The vertebrae column has two natural curvatures. First, there is a lordosis in which the spine a slight bend in the posterior direction located in the cervical portion of the vertebrae column. The second curvature the spinal column has is known as a kyphosis, in which the thoracic portion of the spine bends slight anteriorly. Scoliosis is evident when a person has excess curvature of the spine in a lateral direction. The identification/observation, diagnosis, and treatment of scoliosis has a few variations depending on the overall severity of the condition. There are a few different types of scoliosis including congenital, neuromuscular, degenerative, and …show more content…
School, pediatricians, or even parents’ conduct some of the screening; which can help with early detection of any form of scoliosis. For the patient, symptoms could include lower back pain, after standing or sitting for a period of time the spine could feel fatigued, and if the patient notices their spine curves laterally further to one side (Kaneshiro). Signs that will help others to identify if a person has scoliosis include uneven hips, prominent shoulder blade, uneven should blades, or when the person seems to be leaning to one side (Derrer). Once it is suspect the use of x-rays, MRI or scoliometer screening is used to confirm the diagnosis of scoliosis. After the examinations, the physicians will determine which type of scoliosis is present and the severity of the curvature the vertebrae column is enduring. Finally, once the curvature is measure they will determine which corrective action is required based on the complications that arise with the curvature. Some physical and emotional complications that someone might experience include lower back pain, low self-esteem, and difficulty breathing. Although pain for scoliosis is uncommon, some patients will endure persistent pain because of the excess wear and tear between …show more content…
Although exercise will not correct scoliosis it is recommended for both patients that have scoliosis and individuals that do not suffer from scoliosis to help with the overall flexibility of the back. For those individual that have a degree 25 degree to 40 degrees and has minimum of two years of growth remaining, the physician will choose the less invasive method of allowing the person to only have braces. It is important to note, braces will not correct the curvature; but the use of a brace will prevent the curvature from increasing. One problem that has been found occurs when the patient no longer wears the brace and that is the curvature sometimes become more prominent. According to Neil Kaneshiro braces are best used for patients whom are over the age of 10; but are ineffective for those whom have either congenital or neuromuscular scoliosis. Surgical repair will be recommended if the angle of curvature increases to between 40 and 50 degrees. According to a study Dr. Stuart Weinstein references “the rate of treatment success was 72% after bracing, as compared with 48% after observation.” Concluding, the impact of the wearing a brace can help to prevent the need for a surgical repair. Although if surgery is needed, two metal rod will be used to help to eliminate any further increase in