Understanding Scoliosis: A Guide to Spinal Curvature | Dr. Sudheer Pothu

In this blog Dr Sudheer Pothu, amongst the leading Orthopedic Spine Surgeon in Hyderabad shares about Scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a medical condition that affects the curvature of the spine, causing it to curve sideways. It can occur in people of all ages, but it typically develops during adolescence. While most cases of scoliosis are mild, some can progress and lead to pain, discomfort, and potentially severe spine deformities.

Imagine your spine as a straight, vertical column providing support and stability to your body. However, in individuals with scoliosis, the spine curves sideways instead of remaining straight. This sideways curvature creates an "S" or "C" shape, resulting in an asymmetrical appearance.

How many types of Scoliosis are there?

 

Scoliosis can be classified into different types based on its cause and age of onset:

 

1. Idiopathic Scoliosis: This is the most common form, accounting for about 80% of cases. Idiopathic scoliosis has no known cause. 

 

2. Congenital Scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is present at birth and occurs due to abnormalities in the development of the spine in the womb.



3. Neuromuscular Scoliosis: It is caused by underlying neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injuries.



4. Degenerative Scoliosis: This type occurs later in life due to the wear and tear of the spine, often seen in older individuals with age-related changes like disc degeneration.



5.Pathologic Scoliosis : Results from a benign bone tumor most commonly located in the posterior elements of the spine.

 6.Syndromic Scoliosis: caused by clinically defined patterns (i.e. syndromes) associated with scoliosis and are not directly attributed to congenital or neuromuscular causes

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