The Greek word skoliós , which can be translated as "twisted" , became skolíōsis and entered scientific Latin as scoliosis . In our language, the idea led to scoliosis , a concept used in medicine to refer to the lateral deviation of the spine .
To understand what scoliosis is, therefore, we first have to know what the spine is. This is what the axis of the skeleton of vertebrate beings is called. The spine is made up of vertebrae , which are short bones aligned and articulated with each other.
When the spine registers a C- or S- shaped curvature, it is called scoliosis. This disorder can be linked to a neuromuscular problem (as a symptom of another disease ), be congenital (caused by an abnormality that occurs before birth), or be idiopathic (its cause cannot be determined).
Upon reaching skeletal maturity, the risks of suffering from severe scoliosis are reduced. On the other hand, when the patient has not yet reached this point in their development, the progression of scoliosis can continue, worsening the effects .
Since the curvature of the spine can be observed without the help of instruments or medical devices, it is important for parents to monitor this fundamental part of their children during the first years of development . Simply ask them to lean forward, so that the bones protrude and it is easy to understand their direction, and then run a finger along their entire length.
Another sign of scoliosis is a lack of uniformity in the height of the shoulders. Since it is so important to detect this problem early, in many primary schools a specific control is carried out on ten and eleven year old students. Likewise, pediatricians often check their patients' backs as part of their routine at each visit, even if scoliosis is not the main topic of the consultation .
To demonstrate the defects in the curvature of the spine so characteristic of scoliosis, the doctor usually asks the patient to lean forward and touch their toes with their hands, but also to stand in different positions. If you have suspicions and cannot prove the case by observation, you will likely recommend an x-ray .
Treatment varies according to the characteristics of the deviation and the patient . In the case of a mild curvature, the doctor is usually responsible for carrying out periodic observations and check-ups . If the scoliosis progresses or is moderate, the use of a corset can be used. More serious conditions, on the other hand, may require surgical intervention to fuse bones or install a metal implant.
As for physiotherapy and physical exercise , although there is no scientific demonstration of the specific effects on scoliosis, they are beneficial to preserve bone strength and improve general condition .
Many people have scoliosis and never realize it, since mild cases usually do not cause pain or other disorders. At the other extreme are severe cases, which sometimes hinder the functioning of the heart and lungs.
In the case of pregnant women, the complication of carrying the child is added, both during pregnancy and after delivery. The situation can be especially worrying if the children are born with a considerable weight. Although there are many accessories that help mothers reduce their efforts, none of them protect them one hundred percent, which is why scoliosis treatments cannot be completely effective.