Scoliosis usually does not begin with subjectively noticeable symptoms. Instead, the curvature of the spine is often the first thing noticed, and it increases greatly during puberty. A forward and backward curvature of the spine is normal, at least within certain limits. However, if it is bent sideways and twisted at the same time, this is always pathological and is called scoliosis (in Greek, “scolios” means crooked). What is behind a scoliosis, you can learn here.
Scoliosis: pain caused by curvature of the spine.
Most often, scoliosis manifests itself due to the growth processes at the onset of puberty, but congenital and later courses of scoliosis also occur. Girls are affected four times more often and often more severely than boys. Exact statements on how often scoliosis occurs are difficult, as the criteria for when one speaks of scoliosis vary.
It is estimated that just under half a million people in Germany suffer from scoliosis. It is important to detect scoliosis in children as early as possible – the earlier therapy for scoliosis begins, the better the long-term consequences of this chronic condition can be counteracted.
Scoliosis: forms
In principle, a distinction is made between scoliosis and scoliotic deformity. These curvatures may look the same at first glance. The difference, however, is that in the case of scoliosis, the lateral bending and twisting cannot be compensated for on examination – neither by active efforts on the part of the affected person, nor by force from outside.
Scoliotic malalignment, on the other hand, is a compensation mechanism for unequal leg length – the body attempts to compensate for this difference by tilting the pelvis, resulting in a lateral curvature of the spine. If the cause of the obliquity is corrected, for example, by shoe inserts, the curvature can be corrected in the case of a scoliotic malposition.
A special form is infantile scoliosis, a lateral curvature without simultaneous twisting. In most cases, this form of scoliosis resolves itself in the first months of life; sometimes supportive physiotherapy and positioning therapy is necessary.
Cause of scoliosis mostly unknown
In nine out of ten affected persons, no cause of scoliosis can be found – this is called idiopathic scoliosis. A distinction is made depending on the age at which the scoliosis first appears:
- Infantile idiopathic scoliosis (up to the age of three).
- Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (until the age of ten).
- Idiopathic adolescent scoliosis (from the age of ten until the completion of growth).
Rarer cause of scoliosis
The remaining 10 percent of cases are either congenital as a result of malpositioned vertebrae (congenital scoliosis) or caused by disorders of the nerves or muscles (neuromuscular scoliosis). Examples include:
- Scheuermann’s disease (a growth disorder in the vertebral bodies).
- Muscle atrophy or muscle paralysis as well as
- Disorders due to tumors or inflammation, after amputations or accidents (in this case, the scoliosis is caused by scar traction).
Scoliosis in children
Congenital scolioses are quite rare, but often have severe spinal deformities. Therefore, early scoliosis surgery is often necessary in them.
Studies have shown that children under the age of 12 who have undergone open thoracic surgery for cardiac defects are at increased risk of developing scoliosis. Therefore, orthopedic follow-up with annual checkups is important after such surgeries, especially during growth phases, to prevent possible scoliosis.
