Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine: instead of falling into normal alignment, the vertebrae make an S- or C-shaped curve. Over time, the curve may become more prominent and eventually cause health problems.
There are four types of scoliosis: idiopathic, neuromuscular, degenerative, and congenital scoliosis. While these types have different causes and affect different age groups, they progress relatively the same and require similar methods of treatment.
Let’s explore the different types of scoliosis and find out where to seek high-quality scoliosis treatment in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Idiopathic Scoliosis
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of spinal curvature that affects children of all ages. The term “idiopathic” means that the exact cause is unknown, but there may be hereditary factors at play.
Idiopathic scoliosis is classified based on the age group that it affects:
- Infantile idiopathic scoliosis (patients 0-3 years old)
- Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (patients 4-10 years old)
- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (patients older than 10 years old)
However, idiopathic scoliosis can also affect adults—thus the term “adult idiopathic scoliosis”— as a continuation of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis may have occurred during a person’s teenage years and gone unnoticed and didn’t fully progress until the person reached adulthood.
Treatment of idiopathic scoliosis depends on the severity of the condition. For mild cases in which the curve is less than 20 degrees, the doctor will do close monitoring through X-rays. Most of the time, treatment is unnecessary.
However, in moderate cases in which the curve is greater than 20 degrees but less than 45 degrees, a spine doctor may prescribe nonsurgical treatment options. They may recommend a custom brace or cast to keep the deformity from worsening. They may also refer the patient to a physical therapist who can craft an exercise plan designed to relieve pain, strengthen the muscles, and prevent complications.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
This type of scoliosis develops as a result of an underlying neuromuscular condition, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida. These conditions weaken the muscles surrounding the spine, thereby increasing a person’s risk of a spinal curvature.
Spine doctors typically recommend a brace or cast to prevent the condition from worsening. When the curve reaches 50 degrees, surgical intervention may be necessary. Beyond the 80 degrees mark, the patient might encounter breathing problems, as the spine starts to constrict the lungs and chest.
Degenerative Scoliosis
Unlike idiopathic scoliosis that tends to occur among younger people, degenerative scoliosis results from the wear and tear on the spinal discs and joints and is, therefore, more prevalent among older people. While the former often affects the mid-back region, degenerative scoliosis usually affects the lower back or lumbar section.
Degenerative scoliosis can produce debilitating symptoms, such as sciatica, stabbing leg pain, and leg numbness and/or weakness.
Treatment for degenerative scoliosis primarily consists of conservative methods, such as pain medications, physical therapy, and exercise. However, if the symptoms don’t subside with conservative treatments, a spine doctor may recommend surgery: spinal fusion. This procedure aims to realign and fuse the parts of the vertebrae that are causing the curvature and allow them to heal into one solid bone.
Congenital Scoliosis
Congenital scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that babies are born with. Children born with scoliosis should be screened for cardiac and lung problems, as they are particularly at risk of developing thoracic insufficiency syndrome—a condition in which the chest walls do not properly support normal lung development. Most cases of thoracic insufficiency syndrome are related to congenital scoliosis.
Congenital scoliosis may be diagnosed in early infancy, but most cases are identified later in childhood.
Unless the condition involves a severe curvature or is showing clear signs of worsening, a spine doctor typically adopts a wait-and-see approach. Otherwise, spinal fusion may also be required.
Scoliosis Treatment in Rochester Hills, MI
At Ahlgren Spine Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Bradley Ahlgren is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with more than 25 years of clinical experience. If you or your child is living with scoliosis, Dr. Ahlgren is the expert you need to evaluate the condition and craft the most appropriate scoliosis treatment plan.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahlgren, call (248) 215-8080 or fill out our online appointment request form. We have clinics in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Royal Oak, Michigan. We look forward to serving you!
