According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, scoliosis affects 2 to 3% of the population or approximately 7 million individuals in the U.S. While the condition often develops during adolescence, it can impact people of any age, ranging from infants all the way up to seniors.
At the New Jersey Spine Institute, our world-class team of spine surgeons specializes in cutting-edge scoliosis treatments tailored to the specific needs and goals of each individual patient. Below, we’ve provided an overview of the condition as well as the causes, symptoms, and treatment options associated with its three main types—idiopathic scoliosis, degenerative scoliosis, and neuromuscular scoliosis.
To learn more, schedule an initial consultation at The New Jersey Spine Institute today!
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often shaped like an “S” or a “C”. While the majority of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, meaning their cause is unknown, the condition can stem from age-related wear and tear on the spine, underlying neuromuscular conditions, or an accident or traumatic injury. In rare cases, scoliosis can also be congenital (congenital scoliosis is present from birth).
Many patients who live with scoliosis have mild symptoms, or even no symptoms at all, and may require no treatment or intervention. However, the condition can also be debilitating, causing severe pain and loss of mobility. Treatment options can vary widely, ranging from bracing and physical therapy to corrective spine surgery, depending on the circumstances.
Scoliosis can occur in various regions of the spine. In children and teens, thoracic scoliosis (scoliosis that affects the upper and middle back) is common, while lumbar scoliosis (scoliosis that affects the lower back) is more frequently seen in older adults. Combined scoliosis is the term used to describe cases where the upper and lower portions of the spine are curved in two different directions.
Severity Of Scoliosis
One of the primary factors that goes into defining the severity level of a case of scoliosis is the degree of spinal curvature, known as the Cobb angle. Providers typically use a special device known as a scoliometer to measure and interpret the Cobb angle as follows:
- 1-10 degrees: Spinal curvature in this range is considered normal.
- 10-20 degrees: Spinal curvature in this range is indicative of mild scoliosis.
- 20-30 degrees: Spinal curvature in this range is indicative of moderate scoliosis.
- More than 40 degrees: Spinal curvature in this range is indicative of severe scoliosis.
Idiopathic Scoliosis
Idiopathic scoliosis (scoliosis that develops without a known cause) accounts for approximately 80% of all scoliosis cases and is also the most common cause of pediatric spinal deformities. This type of scoliosis most often presents during adolescence, but can also occur in infancy or childhood. Pediatricians typically screen for idiopathic scoliosis during routine wellness checks and may refer young patients to a spine specialist for further evaluation if the condition is suspected.
Causes
The causes of idiopathic scoliosis remain unknown. While possible genetic links are being explored for the condition, more conclusive research is needed in this area.
Symptoms
The majority of idiopathic scoliosis cases cause mild symptoms that don’t result in significant discomfort or loss of function. Some may even be entirely asymptomatic.
In moderate to severe cases of idiopathic scoliosis, symptoms may include the following:
- Hips, ribs, and/or waist are uneven (one side higher than the other)
- One shoulder blade protrudes further than the other
- One leg appears longer than the other
- A visibly s-shaped or c-shaped curvature of the spine
Treatment
The recommended course of treatment for idiopathic scoliosis depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases (10 to 20 degrees), treatment may be as simple as ongoing monitoring. Moderate cases may warrant bracing to help hold the spine in the correct position and/or physical therapy. In severe cases of idiopathic scoliosis, corrective spine surgery may be necessary to prevent the condition from worsening further over time.
Degenerative Scoliosis
Degenerative scoliosis typically occurs later in life (after the age of 50) as the joints in the spine deteriorate due to normal, age-related wear and tear.
Causes
As the spine ages over time, the vertebrae can begin to degenerate and structural changes, such as bone spurs and osteoporosis, may also contribute to the development of scoliosis. In some cases, degenerative scoliosis may also be caused by a traumatic accident/injury or repetitive movements that continually jar the back and spine.
Symptoms
Not all cases of degenerative scoliosis are associated with symptoms. In cases that do present with symptoms, they can be intermittent or ongoing and may include:
- Neck, back, or hip pain caused by poor alignment of the pelvis
- Shortness of breath in general or with minimal physical activity
- One leg appears longer than the other
- Difficulty standing up straight
- Numbness or weakness in the legs (if the condition is placing pressure on spinal nerve roots)
Treatment
As with idiopathic scoliosis, the treatment for degenerative scoliosis depends on its severity. Treatment options for degenerative scoliosis may include bracing, physical therapy, pain medication, epidural steroid injections, and/or corrective spine surgery.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Neuromuscular scoliosis, also called myopathic scoliosis, typically occurs in individuals who live with underlying neuromuscular conditions. This type of scoliosis may progress more rapidly than other types and may not respond as well to conservative treatment approaches.
Causes
Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by an imbalance in spinal nerve pathways commonly associated with underlying medical conditions such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy.
Symptoms
Symptoms of neuromuscular scoliosis may include:
- Difficulty standing upright
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Difficulty breathing at rest or with minimal physical exertion
- Hips, shoulders, or rib cage that appear uneven
- Noticeable changes in gait or posture
Treatment
Nonsurgical treatment options, such as bracing and physical therapy, may help to improve function in some cases of neuromuscular scoliosis, but will not cure the condition. In many cases, corrective spine surgery is necessary to minimize curvature of the spine.
Conclusion
Seeking a spinal surgeon in New Jersey to treat scoliosis that is affecting you or someone you love? With decades of expertise and a unique, two-surgeon approach, the award-winning surgical team at the New Jersey Spine Institute is ready to help. Contact us today to book a consultation and learn more! We look forward to working with you.