve cartilage, although we do not know exactly your mother's diagnosis and what type of rehabilitation has been recommended, so we lack information to give you an accurate answer.
Scoliosis is a deformity of the curvature of the spine and can be treated with physical therapy in mild cases to surgery in more severe cases.
Greetings
Hi, I have a 24-year-old son with severe scoliosis. His legs hurt, especially the right one, which has shrunk. He doesn't walk. He is in a wheelchair. What can I give him for his pain and what exercise can I do on his legs? We are from Chile. thank you
Hello marisol,
We need to complete your child's clinical information to give you a response.
You can make an appointment at +34 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
I have a 25-year-old daughter, but she is becoming crooked, meaning that her shoulder is higher and her hip is protruding, and she has already started to have pain in her right leg, calf and ankle.
Hello Yadira. We are very sorry to hear that your daughter is experiencing these symptoms. It is important that your daughter is evaluated by a trauma specialist to obtain a proper diagnosis and determine the necessary treatment. We recommend that you come for a consultation to assess her situation and find the best solution for her well-being. If you wish, we can help you schedule an appointment with our specialists. Do not hesitate to call us at (+34) 91 005 39 00.
Good morning.
My son has scoliosis. I wanted to know how the diagnosis is made if we are in Peru. Do you have any offices here in our country? Please, I need information. Thank you for your attention.
Hello Liliana,
Unfortunately, we do not have offices in Peru, but we can evaluate the available tests to provide you with an accurate diagnosis. You can request an appointment by writing to info@clinicaelgeadi.com.
We remain at your disposal for any questions.
Greetings.
Hello, my 12-year-old son has scoliosis. One shoulder is noticeably lower than the other. He already had an x-ray, but they requested another cervical dorsal and lumbar AP and lateral x-ray. However, so far he doesn't seem to have any pain in his arms or legs.
Hello,
Thank you for your comment. In cases of scoliosis in children, it's essential to have an accurate diagnosis through comprehensive tests, such as those you've already requested. Even if the child isn't experiencing pain right now, early follow-up is key to avoiding potential developmental complications. To properly assess the case and offer personalized treatment, one of our specialists should review the tests and perform a complete evaluation.
You can schedule an appointment at our clinic so our team can guide you and define the best approach by calling (+34) 91 005 39 00.
Greetings.
Greetings:
I have scoliosis, and physical therapy isn't helping. The pain is constant, especially in the afternoons when I almost walk sideways. Which doctor should I see, and should I get an MRI?
Thank you.
Hello Doris,
Thank you for your message. To obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it is important that you be evaluated by a spinal trauma specialist. They will be able to advise you on the need for an MRI or other complementary studies.
If you wish, you can call our center and our team will be happy to help you schedule an appointment.
Greetings.
Hello, I have a CONCLUSION:
Mild dorsal spondylosis and mid-dorsal dehydrating discopathy, without spinal stenosis or alterations of the
spinal cord. Vertebral angioma at T6 (≈14 mm) without complications. Mild thoracic scoliosis. And my whole body hurts, what can I do? I'm desperate, thank you.
Thank you for writing to us, Yolanda. Based on these findings, generalized pain is usually related more to muscle strain and increased sensitivity than to a serious injury; uncomplicated vertebral angiomas typically don't cause symptoms. The most helpful approach is usually a progressive therapeutic exercise plan, physical therapy, and a medical check-up to rule out other causes (vitamin D deficiency, thyroid issues, inflammation). If weakness, intense tingling, or loss of bowel and bladder control develops, seek emergency medical attention.