Scoliosis: Treating the Spinal Condition
Scoliosis affects roughly 3 out of every 100 people, and is more common in women than in men. The name of the condition is derived from the Greek word for “crooked” or “bent,” and, as such, the condition consists of the curving of the spine in an “S” or a “C” shape. No cures exist for it currently, but exercise and bracing could help improve the condition, or prevent it from progressing. Surgery, although quite complicated, has alleviated scoliosis greatly in people with a severe version of the condition. Use this guide to learn what scoliosis is, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and where to find support if you or a loved one have it.
Expand All Guide SectionsOverview of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves one or more times. It isn’t life ... read more »
Scoliosis Symtoms and Diagnosis
Children are routinely screened for scoliosis at school but it’s important for parents to periodically check their children’s backs, too. The links below help you identify scoliosis symptoms and learn about the procedures a physician would use to diagnose it.
Dulcinea's Insight
- A few of the links offer warning signs for scoliosis and show parents how to conduct a basic test. Remember, this is just a starting point—that test should be followed up with a doctor’s visit.
- To be diagnosed as scoliosis, a person’s spine curvature must exceed 10 degrees.
Dulcinea's Picks
For symptoms …
iScoliosis.com
has a simple list of the symptoms of scoliosis. Additional information is available via tabs to the left of the article for subcategories such as “Flat Back Syndrome” (a condition in which the spine is too straight) and “Cobb Diagnostic” (to measure spine curvature). Note that the site is run by Medtronic, a health technology company that sells products to treat spinal problems. This particular section is quite informative and does not refer readers to a specific product.
For diagnosis …
Aurora Health Care
has a short introduction to diagnosing scoliosis that describes the forward bend test, inclinometer or scoliometer, X-rays, and MRIs.
HealthScout
has a more in-depth guide on scoliosis tests that includes the limitations and risks of some of the tests.
Mayo Clinic’s
graphic can help you see what doctors are looking for when diagnosing scoliosis.
Treatment for Scoliosis
Scoliosis treatments fall into two categories: nonsurgical and surgical. Nonsurgical treatments may ... read more »
Support Groups for Scoliosis
Scoliosis tends to develop during adolescence, and can be a heavy burden on teens during these ... read more »
Research and Writing about Scoliosis
For the most part, the information provided so far in this guide comes from organizations and Web ... read more »
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