Scoliosis: Everything You Must Know

The spine curvature known as Scoliosis is most common in adolescents. Adolescent idiopathic Scoliosis is the most common type that occurs before puberty, and the reason for this condition remains unknown. As such, it may not be cured completely, but still, the effect can be reduced by using a technique called the forward bending test with a specially devised scoring system to determine structural Scoliosis.

Sydney is known for its excellence in medical technology in finding innovative techniques for treatment. Meanwhile, from developing penicillin as an antibiotic to finding a vaccine for cervical cancer, Australia’s achievements make them one of the best in business. Similarly, for patients with Scoliosis, the Clinics in Sydney use a novel bracing technique that produces 3D spinal braces customised using 3D printing. As such, the world is impressed with the method used by scoliosis clinics in Sydney for treating different strains of Scoliosis. Find the best scoliosis clinic in Sydney to find the solution to the problem.

Scoliosis Diagnosis

First, the doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and can inquire about recent growth. The doctor can check whether one side of the rib cage is more prominent during the physical examination. The physician could also do a neurological exam to look for:

  • Numbness
  • Irregular reflexes,
  • Muscle tremors

Types of Scoliosis

  1. Idiopathic Scoliosis: It is Scoliosis without a known cause, and in 80% of cases, doctors do not find the exact reason for a curved spine.
  2. Congenital Scoliosis: It occurs in a baby’s back before birth. The spine might bend due to problems with the little bones in the back known as vertebrates; it might be missing or fail to split correctly. And when the infant is born, doctors may notice this unusual issue, or they may not discover it till they are in their twenties.
  3. Neuromuscular Scoliosis: Spina bifida, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord damage can all produce neuromuscular Scoliosis. These diseases might cause muscle injury, causing the spine to be improperly supported. 
  4. Degenerative Scoliosis: In adulthood, degenerative Scoliosis occurs, and it often appears in the lower back when the spine’s disc and joints deteriorate.

Imaging Tests

Simple X-rays might confirm the diagnosis of Scoliosis and demonstrate the amount of vertebrae distortion. Repeated radiation exposure may become a problem because additional X-rays will be performed over time to determine whether the curvature worsens.

And to decrease this risk, the doctor may choose radiographic equipment that generates a 3D spine model using lower radiation doses. However, not all medical facilities have access to this technology. Another choice is ultrasound, albeit it may not be as accurate in assessing the degree of the scoliosis curve. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) may also be suggested if the doctor thinks an underlying condition, such as spinal cord abnormalities, is the cause of Scoliosis.

Treatments 

Scoliosis Assessment

Sometimes, a young kid has Scoliosis, but the bend is too small to warrant typical therapies. And according to research, they may effectively treat Scoliosis with an early non-surgical intervention that is more active. 

Bracing

Bracing has been utilised as an early intervention therapy for Scoliosis for many years. Scoliosis braces come in various designs, from flexible, dynamic mounts to stiff over-corrective peaks. 

Scoliosis-Specific Exercise

Treatment for Scoliosis may benefit significantly from specialised exercise and rehabilitation regimens. This could be true for essential physical therapy or general exercise programs. 

Spinal Fusion

For children and adults, a Scoliosis clinic in Sydney provides non-surgical treatment methods. There could be alternatives to scoliosis surgery in certain circumstances. The team of experts can determine if other options for surgery, such as bracing, can result in a positive outcome or whether they might stop advancement in circumstances where surgery is postponed because experts avoid surgeries if they can.