Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that typically affects the mid-back and the spine’s appearance of the individual. It can be mild, moderate or severe.
When scoliosis is detected early and monitored over time, most of the times, it doesn’t progress rapidly. Early detection and diagnosis may help in planning an appropriate treatment strategy that can reduce the progression of scoliosis or halt progression completely. In this blog, we will be discussing what scoliosis is and how it’s diagnosed. We will also discuss the different types of scoliosis like idiopathic scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis, etc., early detection of the disorder and treatments for it like surgery and bracing.
What Is Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a condition in which the spine twists and rotates during growth causing a spinal curve. It’s most common in girls between the ages of 10 and 15. AIS can cause pain, difficulty walking, and the curvature may continue to progress until growth has stopped.
To diagnose AIS, your doctor may order standing x-rays or an upright MRI of the spine. Your doctor will also perform an assessment of your child’s physical and mental health and lifestyle factors. They may also order a genetic test and/or neuro-hormonal tests to rule out other conditions.
The diagnosis of AIS is based on the diagnosis criteria developed by the International Classification of Spinal Deformities (ICSD). The Cobb angle is a measurement used to evaluate amount of scoliosis. It describes the curve of the spine on x-ray. This measurement determines if the doctor will only observe the child for the next 6 months, it they will be fitted with a specially designed brace, or recommended for spinal fusion (scoliosis surgery) in severe scoliosis cases.
The ICSD criteria are widely accepted by health care professionals around the world, but DNA testing could eventually replace them if it becomes more available.
Who gets pediatric scoliosis?
Adolescent scoliosis is a spinal deformity condition that affects children and adolescents. It typically occurs between the ages of 10-18, with a peak onset at age 11-14. AIS can often be detected by physical exam or X-ray imaging. However, to diagnose AIS with certainty, it requires measuring the Cobb angle, which measures the curve in degrees. The traditional method of diagnosing AIS involves measuring the Cobb angle, but recent advances in genetic testing have allowed for the detection of AIS using DNA analysis. This type of testing has been found to be more accurate than traditional methods and could potentially replace the Cobb angle as the primary diagnostic tool for AIS.
What causes pediatric scoliosis?
Adolescent scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis and typically affects children between the ages of 10 and 18. The cause of it is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Currently, diagnosis and treatment for AIS involves scoliosis exercises and the use of a brace or surgery. However, advancements in DNA testing have made it possible for doctors to identify mutations in certain genes that are associated with scoliosis, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment with nutrient therapies.
DNA testing has revolutionized the way doctors diagnose and treat scoliosis by identifying mutations in certain genes that are associated with the condition. With early detection, patients can undergo intensive physical therapy (and potentially brace treatments) to help prevent further curve progression.
What are the symptoms of pediatric and adolescent scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to twist and curve to one side. Scoliosis (AIS) is the most common type of scoliosis and affects children between the ages of 10 and 18. Common symptoms include uneven shoulders, one hip being higher than the other, and an abnormal curve in the spine.
Adolescents with scoliosis often experience pain and physical limitations as a result of the condition. Treatment possibilities for AIS vary depending on the size of the curve and may include surgery, physical therapy, or a combination of both. DNA testing has become an alternative method for diagnosis and monitoring of AIS cases. This type of testing provides more detailed information about a patient’s scoliosis progression compared to traditional methods like the Cobb angle, which is a commonly used method to detect scoliosis.
How is pediatric and adolescent scoliosis diagnosed?
Mild scoliosis occurs when the spine curves between 10 and 25 degrees; this is a mild condition that does not require a back brace, but does qualify for the diagnosis of scoliosis.
However, scoliosis can progress to more severe cases, known as progressive scoliosis. This type of scoliosis is often genetic and can cause the spine to curve to 25-50 degrees. Genetic testing is available for scoliosis, allowing physicians to identify individuals with the condition and monitor their progression. In addition to genetic testing, physical examination and diagnostic imaging are used to diagnose and monitor scoliosis.
Finally, DNA testing can be used to detect genetic markers associated with scoliosis. This test can provide important information about the cause of scoliosis, the severity of the curvature, the individual’s risk of developing the condition, early diagnosis, and recommendations for scoliosis specific supplements.
How Do Doctors Detect Scoliosis in Kids and Teens?
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine develops curves, causing the body to appear twisted or bowed. It is characterized by a slouched posture, sometimes severe pain, and impaired mobility in adults.
Doctors (Orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons) typically check for scoliosis by looking for a curve in the spine, as well as any muscle imbalances. The Cobb angle is used to measure the degree of spinal curvature. DNA testing can be used to identify genetic markers related to scoliosis in children and adolescents. With this method, it is possible to pinpoint specific genes associated with the condition and understand why certain individuals are more prone to developing scoliosis than others. Besides, the test can provide a better understanding of why certain individuals are more prone to developing scoliosis than others, helping caregivers and healthcare providers tailor treatment plans specifically for each individual patient.
Genetic testing for scoliosis
Genetic testing for scoliosis is a fairly new and innovative practice that uses DNA testing to provide insight on the cause of scoliosis. With the rise of genetic testing, doctors are now able to identify the root of a child’s scoliosis condition with greater accuracy. ScoliSMART is the only treatment protocol that utilizes DNA testing for scoliosis and recommends personalized nutrient therapies for each patient’s unique genetic makeup!
