Forward or backward curvatures of a spine are normal, but are not normal when they form sideways in an S or C shape, making the person’s shoulders or waist appear asymmetrical.
Such deviations are measured in degrees. When the curvature is slight, it barely reaches 20 degrees; when it is moderate, it is in the range of 25 and 40 degrees and, when it is severe, it exceeds 50 degrees and is recognized in medical terms as scoliosis.
When scoliosis is not causing major problems, the person does not require treatment; But when symptoms such as low back pain, pain or numbness radiating to one of the legs, weakness in the leg, or signs such as a stooped posture appear, it is necessary to correct the curvature.
The first option for treatment is a non-surgical procedure, such as wearing a corset; but there are some cases in which the scoliosis acquires appearances of gravity, that require a surgical intervention.
Specialists in neurosurgery and treatments for the spine
Scoliosis begins to manifest during childhood and although in most cases the cause is unknown, it can be due to hereditary factors, conditions such as infantile cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or injuries or infections in the spine.
As mentioned above, most cases present mild, but in others, the curvatures worsen as children get older, until they become disabling. The biggest drawback comes from the fact that a curvature can reduce the space inside the chest and make it difficult for the lungs and heart to function.
It is also possible for an adult who suffered from scoliosis since childhood to suffer from chronic back pain. Also, when noticing that their hips and shoulders are uneven, the ribs appear prominent and the waist and trunk are shown sideways, it is possible that patients begin to have self-esteem problems due to their physical appearance.
Specialists in neurosurgery and treatments for the spine
Neurosurgeons, experts in spinal surgery, have the knowledge, skills and equipment necessary to diagnose and correct an abnormal curvature of the spine, through spinal surgery.
Technology provides us with specialized instruments to perform spinal surgery for scoliosis, through a minimally invasive procedure, through small incisions (instead of a large cut), which reduces postoperative pain and facilitates a faster recovery.
If you want more information about this condition, do not hesitate to contact me, I can help you with the diagnosis and treatment of the spinal surgery you need. I work in San José, and Alajuela, in Costa Rica.
