How does curvature of the spine affect the body?
Scoliosis can lead to osteoarthritis and degenerative changes in the spine, hips and knees. If a case is severe enough, internal organs may also be compromised or severely damaged.
Is curvature of the spine serious?
Scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side.
It can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10 to 15. Scoliosis can improve with treatment, but it is not usually a sign of anything serious and treatment is not always needed if it’s mild.
Can curvature of the spine cause nerve damage?
When scoliosis develops, the spinal curvature introduces adverse spinal tension, which can cause compression of the spine and its surrounding muscles, vessels, and nerves. Scoliosis, like any condition affecting the central nervous system, has the potential to cause tingling, numbness, and neuropathy.
What disease is associated with the abnormal curvature of the spine?
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often is diagnosed in adolescents. While scoliosis can occur in people with conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most childhood scoliosis is unknown. Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some curves worsen as children grow.
What organs are affected by scoliosis?
Scoliosis affects the entire skeletal system including the spine, ribs, and pelvis. It impacts upon the brain and central nervous system and affects the body’s hormonal and digestive systems. It can deplete the body’s nutritional resources and damage its major organs including the heart and lungs.
How do you fix spinal curvature?
Surgery to correct severe spine curvature and congenital kyphosis. Exercises and physical therapy to increase muscle strength.
Treatment for lordosis may include:
- Medication to relieve pain and swelling.
- Exercise and physical therapy to increase muscle strength and flexibility.
- Wearing a back brace.
- Weight loss.
What should I avoid if I have scoliosis?
People with scoliosis should avoid: Keeping the neck bent forward, so the head faces down, such as when using a smartphone. Playing football and other high-contact sports are dangerous for people with scoliosis. Ballet and gymnastics may also injure the thoracic spine.
Can a curved spine be corrected?
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. Some curves are more severe than others. In moderate to severe cases, scoliosis may be corrected through bracing and/or surgery.
Does curvature of the spine cause pain?
The curvature of the spine can stretch or irritate nerves. It can also strain joints, causing them to become inflamed. Scoliosis also affects your posture, which leads to muscles tightening or becoming tired, causing pain.
What does scoliosis back pain feel like?
Jayme F: “It feels like a stiffness and tightness in my lower back.” While more common in adults, stiffness and tightness of the lower back can be a common scoliosis-related symptom. As the body tries to adjust to the abnormal spinal curvature, muscles and ligaments can become stretched and strained from overuse.
Can a curved spine cause back pain?
Over time, as the curvature increases, adults can experience back pain. This can be for several reasons. For example, the shift in the spine causes undue pressure on the lower discs. Scoliosis can also cause the spine to rest on surrounding nerves, causing inflammation and intense back pain.