The spine should be upright and form a straight line, but the spine curves in an S or C shape. What is scoliosis?is a condition characterized by a side-to-side curvature of the spine. This condition usually occurs during adolescence or childhood, but can occur in individuals of any age.

What is Scoliosis and What are its Types?

It is a condition characterized by the spine curving from side to side. The spine should be upright and form a straight line. However, in this case, the spine shows an S or C-shaped curvature. It can create both physical and aesthetic problems. Early diagnosis and treatment are important as it can be a progressive condition.

Idiopathic is the most common type and its causes are usually unknown. It usually occurs during puberty. Idiopathic develops after birth and is often not noticed in childhood. In this type, the progression of the curve usually accelerates during puberty. It can lead to serious problems if left untreated.

Congenital is present at birth and results from structural abnormalities of the spine. This type occurs when the vertebrae develop differently than normal. Congenital is usually diagnosed shortly after birth and can be progressive. This type often requires surgical intervention.

Neuromuscular is a type that develops as a result of nerve and muscle diseases. Conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy can lead to this type. Neuromuscular usually progresses more quickly and the treatment process can be complex. In this type, treatment usually includes physical therapy, orthopedics and surgery.

The irregular is a condition seen in older individuals. It is usually caused by factors such as osteoporosis or disc degeneration. This type occurs as a result of the natural aging process of the spine. Although the irregular is usually less obvious, it can be progressive and cause lower back or back pain.

Postural is usually caused by posture disorders and incorrect sitting positions. This type can develop over time due to bad habits. It is usually seen at a young age and is easy to treat. This type is usually corrected with posture correction exercises and physical therapy.

Traumatic is caused by trauma or injury. Fractures or injuries to the spine can cause this type. Treatment usually depends on the severity of the injury and may require surgery.

What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

One of the most obvious symptoms is a height difference in one of the shoulders. Patients may observe that one shoulder is higher than the other. This condition scoliosis It is an important sign of its presence.

• Asymmetry in the hip area stands out as one of the other symptoms. The individual may feel that one of their hips is higher than the other. This asymmetry can lead to problems such as back pain over time.
• It is a common condition for the waist to bend to one side. This condition affects the person's posture, causing the spine to bend to the side. Curvature in the waist can negatively affect the patient's daily life.
• It can disrupt an individual's posture. Postural deformity can affect a person's walking and sitting, creating additional stress on the musculoskeletal system over time. Long-term posture deformity can lead to waist and back pain.
• In severe cases, the curvature of the spine can affect the capacity of the lungs. This can cause difficulty breathing. It can limit an individual's level of physical activity. However, this condition is less common and is usually seen in its more advanced forms.
• It can cause significant changes in the skin in some individuals. For example, skin depression or asymmetry may be seen in the area where the curvature is. This may cause aesthetic concerns.
• It can create additional load on the muscles as it affects the body's balance. This can lead to a feeling of fatigue and muscle weakness in daily activities. The individual can tire more quickly than normal.

In advanced cases, individuals may experience balance issues. Instability of the spine can lead to difficulty walking.

How is Scoliosis Treated?

Light scoliosis In cases of scoliosis, doctors usually recommend regular monitoring. Especially for children and adolescents, it is monitored whether the curvature progresses during the growth process. If the curvature is 20 degrees or less, it is monitored with regular check-ups without the need for treatment.

To prevent the progression of the curve, it is recommended that patients use a special corset. It is an effective treatment option especially for children in the growth period. The corset aims to prevent the progression of the curve by keeping the spine in a proper position. Corset treatment is usually applied for 16-23 hours a day and is re-evaluated as the patient grows.

Physical therapy plays an important role in treatment. Physical therapists recommend strengthening exercises and posture correction to individuals. These exercises are used to provide muscle balance, reduce pain, and increase overall mobility. Physical therapy can be effective, especially in mild cases that do not require surgical intervention.

Surgery is generally recommended when the curve is 40 degrees or more, and when there is pain or loss of function. Surgery aims to improve the patient's quality of life and stop the progression of the curve. However, the risks of surgery and the recovery process should be carefully considered.

What is scoliosis?, is a sideways curvature of the spine. Treatment should be planned according to the individual's specific needs and the severity of the condition. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods can prevent progression.