A Life With Scoliosis
11/25/2009
A Life With Scoliosis
By Aseya Me
Scoliosis is a medical condition that refers to a lateral or
rotational curve and deformities in the spine. There are
different types and causes of scoliosis. A congenital scoliosis
is a condition that has developed after birth while an
idiopathic scoliosis develops as a secondary symptom of another
condition. Scoliosis can affect anyone and serious cases can be
physically debilitating. Scoliosis causes the spine to develop
or curve into a C-shape or into other directions. It is often
painful but some conditions during adolescence not cause too
much discomfort except for the obvious physical or skeletal
imbalance. Celebrities who have been diagnosed with scoliosis
include Isabella Rosellini, Renee Russo, Liza Minelli, and Sarah
Michelle Gellar.
To get proper diagnosis, a person must consult an orthopedist
who specializes in spine diseases and bone abnormalities. The
orthopedist will usually ask the patient to undergo the
following examinations:
Physical Examination – Your doctor will check your back, chest,
hips, legs, and even the skin. The doctor will look for
imbalances or structural abnormalities in your shoulders, legs,
and chest. Specifically, the doctor will look to see of your
head is centered over your shoulders, and whether opposite sides
of your body look even. Another easy way to detect scoliosis is
to examine whether your pant legs drop at equal length.
X-ray – If you have unusual, persistent low back pain or a
large spinal curve, the doctor will ask you to take an x-ray
examination. The x-ray of your back will give a more detailed
picture of the spine and the curvatures.
Curve Measurement - Using the X-ray image, the doctor will
measure the curve and determine what kind of therapy or
treatment is needed based on the degree of curvature. Curves
that are greater than 20 degrees need immediate medical
treatment, which may include surgery.
Kinds of treatment for scoliosis
There are different approaches in the treatment and management
of scoliosis, as shown below:
Bracing - This is recommended for children or adolescents whose
curves progress to 30 degrees and beyond. Bracing allows the
spine to be held in a straighter position and prevents the
progression of the curve.
A brace will not make your spine straight but it will help
improve the posture and reduce the curvature. The commonly
prescribed brace is called the Milwaukee Brace which consists of
metal uprights attached to pads and positioned on the hips, rib
cage, and neck; and the Underarm Brace which is made of plastic
and is placed around the rib cage, abdomen, and hips. Bracing is
also prescribed for other types of neuromuscular disease such as
spinal muscular atrophy.
Surgery – When bracing fails to give the desired results,
surgery is often seen as the next option. Bracing might not work
for everyone. The main purpose for surgery is to join together
the bones of your curve and realign the vertebrae. The surgical
procedure is called spinal fusion.
Coping with scoliosis
To cope with scoliosis, some patients get a massage or a
similar therapy session that helps improve body alignment,
flexibility, and posture. Aquatic exercise can also improve a
scoliosis patient's posture and balance. Acupuncture is also
used as an alternative method for reducing pain and discomfort
brought about by scoliosis.
Your world need not stop from spinning just because you have a
spine problem. Scoliosis patients can still lead happy, active
lives. People with scoliosis can still participate in sports and
other physical activities. Remember, physical fitness is
important for people with back and spine problems.
About the Author: http://DrugstoreTM.com is a reputable online
drug store. From sexual health to a woman's health, sleeping
aids to weight loss pills, our online pharmacy offers convenient
customer access to various health medicines, including an array
of health product and medicare
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=187914&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet
By Aseya Me
Scoliosis is a medical condition that refers to a lateral or
rotational curve and deformities in the spine. There are
different types and causes of scoliosis. A congenital scoliosis
is a condition that has developed after birth while an
idiopathic scoliosis develops as a secondary symptom of another
condition. Scoliosis can affect anyone and serious cases can be
physically debilitating. Scoliosis causes the spine to develop
or curve into a C-shape or into other directions. It is often
painful but some conditions during adolescence not cause too
much discomfort except for the obvious physical or skeletal
imbalance. Celebrities who have been diagnosed with scoliosis
include Isabella Rosellini, Renee Russo, Liza Minelli, and Sarah
Michelle Gellar.
To get proper diagnosis, a person must consult an orthopedist
who specializes in spine diseases and bone abnormalities. The
orthopedist will usually ask the patient to undergo the
following examinations:
Physical Examination – Your doctor will check your back, chest,
hips, legs, and even the skin. The doctor will look for
imbalances or structural abnormalities in your shoulders, legs,
and chest. Specifically, the doctor will look to see of your
head is centered over your shoulders, and whether opposite sides
of your body look even. Another easy way to detect scoliosis is
to examine whether your pant legs drop at equal length.
X-ray – If you have unusual, persistent low back pain or a
large spinal curve, the doctor will ask you to take an x-ray
examination. The x-ray of your back will give a more detailed
picture of the spine and the curvatures.
Curve Measurement - Using the X-ray image, the doctor will
measure the curve and determine what kind of therapy or
treatment is needed based on the degree of curvature. Curves
that are greater than 20 degrees need immediate medical
treatment, which may include surgery.
Kinds of treatment for scoliosis
There are different approaches in the treatment and management
of scoliosis, as shown below:
Bracing - This is recommended for children or adolescents whose
curves progress to 30 degrees and beyond. Bracing allows the
spine to be held in a straighter position and prevents the
progression of the curve.
A brace will not make your spine straight but it will help
improve the posture and reduce the curvature. The commonly
prescribed brace is called the Milwaukee Brace which consists of
metal uprights attached to pads and positioned on the hips, rib
cage, and neck; and the Underarm Brace which is made of plastic
and is placed around the rib cage, abdomen, and hips. Bracing is
also prescribed for other types of neuromuscular disease such as
spinal muscular atrophy.
Surgery – When bracing fails to give the desired results,
surgery is often seen as the next option. Bracing might not work
for everyone. The main purpose for surgery is to join together
the bones of your curve and realign the vertebrae. The surgical
procedure is called spinal fusion.
Coping with scoliosis
To cope with scoliosis, some patients get a massage or a
similar therapy session that helps improve body alignment,
flexibility, and posture. Aquatic exercise can also improve a
scoliosis patient's posture and balance. Acupuncture is also
used as an alternative method for reducing pain and discomfort
brought about by scoliosis.
Your world need not stop from spinning just because you have a
spine problem. Scoliosis patients can still lead happy, active
lives. People with scoliosis can still participate in sports and
other physical activities. Remember, physical fitness is
important for people with back and spine problems.
About the Author: http://DrugstoreTM.com is a reputable online
drug store. From sexual health to a woman's health, sleeping
aids to weight loss pills, our online pharmacy offers convenient
customer access to various health medicines, including an array
of health product and medicare
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=187914&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet
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