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Scoliosis Abnormal Curvature

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Scoliosis: Abnormal Curvature of the Spine Kendall Walker Saddleback College This paper was submitted to Tina Walker in partial fulfillment of the course requirements for Biology 11 Human Anatomy, Saddleback College. Scoliosis- Abnormal Curvature of the Spine When somebody isn’t having the best day, they are most likely to mention their heart, their mood, a headache, fatigue, or even shortness of breath. However, these symptoms can be caused by scoliosis, an abnormal spinal curvature which causes health issues ranging from mood swings and headaches to muscular paralysis and heart failure (Woggon et al 2014). Scoliosis is a lateral ‘C’ or ‘S’ shaped curvature in the normally straight and vertical line …show more content…

Many patients will see a doctor for their unusual back pain symptoms, and a doctor may conduct several researches such as blood tests, CT or MRI scans, x-ray scans, or simple back touches (Goulding et al 2016). Due to the fact that scoliosis is commonly hereditary, the first thing a doctor will usually do is collect detailed data of the patients’ health history (Goulding et al 2016). A full physical examination may also take place in order for the doctor to measure the spinal lining and also test to make sure that there are no neurological deficits. Although neurological deficits caused by scoliosis are uncommon, it is still very necessary to check for because there are rare causes of scoliosis that may involve the spinal cord. Blood tests can determine the severity of scoliosis and allow the doctor to determine if the case of scoliosis will progress or worsen in the patient’s future (Goulding et al 2016). An X-ray may be necessary in order to confirm the scoliosis diagnosis and check on the magnitude of the spinal curvature. An X-ray will also give the doctor an overview of the patient’s skeletal maturity, which may influence their treatment plan (Goulding et al 2016). A CT or MRI scan may also be run to determine any muscular or nerve damage. If a patient qualifies, then a sleep study, pulmonary function study, or heart function study may be conducted (Goulding et al …show more content…

Scoliosis can range from being minor, to severe meaning it can impair the bodies neurological, hormonal, and nutritional systems. In some cases, it can also be a progressive disease; the more it evolves, the more the vertebrae will rotate, which in severe cases, causes the ribs to crowd together on a single side along with the chest spreading apart on the opposite side, leading to difficulties breathing. It is usually first detected between the ages of 10-17 and is very important to monitor during the early stages in order to decrease progression. Scoliosis has no cure, however, there are ways to treat it. Without treatment, these issues can prolong and even lead to the inability to ever walk again. Early diagnosis is an important factor in preventing scoliosis to progress or worsen later in the patients’ life (Weiss et al 2006). Scoliosis can be prevented or progression can be completely stopped by maintaining a healthy life style and seeing a doctor

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