Scoliosis refers to the three-dimensional structural problem of the spine deviating from the body axis in coronal, sagittal, and axial planes, resulting in a "C" - or "S" - shaped curvature of the spine in appearance. A normal person's spine should be a straight line and symmetrical on both sides of the trunk when viewed from the back, while patients with scoliosis may experience symptoms such as uneven shoulder height, uneven left and right back, and chest rotation deformity, which may seriously affect cardiovascular function and appearance.

pathogeny

There are various causes of scoliosis, which can be broadly classified as congenital and acquired. Congenital scoliosis refers to abnormal spinal development that occurs during the fetal stage before death, which may be related to the effects of drugs, viruses, physical and chemical factors. Acquired scoliosis is more common in adolescence, especially after the age of 10. The incidence rate of girls is higher than that of boys, and the pathogenesis may be related to abnormal development, neuromuscular imbalance, endocrine disorder or impaired balance regulation function.

clinical manifestation

The main clinical manifestations of scoliosis include asymmetric posture when standing, unequal shoulder height, asymmetric back when bending, and rotational deformity of the chest. Severe cases may experience symptoms such as upper body tilt, trunk shortening, and even affect cardiovascular function and appearance.

Latest treatment methods

The treatment plan for scoliosis needs to be comprehensively considered based on multiple factors such as the patient's age, degree of scoliosis, type of scoliosis, and growth and development status. There is no one size fits all optimal treatment method in clinical practice, but rather an emphasis on individualized and comprehensive treatment strategies.

Non surgical treatment:

Observation and follow-up: For patients with small scoliosis angles and no significant progression, regular observation and follow-up can be adopted to monitor changes in scoliosis angles.

Posture correction: Adjust daily sitting, standing, and walking posture to maintain correct body posture and avoid prolonged poor posture.

Sports correction: By strengthening muscle exercises such as swimming, horizontal bars, and plank support, the strength of muscles on both sides of the spine can be enhanced to help correct scoliosis. This method is effective for idiopathic scoliosis.

Brace therapy: suitable for patients who are young and have a certain degree of curvature. Braces need to be customized according to the patient's body shape and worn for a certain amount of time every day. They should be replaced with suitable braces as they age.

Physical therapy: including gymnastics therapy, spinal traction, etc., aimed at improving the biomechanical environment of the spine.

Electrical stimulation therapy: By electrically stimulating muscles, it improves muscle strength and balance, thereby helping to correct scoliosis.

Surgical treatment:

For patients with severe scoliosis, affecting their quality of life, and ineffective non-surgical treatment, surgery may be a necessary choice. The purpose of the surgery is to restore the normal shape of the spine, prevent further worsening of scoliosis, and improve the appearance and function of the patient as much as possible. Surgical methods include posterior spinal fusion and anterior surgery, and the specific choice depends on the patient's specific condition.

matters needing attention

During the treatment process, patients need to undergo regular check ups to monitor changes in lateral bending angle and treatment effectiveness. Meanwhile, maintaining good posture and habits is crucial for preventing and treating scoliosis. Parents should closely monitor their children's physical changes and seek medical attention promptly if any abnormalities are detected.