Scoliosis is diagnosed when the spinal curve exceeds 10 degrees. However, adults typically seek treatment when the curve surpasses 30 degrees. During the evaluation, doctors utilize physical examinations and imaging to look for signs of spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing or compression of the spinal canal. It is crucial to maintain awareness of your posture, keeping your shoulders relaxed and supporting the natural curve of your lower back, possibly with the aid of a rolled towel.
Standing posture is vital; slouching with a forward head and rounded upper back disrupts the spine’s natural alignment, as does an exaggerated military-style posture with the shoulders pulled back. Degenerative scoliosis is a condition where adults experience a sideways curvature of the spine due to degenerative changes in the vertebrae and disks. This can lead to symptoms such as pain and imbalance.
Flatback syndrome is another condition affecting the spine, characterized by a reduction in the normal curvature of the lower spine, leading to a sagittal imbalance. A healthy spine has several front-to-back curves, maintaining balance and alignment over the hips and pelvis. Scoliosis is a complex deformity involving lateral curvature and vertebral rotation, which becomes more pronounced as the condition progresses.
Neuromuscular scoliosis is a curvature resulting from systemic conditions affecting the nervous and/or muscular systems, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. This type of scoliosis can lead to complex curvatures and may be accompanied by kyphosis, another spinal condition.
While some physicians define scoliosis as a curvature of 10 degrees or more, more pronounced symptoms, including gradual pain in various back regions, may develop with increased activity. Understanding the nature of scoliosis and its various forms is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
To further explore these conditions, please refer to the resources provided:
Scoliosis in Adults,
Posture and Back Health,
Degenerative Scoliosis,
Flatback Syndrome,
Spinal Deformities,
Scoliosis Radiology,
Scoliosis Conditions,
Scoliosis Overview, and
Degenerative Scoliosis Conditions.
