Scoliosis

Scoliosis is defined as the curvature of the spine more than 10 degrees to the right or left, which should normally lie in a straight line when viewed from the back. Scoliosis is not just a one-dimensional angular deformation, it is a bony and structural deformation that affects the body from the front and sides, namely in three dimensions. Scoliosis is a disease that can be seen at any stage of life. Genetic transmission is considered to be responsible for scoliosis. If the scoliosis angle is high, the appearance of the body is greatly affected. This cosmetic disorder, in addition to being a health problem, affects these young children at the beginning of adolescence, also visually, disrupts their confidence in their own bodies and causes psychological problems. Apart from cosmetic defects, as the angle of curvature of scoliosis increases, complaints such as shortness of breath, bloating, and tiredness arise due to the compression of the lungs and heart in the thorax, especially back and waist pain. If the dynamics of the spine is disturbed, it can cause pain and, as a result, will negatively affect the quality of life. The three main types of scoliosis are: 

  

Idiopathic Scoliosis (scoliosis of unknown cause) 

The most common type of scoliosis is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the cause of which has not been fully elucidated. The lateral bending of the spine can be S or C shaped. Apart from lateral bending, rotation of the vertebrae is also seen in all idiopathic scoliosis, including the mildest forms. This rotation in the vertebrae causes asymmetric protrusions in the back or waist. In its etiology, genetic and environmental factors are emphasized. It is seen 8 to 10 times more frequently in girls during adolescence. 

  

Neuromuscular Scoliosis 

The second most common type of scoliosis is neuromuscular scoliosis. The main cause of neuromuscular scoliosis is the underlying muscle and nerve disease. Nervous diseases can originate from the brain and spinal cord. Muscle diseases can be seen in childhood and later. It can be seen in cerebral palsy, polio, meningomyelocele, muscular dystrophy, tethered cord syndrome. In contrast to idiopathic scoliosis, respiratory distress and sensory defects are more common in neuromuscular scoliosis. 

  

Congenital Scoliosis 

Congenital scoliosis is the third most common. It is a type of scoliosis due to spinal anomalies that occur during the development of the child in the mother's womb. Congenital scoliosis progresses rapidly in the first years. For this reason, the treatment process of congenital scoliosis that occurs in the early stages may require surgical intervention at a young age. There is no gender discrimination. The exact cause of congenital scoliosis cannot be explained. Some conditions may be seen more frequently with congenital spinal deformities due to a number of events occurring during the developmental stage of the embryo and fetus.