Scoliosis is a condition that affects millions of people around the globe. It involves the spine, causing it to have a certain level of curvature. Patients of all ages can experience scoliosis symptoms, and their severity will depend on the stage of scoliosis they have.
Given a wide range of symptoms, people can notice any spine irregularities early on, making it easier to treat the condition. This text will explore the classification of scoliosis, the different stages of scoliosis, and the available therapies and procedures.
Let’s start with the different scoliosis types and move on to other details, some of which include the most common symptoms.
Different Types of Scoliosis: Classification
Like many other conditions, scoliosis has its classification. There are three ways in which scoliosis differs from one another. While the condition manifests in the same way, the cause is different.
The most common types of scoliosis are:
The most common type of this condition is idiopathic scoliosis. In these cases, the cause of the state is unknown.
Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by other conditions that affect the proper function of muscles around the spine. The primary causes are muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.
When it comes to congenital scoliosis, it usually develops in the womb. Depending on the curvature degree, the newborn or infant might require surgery.
Last but not least, degenerative scoliosis occurs in adults. When it comes to adults, the cause is usually a weak disc and ligament.
No matter the cause, we’d also like to share that scoliosis can attack all spine parts. It can affect the lower, middle, or upper spine. Furthermore, it can involve two spine parts simultaneously.
Let’s see what the different stages of scoliosis are.
Different Stages of Scoliosis
No matter which scoliosis type we are talking about, there are several stages of the condition. They are mild, moderate, and severe. It all differs from one case to another, and many factors can lead to scoliosis development.
Let’s explore how they differ and what are the possible treatment options.
Mild Scoliosis
Mild scoliosis is diagnosed if the spine curve is under 25 degrees. However, there is a significant advantage if the curve is under 20 degrees. The chance of progression in the future is minimal. While if it goes above that value, chances of progression increase as well.
With mild scoliosis, patients can experience a wide range of symptoms. Some of which include:
- Tilted head
- Uneven shoulders
- Uneven hips
- Different leg length
- Mild slouching
The good news is that usually, mild scoliosis cases do not require any procedures. It is best to follow some type of therapy or exercise to lower the chances of progression. Additionally, it is a good idea to go through checkups with your doctor regularly. That way, you can see whether there are any changes.
Mild scoliosis is usually present in young girls and boys. It might occur in adults, but those cases are rare.
Moderate Scoliosis
Unfortunately, with moderate scoliosis, things become more severe as additional symptoms appear. First of all, the curvature with mild scoliosis is between 26 and 40 degrees. In this case, since the chance of progression is on the higher side, doctors usually include scoliosis braces. They serve to prevent the condition from worsening.
Besides the mild scoliosis symptoms, patients also experience the following:
- Rib cage deformity (rib humps)
- Movement Fatigue
- Shoulder pain
- Clumsiness
- Headache
Unfortunately, symptoms become worse with moderate scoliosis. While there is a chance that some cases will be best solved with a surgical approach, the majority of patients will be able to alleviate their symptoms with different forms of therapy.
Severe Scoliosis
Severe scoliosis occurs in cases with a curvature higher than 40 degrees. These cases are treated carefully, as they are very serious. These patients experience all the symptoms mentioned above, but more signs make this condition more challenging. They are:
- Visible “C” or “S” shape under the skin
- The belly button is often off-center
- The patient’s clothing might be uneven
- Patients become tired just by standing or sitting
- These patients are more prone to accidents and injuries
- Loss of balance
- Chronic pain
Severe scoliosis has a significant impact on the patient’s lifestyle, limiting the movement abilities while causing chronic pain. What’s even worse, people with severe scoliosis will only get worse as progression continues. Furthermore, a patient’s mental health also suffers, as depression and anxiety are fueled by distorted body image.
The only possible solution is surgery. The procedure is known as spinal fusion. Taking this step is one of the best ways to solve the issue in the long run.
Finishing Thoughts
In case you are experiencing any of the previously mentioned symptoms, you should visit a doctor and check your spine health. That’s the only way to catch the condition in its early stages. Doing this will help you make the right steps immediately to prevent any further deterioration.
Here at Align Clinic, we take special care of all our patients, no matter how severe their condition is. In case you want us to help you, contact us to make an appointment in one of our locations. Whatever the patient’s age, we provide custom-made orthoses for all stages of scoliosis.
Otherwise, if you are interested to learn more about scoliosis, you can always explore our blog section. There’s plenty of useful content about scoliosis for you there.