To learn more about how to treat the whole scoliosis condition and not only the curve, connect with our passionate providers at ScoliSMART. To explore a non-brace/ non-surgical treatment for your child’s scoliosis problem, you may schedule a no-cost Zoom or phone consultation with a ScoliSMART doctor. Please get in touch with us today! In general, genetic testing of scoliosis involves collecting a small sample of the child’s saliva for analysis. This test will look at the genes responsible for the development of scoliosis and provide valuable insight into its underlying cause. The advantages of DNA testing include providing a more precise diagnosis than traditional methods such as Cobb angle, which can result in faster and more accurate treatment planning.
What are the different types of scoliosis?
Idiopathic Scoliosis
This is the most common type of scoliosis, and it is typically diagnosed in children aged 10-15. The condition is caused by an unknown factor and can cause the spine to curve to the left or right. The Cobb Angle is a measurement used to determine the degree of curve in scoliosis patients. DNA testing has been proposed as an alternative method of diagnosis, but it is still not widely used at this time. As with all new technology, more research is being to be conducted on DNA testing to predict onset of the condition and replace the use of the Cobb Angle.
Congenital Scoliosis (infantile scoliosis)
Congenital scoliosis is a type of scoliosis that is present at birth, because of undeveloped vertebrae. While the DNA test cannot replace the traditional Cobb angle for this type of scoliosis, it may provide valuable insight into other related health issues.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Neuromuscular scoliosis is a condition that affects the nervous system or muscles (such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy) and causes a person’s spine to curve. This type of scoliosis is not related to the patient’s genetics and have the highest risk of scoliosis surgery for large curves.
Early Detection Is Key
– DNA testing for scoliosis is a promising new method of diagnosis. It is gaining popularity because it can provide an earlier and more accurate diagnosis than traditional Cobb angle measurements. If used correctly, this method can also identify cases with mild scoliosis and scoliosis that has been previously undiagnosed, allowing for the capture of early signs and preventing progression to more severe cases.
– The potential advantages of using DNA testing for scoliosis compared to traditional Cobb angle measurements include the following:
– The test results and signs of scoliosis are easy to interpret: the test result indicates whether the genetic markers are present or absent, giving physicians a simple way to quickly determine if a child will develop scoliosis or not
– DNA tests are less invasive: a child only needs to undergo the test once in his or her lifetime rather than multiple times as with the traditional method.
Screening for Scoliosis
DNA tests can detect scoliosis in its early stages, before physical signs of the condition are visible. Researchers have found that these tests can identify scoliosis prior to any sign of a spine curve. In addition, DNA testing can be more accurate and cost-effective than x-ray imaging techniques or other methods used to diagnose scoliosis. It can also avoid the risk of radiation exposure and surgical complications associated with imaging methods.
It is vital that people living with scoliosis still receive regular physical checks to ensure that the condition isn’t progressing and that they are receiving appropriate treatment to address any issues related to it. DNA testing is a powerful tool that can help identify cases of scoliosis early on and provide accurate treatments for those suffering from this condition.
How to Determine a Treatment Plan
The main type of scoliosis is idiopathic, which is hereditary (a family history of scoliosis). A person has the condition because of variants in genes that can lead to a curve in the spine which can be treated with nutrient therapies and scoliosis exercises.
A doctor may recommend genetic testing to detect scoliosis-related genes or mutations in those genes. Genetic testing may help doctors identify the best treatment for their patient and tailor it to his or her specific needs.
There are many treatment options for scoliosis, including surgery, physical therapy (physical therapist focusing on pediatric spine care or scoliosis Chiropractor), bracing until skeletal maturity, and nutritional supplements. It’s vital that a patient discuss all treatment options with his or her doctor before making any decisions.
Alternative Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Treatment
AIS is a condition that causes the spine to curve abnormally. In order to diagnose and treat AIS, doctors often use Cobb angle measurements to measure the severity of the curve. However, this method requires patients to be X-rayed multiple times and can be costly and time-consuming. DNA testing has recently been proposed as an alternative for diagnosis and treatment planning in cases of AIS. This method of testing can provide a more accurate diagnosis, allowing for better targeted treatments for patients. DNA testing may also reduce the amount of radiation exposure associated with traditional x-rays and CT scans. By reducing the radiation exposure and making treatment decisions based on more accurate information, DNA testing may help improve the outcomes of patients with AIS.
Online consultation scheduling is available!
Now it’s even easier to connect with ScoliSMART. Schedule your no-cost, no-obligation phone or Zoom consultation online with a ScoliSMART physician. Visit the ScoliSMART BootCamp page and click the “Schedule Online” button at the top of the page. Then select the best date and time to connect with a physician. Schedule your consultation right here!
We hope the above-mentioned points help you understand the basics of scoliosis and the treatment opportunities for scoliosis. Understanding the condition better will help you bond with your child and make him or her feel more comfortable about their condition. Remember, the earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat scoliosis and manage its progression! Want to know more? Reach out to our ScoliSMART experts for a no cost phone or Zoom consultation.
