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Scoliosis is a common disorder of the spine in which it is curved rather than in a straight line. Scoliosis screening is routine in elementary schools nationwide due to its prevalence in children. Scoliosis is either present from birth or developed later in life by unknown causes. These are separated into two different classifications, being congenital or idiopathic. In some cases, scoliosis may be severe enough to cause significant complications; however, most cases are harmless. This abnormality of the spine can be caused by factors such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, or physical trauma. If the scoliosis is caused by any of these factors, it would be considered a secondary condition. For those with this deformity, the spine has essentially stopped growing, resulting in an abnormal curve. In some cases, scoliosis can decrease lung capacity which can put strain and pressure on the heart. Visible signs and symptoms of this disorder may include uneven musculature on one side of the spine, a prominent shoulder blade, uneven hips and legs, and in some cases slow nerve reaction. The most common classification of the disorder is idiopathic scoliosis which has no clear cause. Studies have shown that there may be at least one gene connected to the presence of scoliosis. In rarer cases, congenital scoliosis can be contributed to spine malformations in utero at 3 to 6 weeks of gestation. Because scoliosis worsens during growth spurts, adolescents and children are more likely to be diagnosed. Generally, diagnosis begins with a thorough examination of the spine to determine if the curve is 10 degrees to the right or left. If it looks to be curved the practitioner will most likely request X-rays of the spine. If scoliosis is in fact diagnosed, the doctor may observe the spine over a period of time to make sure that there are no significant changes in the spine. If the spine has grown into a curve and shows no signs of improvement, a doctor will suggest a brace. These braces are usually worn on the abdomen and can be worn up to 22 to 23 hours a day, depending on the severity of the case. If the patient has a high chance of progression, the physician will likely want to do surgery. Scoliosis screening is very important, especially if there are noticeable abnormalities of the spine. If a person is concerned about their children having the deformity, they should seek the opinion of a doctor in a timely manner. If the problem is diagnosed at a young age, it is usually easy to treat. About the Author: The ScoliScore™ Test (http://www.scoliscore.com/) is the first clinically validated and highly accurate genetic test for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) curve progression. Go to Scoliosis screening to view the page!
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