The article discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for scoliosis, the sideways curvature of the spine that usually occurs during the growth spurt before puberty.

1. Scoliosis – Facts and Treatment Options
The article discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for scoliosis, the sideways curvature
of the spine that usually occurs during the growth spurt before puberty.
Scoliosis is the abnormal or sideways curvature of the spine that usually occurs during the growth spurt
before puberty. Linked to congenital or degenerative problems, the condition usually appears in
children. If the spine deformity gets worse over time, it can become disabling. Pain management
centers in Brooklyn, NYC offer result-oriented nonsurgical treatment for the condition.
Scoliosis is about two times more prevalent in girls than boys. The exact cause of scoliosis is unknown,
although hereditary factors are believed to be significant. Other causes include neuromuscular
conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, birth defects affecting the development of the
bones of the spine, and injuries or infections of the spine.
Types of Scoliosis
There are four types of scoliosis -
• Degenerative – occurs due to traumatic injury or illness, bone collapse, previous surgery or
osteoporosis.
• Neuromuscular - occurs due to abnormal muscles/nerves or muscular diseases. It is most
generally seen in people with muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and other nerve disorders.
• Congenital – occurs due to a bone abnormality during birth.
• Idiopathic – There is no specific cause for this type of scoliosis, evidence suggests it is inherited.

2. Common Signs and Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of this spinal disorder include –
• One shoulder blade appears more prominent than the other
• One hip higher than the other
• Uneven shoulders
• A tendency to lean to one side
• Back pain
• Chronic fatigue and future spinal kyphosis (widow’s hump)
• Difficulty in breathing
• Headache
• Knee pain
• Leg and hip pain
Scoliosis (even a mild form) may sometimes cause complications like lung and heart damage and back
pain.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis will begin with the physician analyzing the past medical history and asking questions about the
spinal curvature and growth (including type and severity of curvature). A detailed neurological exam will
be conducted to check for muscle weakness, numbness and abnormal reflexes. Diagnostic imaging tests
like X-ray or MRI scan of the lumbar spine may be recommended to assess the range and severity of the
condition.
The treatment recommended will depend on factors such as the patient’s age, and severity of the
condition, intensity of growth, and location of symptoms. In professional multispecialty healthcare
centers, treatment for scoliosis involves a combination of modalities such as physical therapy, TENS,
chiropractic treatment and Game Ready Cold therapy.
✓ Physical therapy – Physical therapy exercises help strengthen the muscles, improve flexibility,
and lessen pain in the region around the back. Therapeutic exercise programs include
strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercises that build strength and repair normal spine
function, improve body posture, and range of motion.
✓ Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) - TENS involves the delivery of low voltage
electric impulses to the affected area which interact with the sensory nervous system to block
or reduce muscle spasm and lessen symptoms.
✓ Game Ready Cold Therapy System – This computer-controlled modality is used to administer
cold therapy and intermittent compression for all types of injuries and orthopedic surgery

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rehabilitation. It involves the use of flexible wraps that are designed to fit comfortably and
target cold therapy to the entire affected area with intermittent pneumatic compression.
✓ Chiropractic care – Chiropractic therapy involves spinal manual manipulation to restore joint
mobility and give pain relief without the need of medication or surgery. It is highly effective for
treating neuro-musculoskeletal complaints such as joint pain back pain, headaches, and knee
pain.
Coping with scoliosis is difficult for people in a complicated stage of the disease. However, getting the
right treatment at the right time can reduce the intensity of symptoms and improve mobility, function,
and quality of life.