How to fix scoliosis naturally in 4 minutes a day
Your doctor may also perform a neurological exam to check for:
Muscle weakness
Numbness
Abnormal reflexesPlain X-rays can confirm the diagnosis of scoliosis and reveal the severity of the spinal curvature. Repeated radiation exposure can become a concern because multiple X-rays will be taken over the years to see if the curve is worsening.
To reduce this risk, your doctor might suggest a type of imaging system that uses lower doses of radiation to create a 3D model of the spine. However, this system isn’t available at all medical centers. Ultrasound is another option, although it can be less precise in determining the severity of the scoliosis curve.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might be recommended if your doctor suspects that an underlying condition — such as a spinal cord abnormality — is causing the scoliosis.Scoliosis treatments vary, depending on the severity of the curve. Children who have very mild curves usually don’t need any treatment at all, although they may need regular checkups to see if the curve is worsening as they grow.
Bracing or surgery may be needed if the spinal curve is moderate or severe. Factors to be considered include:
Maturity. If a child’s bones have stopped growing, the risk of curve progression is low. That also means that braces have the most effect in children whose bones are still growing. Bone maturity can be checked with hand X-rays.
Severity of curve. Larger curves are more likely to worsen with time.
Sex. Girls have a much higher risk of progression than do boys.Severe scoliosis typically progresses with time, so your doctor might suggest scoliosis surgery to help straighten the curve and prevent it from getting worse.
Surgical options include:
Spinal fusion. In this procedure, surgeons connect two or more of the bones in the spine (vertebrae) together so they can’t move independently. Pieces of bone or a bone-like material are placed between the vertebrae. Metal rods, hooks, screws or wires typically hold that part of the spine straight and still while the old and new bone material fuses together.
Expanding rod. If the scoliosis is progressing rapidly at a young age, surgeons can attach one or two expandable rods along the spine that can adjust in length as the child grows. The rods are lengthened every 3 to 6 months either with surgery or in the clinic using a remote control.
Vertebral body tethering. This procedure can be performed through small incisions. Screws are placed along the outside edge of the abnormal spinal curve and a strong, flexible cord is threaded through the screws. When the cord is tightened, the spine straightens. As the child grows, the spine may straighten even more.