Scoliosis

Some types of scoliosis have no known cause and are referred to as idiopathic scoliosis. One of the most common types of scoliosis occurs in adolescents and has no known cause. It is referred to as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis can be caused from everything from genetics to neuromuscular conditions and even injuries or bad posture.

Causes of scoliosis can include:

• Spina Bifida
• Cerebral Palsy
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Uneven length of legs
• Neurofibromatosis
• Marfan’s Syndrome
• Osteoporosis
• Injury
• Bad posture
• Connective tissue disorder
• Genetics
• Congenital Scoliosis

Depending on the severity and location of the scoliosis along with the age of the patient, symptoms can vary greatly. Common symptoms are back pain, the head being off center, uneven legs, uneven shoulder blades, asymmetrical rib cage, clothes not hanging on the body properly, or leaning to one side when standing and walking.

More serious symptoms can occur if scoliosis goes untreated. Though rare, these symptoms are decreased ability to exercise, respiratory deficiencies, and chronic debilitating pain. Lung and heart function can also become impaired if the patient has long-standing untreated scoliosis.

In cases of pediatric scoliosis, babies born with the condition usually show signs by having a bulge in their chest. They will also often looked curved when laying on their side. In more extreme cases of infant scoliosis, there is the possibility of the heart and lungs not functioning properly causing respiratory problems and chest pains.