Is structural or functional scoliosis more common?
Structural scoliosis is by far the most common category of scoliosis. It involves spinal rotation in addition to the side-to-side curvature of the spine. This type of scoliosis affects the spine’s structure and is considered permanent unless the spine receives treatment.
Can functional scoliosis be fixed?
Functional scoliosis is treated by correcting the underlying problem. The spine itself needs no treatment. Functional scoliosis is also called nonstructural scoliosis as opposed to structural scoliosis in which there is a fixed curve of the bones of the spine (the vertebrae).
Can you fix non structural scoliosis?
This is caused by an underlying condition such as a difference in leg length, muscle spasms, or inflammatory conditions, (e.g. appendicitis), which may produce muscle spasm. Correcting the underlying problem treats this type of scoliosis. The spine itself needs no treatment.
What causes functional scoliosis?
Functional scoliosis is when the patient appears to have a curve in their spine but it is actually caused by another condition, such as a difference in leg length or a muscle spasm.
How can you tell if scoliosis is functional or structural?
If a person with functional scoliosis were to lay down or bend forward, the scoliotic curve would likely go away with the position change; whereas with structural scoliosis, there is no change of position that will make the curvature go away.
How do you know if you have structural scoliosis?
One simple way professionals determine if a curve is a true scoliosis or a posture problem is to have the patient lie down. If the curve is still present when the individual is lying down, it is likely a true scoliosis and not a functional scoliosis or a posture related curve.
Can functional scoliosis be corrected in adults?
While adult scoliosis can be managed through active treatment, no form of the condition can be fully ‘corrected’, meaning ‘cured’. This is because as a progressive and incurable condition, scoliosis is virtually guaranteed to get worse over time.
Is non structural scoliosis reversible?
Non-structural scoliosis are lateral curvatures of the spine caused by reversible changes to posture and function. They can be straightened voluntarily or when in a non-weight bearing position. They are typically caused by pain, muscle spasm, pelvic torsion or a difference in leg length.
How is structural scoliosis treated?
Mild scoliosis is often managed simply with exercise, medical observation, scoliosis-specific physical therapy, and chiropractic treatment from a chiropractic scoliosis specialist. For some people with scoliosis, yoga or pilates is also recommended to decrease their pain level and increase flexibility.
What are the 4 types of scoliosis?
While people are most familiar with three main types of scoliosis, there are actually four types that can develop: congenital, neuromuscular, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and adult de novo scoliosis.
What are the different types of scoliosis curves?
There are four main types of scoliosis curves or patterns. The most common is the thoracic curve afflicting the upper back. A lumbar curve affects the lower back. A curve that runs the entire length of the spire is thoracolumbar , and a double major curve bends the back to the left and the right.
What is the degree of scoliosis?
Degrees of scoliosis are based on how much curvature of the spine has occurred. Degrees of scoliosis ranging between 20 and 50 are considered moderate.
What can scoliosis cause?
While most people with scoliosis have a mild form of the disorder, scoliosis may sometimes cause complications, including: Lung and heart damage. In severe scoliosis, the rib cage may press against the lungs and heart, making it more difficult to breathe and harder for the heart to pump.
What is temporary scoliosis?
Nonstructural scoliosis involves a temporary change of spinal curvature. This is caused by an underlying condition such as a difference in leg length, muscle spasms, or inflammatory conditions, (e.g. appendicitis), which may produce muscle spasm.