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
Martini, Frederic, Judi L. Nath, and Edwin F. Bartholomew.Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology. 9th ed. San Francisco, CA: Benjamin Cummings, 2012. Print.
After a quick x-ray I wait for the doctor for what seems like hours, when she finally enters the room she looks in my eyes and says the exact word I was praying not to hear... “unfortunately”. My heart drops, she continues, “The x-rays showed a significant change in your curve.” I sit there, staring at the doctor, pale faced and in shock. When you have scoliosis, your spinal curve is measured in degrees, at around a 20 degree curve you would be
AIS is treated by Surgical & Non Surgical ways. Those who have curves beyond 40 degrees to 50 degrees are often considered for scoliosis surgery. The goal is to make sure the curve does not get worse, but surgery does not perfectly straighten the spine. Currently, Bracing is the only non-surgical treatment for AIS, advocated by Medical Spine Community. All other non-surgical treatments such as Chiropractic Adjustment or Osteopathic Manipulation or Exercise or Acupuncture have not been proven to be effective in controlling the progression or curing it. Bracing is the usual treatment choice for adolescents who have a spinal curve between 25 degrees to 40 degrees, particularly if their bones are still maturing and if they have at least 2 years
The person posture I will be discussing is using a laptop. The laptop is located on their lap, with the screen about 8 inches from the face. The person I’m observing is also sitting in a chair with a flexible back and a headrest. Even though there is a large backrest, the person is hunched over towards the computer screen. This created a huge curvature in the back, especially in the thoracic region. There is a greater kyphosis curvature within the thoracic region also affects the other regions of the spine. The lumbar spine seems to have a less lordosis curvature as this person is hunching over to look at the computer screen. The cervical have more a greater lordosis curvature compared to a normal sitting posture. The person is sitting
Hi my name is Dr. Allen and I am from the Pediatric Orthopedic Department. Today I want educate you on the most common diseases and conditions that we see here in this department. Our first condition we will discuss is Kyphosis (curvature of the spine). Kyphosis (curvature of the spine) is a condition in which the curve in the spine is measuring 50 degrees or greater. Kyphosis (curvature of the spine) can be congenital (present at birth) or it can be something that develops later in life. If a child is not born with the curvature in the spine, the cause of Kyphosis (curvature of the spine), can be a number of things ranging from Spina bifida (split spine), Osteogenesis
BIOL 203: Human Anatomy and Physiology Midterm Review 10-15-2015 LAB MIDTERM Tuesday, October 20th, 2015 at 8:00-9:30PM in Elliott Hall of Music BRING YOUR PURDUE ID!!!!!! EVENING EXAM TAKES THE PLACE OF YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED LAB FOR THE WEEK OF OCT. 12!
Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine abnormally curves sideways and can sometimes produce upper back pain.
Some also have a curvature of the neck and spine, which is called scoliosis, as described before. This forms in a child in their developmental stages during childhood that can cause problems with breathing later in their life, if not monitored and treated appropriately. These changes in the spine and neck may also increase the risk of serious spinal cord damage or even clubfoot. Clubfoot is a hip joint deformity in which the upper leg bones turn inward causing the person to have an extremely hard time walking and doing other activities including most sports, or even standing for long periods of
The spine is one of the most important structures in the human body. The spine is located in the dorsal cavity and consists of 24 bones, called vertebrae. These vertebrae play a crucial role in protected the body’s command center, the spinal cord. But what happens when a disorder prevents the spinal column from functioning correctly? Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes abnormal lateral curvature of the spine and it effects millions of people in the US per year. I have chosen this disorder because I am aspiring to become a chiropractor and scoliosis is a typical condition that chiropractors help treat on a daily basis.
In conclusion, scoliosis may vary from your family and genetics also comes from bad posture and balance. Scoliosis does vary in different types and is mostly to be seen in males rather than females. During the process of having scoliosis you may have lower/upper back and neck pain. If you do not know whether you have scoliosis or not you may see a physician to determine so. As a result , surgery is the only long lasting way to cure scoliosis and doctor’s visits is the only way to prevent
During my time volunteering at Putnam Valley Elementary School in NY, I realized how truly debilitating it must be for these children on a daily basis. Thus, I developed a desire to one day become a physical therapist to be able to aid children and strengthen their independence. I aspire to seek reward in being able to help children become happier under difficult circumstances because their success is important to me. Similarly to these children, people with medical conditions such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis suffer from very debilitating impairments. I am inclined to be able to help these types of clients due to how serious their injuries can be. In numerous cases these types of clients may suffer the most while trying to go about their daily routines, so I hope to alleviate those struggles. Obtaining specialization in neuromuscular treatment will enable me to transform clients' lives by reducing pain and getting them back to their normal daily functions. One of the various ways I will be able to optimize a client's movement and improve their quality of life is through becoming knowledgeable in the Schroth 3D Scoliosis treatments. Upon obtaining certification of this method I can prevent further curvature of the spine, correct scoliotic imbalances and posture,
Normal spines during examinations will have the lower part of the back curving inward that will round the shoulders as well. When scoliosis affects the spine and ribs. There will usually be a noticeable uneven shape in the shoulders or the hips. This is because there is either a structure or non-structured curve that causes scoliosis. Doctors will consider the shape and then look at the location, direction, and then its magnitude. There are different factors that can cause or lead to having scoliosis. In small children that have muscle or bone problems their vertebrae may change as they grow older. The article states that many cases of scoliosis go unknown without a cause. There are many doctors that see scoliosis as being genetically passed down or from a serious spine injury. If the patient is older it can be a case of lumbar scoliosis that may be linked with osteoporosis.
Untreated, scoliosis progressively impacts one's life, especially through puberty's growth spurts. Scoliosis stunts growth and puts dangerous pressure on vital organs, such as the heart, liver, and lungs.
The human spine is a medical marvel of sorts, which is not only responsible for helping us to move or lift things, but to bare our body weight, and preserve a normal body alignment. It’s impossible to exist without a spine. Scoliosis is defined as the curvature of the spine and although it isn’t specifically considered a disease, it is very serious complication resulting from a multitude of different symptoms with no definite known cause. Fortunately, with the passing of time, and development of new technologies doctors are now treating this debilitating condition in numerous ways. We will explore the different technologies caregivers are currently using to fix this malformation using studies and articles written by doctors treating this
Scoliosis is a complex deformity or curvature of the spine and entire torso and has been recognized clinically for centuries (Asher, Marc A.). “For a few of the patients an underlying cause can be determined, including congenital changes, secondary changes related to neuropathic or myopathic conditions, or later in life from degenerative spondylosis. However, the cause of most scoliosis is not known and since about 1922 such patients have been diagnosed as having idiopathic scoliosis (Asher, Marc A.).”