Scoliosis (cont.)
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
The most common symptom of scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine. Often
this is a mild change and may be first noticed by a friend or family member. It
can also be found on a routine school screening examination for scoliosis. Those affected may notice that their clothes do not fit as they did previously or that pant legs are longer on one side that the other.
Scoliosis may cause the head to appear off center or one hip or shoulder to
be higher than the opposite side. If the scoliosis is more severe, it can make it
more difficult for the heart and lungs to work properly. This can cause
shortness of breath and chest pain.
In most cases, scoliosis is not painful, but there are certain types of
scoliosis than can cause back pain. Additionally, there are other causes of back
pain, which your doctor will want to look for as well.
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
If you think you have scoliosis, you can see your doctor for an examination.
The doctor will ask questions, including if there is any family history of
scoliosis, or if you have had any pain, weakness, or other medical
problems.
The physical examination involves looking at the curve of the spine from the sides,
front, and back. The person will be asked to undress from the waist up to better
see any abnormal curves. The person will then bend over trying to touch their
toes. The doctor will also look at the symmetry of the body to see if the hips
and shoulders are at the same height. Any skin changes will also be identified
that can suggest scoliosis due to a birth defect.
The more growth that a person has remaining increases the chances of
scoliosis getting worse. As a result, the doctor may measure the person's height
and weight for comparison with future visits. Other clues to the amount of
growth remaining are signs of puberty such as the presence of breasts or pubic
hair and whether menstrual periods have begun in girls.
If the doctor believes you have scoliosis, you could either be asked to return
for an additional examination in several months to see if there is any change, or
the doctor may obtain X-rays of your back. If X-rays are obtained, the doctor can
make measurements from them to determine how large of a curve is present. This
can help decide what treatment, if any, is necessary. Measurements from future
visits can be compared to see if the curve is getting worse.
Next: How is scoliosis treated? »
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