Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) is the curvature of the spine in the thoracic or lumbar region, and it would not be wrong to say that this disease has serious dimensions. In a healthy spine, the vertebrae go straight down from top to bottom, while those who are in trouble with this condition have curvature in their spine. This disease is called scoliosis in the medical world.

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine, which is the most common of the spinal deformities and causes extremely serious posture disorders in the later stages. This deformity may be caused by structural defects in the spine or may develop due to non-spinal causes. Non-structural scoliosis usually resolves partially over time or becomes unrecognizable when the original cause of the scoliosis disappears. Structural scoliosis is often idiopathic, but neuromuscular diseases, connective tissue disorders, infectious or neoplastic conditions, neurofibromatosis, degenerative and rheumatic diseases, metabolic disorders and various traumatic effects can also cause structural curvature of the spine.

What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?

Scoliosis starts very insidiously and may progress without any symptoms for a long period of time. There is usually no pain and the majority of cases are detected incidentally on radiographs taken for other reasons. However, in people with loss of flexibility in the hamstring muscles, decreased bending capacity of the spine, and weakness in the abdominal and back muscles, severe low back pain may occur as a result of certain physical activities. In addition, considering the relationship between the spine and the rib cage, people with severe curvature complain of superficial breathing and frequent respiratory tract infections due to decreased chest compliance. It should be known that progressive and untreated cases increase depressive mood and susceptibility to various mental illnesses and that spinal curvatures over 90° are associated with sudden death syndrome.

How is Scoliosis Treated?

The first step in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis is early diagnosis. With early diagnosis, it is aimed to prevent the progression of the curvature, especially during adolescence, to reverse the spine at an optimal angle if possible, and thus to improve both aesthetics and posture. The aim of advanced scoliosis treatments is primarily to alleviate the complaint of pain in the spine, to improve the accompanying physical problems and to correct the deterioration in respiratory function.