Scoliosis progresses 8 times more in girls than in boys

Dr. Manisha Moorjani, 5 years ago

Senior Spine Specialist, Qi Spine Clinic, Delhi explains how to deal with scoliosis in young children and teens Scoliosis, a spinal deformity that affects four in 1,000 adolescents, can alter the shape of your teen’s back, rib cage, shoulders, and hips and can lead to back pain and poor self-image. In short, scoliosis not only has physical effects but serious mental and emotional repercussions on patients as well as their family members. National Scoliosis Awareness month is observed every year in June. On this occasion, it is important to understand the effects of this potentially crippling condition and the need for education and early detection. The spine or backbone comprises several individual bones called vertebrae that link together to protect and support the spinal cord. The spine has 3 curves which give it an S-shaped curve and this helps us maintain proper balance and improves mobility and flexibility. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine bends abnormally.

HOW SCOLIOSIS AFFECTS THE SPINE?

In Scoliosis, the spine bends to the side abnormally; either to the right or left. This spinal deformity puts pressure on the nerves surrounding the spine or even on the spinal cord itself. When this happens, the person experiences weakness, numbness, and pain in their lower extremities. As the condition progresses, the curvature becomes more pronounced and in severe cases the pressure on the spinal cord may make it difficult for a person to walk normally

HOW SCOLIOSIS AFFECTS THE CHEST

In some cases, scoliosis can cause the chest to twist as the ribs on one side of the body stick out further when bending over. In cases where there are chest deformities due to scoliosis, the heart and lungs can also be affected. This leads to more severe secondary health issues such as breathing problems and even heart failure. Fortunately these symptoms are relatively rare.

WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION OF SCOLIOSIS?

Scoliosis keeps progressing in time and as it advances, the individual’s symptoms get worse and they can even develop new symptoms. A scoliotic individual can remain active and continue to participate in their favourite activities and sports, although they may require to wear a brace. These activities will help to keep their core strong which in turn is good for their back. Scoliosis In Children While scoliosis may develop in infancy or early childhood, the most common age for it to occur is early puberty. Most cases of scoliosis are first detected between the ages of 9 and 13. Since the condition is related to growth, it tends to progress faster during this time of rapid growth. Scoliosis In Adolescents Of the approximately 2-2.5% of adolescents with scoliosis, the curve will worsen in about 10%. Though it is unclear why, scoliosis occurs equally across both genders but it progresses 8 times more in girls as compared to boys. This is why specialists recommend that all adolescents, especially girls, should be screened frequently during this time.

WHAT CAUSES SCOLIOSIS?

Unknown causes – in about 80% of cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown.

• Neuromuscular conditions- these are conditions that affect the nerves and muscles. About 20% of scoliosis cases are caused by neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. In such cases, the child may not be able to walk or stay upright which further interferes with their spinal growth.
• Present at birth- this is rare and occurs because the bones in the spine grow abnormally while the child is still developing in the womb.
• Leg length- if one leg is longer than the other, the individual may develop scoliosis.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SCOLIOSIS?

One of the first symptoms of scoliosis is a change in the appearance of the back. This may include:

• One shoulder or hip is higher than the other
• One shoulder blade is higher than the other
• The ribs on one side angle more than the other
• One arm hangs down lower than the other
• An asymmetrical waist

HOW DOES SCOLIOSIS IMPACT EMOTIONAL HEALTH?

People with scoliosis are often very self-conscious about their appearance, this is especially true of children and adolescents. Their physical deformities and disability generally causes self-confidence problems as well as anxiety and depression. A recent study found that adolescents with progressive scoliosis report lower self-image, poor body image, and worse quality of life than children without scoliosis. What Emotional Problems Do Scoliotic Children Face? When children are first diagnosed with scoliosis, they are likely to experience severe stress, anxiety, fear, and withdrawal. Scoliosis can put adolescents at risk for alcohol or drug use, suicidal thoughts, and other issues. Studies show that teens who receive scoliosis treatment after they turn 16 have more emotional problems than those treated at a younger age. Children with scoliosis are often required to wear a brace which makes them feel different from the rest of their friends. They might try to wear clothes that hide their braces or they may try to avoid social activities. They might also have to face ridicule and teasing from their peers. How To Tackle Scoliosis Effectively An early consultation with a spine specialist will ensure a prompt diagnosis. This will improve the patient’s prognosis as well as help to prevent the progression of the condition. Surgery is a common treatment option for people suffering from Scoliosis, but there are several other non-invasive treatments for scoliosis. Children with mild scoliosis will only require regular check-ups every 4-6 months to ensure that the curvature has not increased. In such cases, surgery is not necessary although treatment with a brace may be recommended. Spine specialists generally recommend looking into other forms of corrective measures before going under the knife.

CAN EXERCISE HELP PATIENTS WITH SCOLIOSIS?

The usage of wall bar exercises, Swiss ball exercises, foam roller stretches, and yoga poses can help to maintain the patient’s interest in regular exercise. These exercises help to slow down the progression of the curve as well as improve overall flexibility and mobility. Advice for parents With Children With Scoliosis Most parents find it tough to accept that their child has a medical problem and this makes them nervous and apprehensive when talking to a spine specialist. A common behavioural pattern in parents is that they become obsessive and over indulge themselves in a rehabilitation program. On the other hand, the child becomes an attention seeker and can even become rebellious. Parental education and involvement of parents in rehabilitation program (by teaching them exercises, techniques and corrective positioning to be replicated at home) can help them become more accepting and in general at ease with themselves. Parents should understand the progress of the disease as well as the physical and emotional changes that their child is likely to undergo. Being in contact with other patients facing the same issues can really help. Talking about the challenges of clothing, sports, and dating can help patients accept their condition and cope with the problems they face. Talking with others can also help them feel less isolated and make them realize that they can go on to lead full and productive lives. Clinic Locations: Currently we have 19 clinics across India in Mumbai, Delhi & Pune Contact Us: +91 8655885566/ +91 7827907070 To learn more, please visit qispineclinic.com