4 Types of Scoliosis

Although scoliosis is most recognized by three particular varieties, it may manifest in four distinct forms. congenital, neuromuscular, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and adult degenerative scoliosis. These changes all have the same outcomes. They are all progressive in nature and affect a wide range of people at different ages. Here at Functional Wellness Center in Scottsdale, Arizona we see patients of all different ages and different types of scoliosis. We have the technology to properly analyze every individual to determine the proper treatment plan to help the best way possible. Let’s discuss the four different types of scoliosis that we commonly see.

#1. Congenital Scoliosis

A spinal curvature that people are born with is known as congenital scoliosis. In these situations, a bone malformation can cause a scoliosis to occur. Although experts are uncertain as to why individuals are born with bone anomalies in the first place, we know that incorrect bone formations can lead to spinal malformations. If you think of a healthy spinal cord as rectangles stacked on top of one another, like bricks, with congenital scoliosis, the one triangle-shaped brick causes the spine to tilt or bend.

#2. Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Neuromuscular scoliosis occurs in youngsters with medical conditions that interfere with the body’s ability to control muscles involved in spinal stability. Some of the most common medical conditions that cause neuromuscular scoliosis to develop include Marfan syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida.

The scoliosis that develops in most cases of neuromuscular scoliosis is secondary to the patient’s other medical problems. Let’s talk about some of these different medical conditions. First, Marfan syndrome is understood as a genetic disorder of the body’s connective tissue. It commonly affects tall and thin people with long limbs. Marfan patients are approximately 60% more likely to have scoliosis. While Marfan syndrome-related scoliosis is rarely severe, a growth spurt in a kid with Marfan can cause the condition to worsen. Next, Muscular dystrophy is a rare, progressive disease that affects the muscles that control limb movement, such as the arms, legs and torso. Scoliosis is a frequent ailment among those who have muscular dystrophy. 75%-90% of scoliosis cases that develop from Muscular Dystrophy are from the specific type known as Duchenne. Next, Cerebral Palsy is a disorder characterized by abnormal muscular coordination. Cerebral palsy occurs as a result of brain damage that occurred before or during delivery in many cases.

Children with cerebral palsy have a significantly higher chance of developing scoliosis than children who do not have this condition. They are most likely to develop the condition during their early years and into adolescence. The severity of scoliosis is strongly linked to the severity of cerebral palsy and can worsen beyond physical maturity. Last is Spina bifida which is a congenital spinal defect where a gap in the backbone exposes part of the spinal cord and its meninges. It can cause paralysis of the lower limbs and can also affect mental function.

Scoliosis affects approximately 50% of patients with spina bifida. Children with spina bifida are at an elevated risk for rapid progression and large spinal curvatures. During growth spurts, these individuals are closely monitored for progression.

#3. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

When most people think of scoliosis, a teenage girl comes to mind. The most typical age of identification for idiopathic scoliosis is between the ages of ten and eighteen. The later years of puberty are covered in this stage, which has the highest chance of progression because adolescent growth spurts are a major problem for this age group. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form of the condition, affecting 4-to-5 percent of adolescents. Idiopathic adolescent scoliosis is more common in women, and while the reasons aren’t fully understood, one popular hypothesis is that it’s related to postural maturity. Females have longer growth spurts in shorter time periods, which raises the chance of them getting adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

#4. Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adult idiopathic scoliosis makes up the fourth type of the condition. While many cases of adult scoliosis are extensions of adolescents who weren’t diagnosed and progressed into adulthood with the condition, adult idiopathic scoliosis cases are different. Those that do not have scoliosis during adolescence and then acquire it are said to have adult idiopathic scoliosis. Degenerative changes to the spine that come with aging are to blame in the vast majority of these situations. Under this umbrella, there are three subtypes of scoliosis that adults can develop: degenerative, traumatic, and pathological. First, Degenerative scoliosis develops as a result of the natural consequences of aging in older persons, causing abnormal spinal curvature. Next is traumatic scoliosis, these spinal deformities can develop as a result of accidents, according to some experts. They aren’t sure how bad a trauma is required to produce the condition, but incidents can induce spinal deformation. When tumors are present and pressing on the spine, it develops pathological scoliosis. Tumors may put pressure on the spine, causing a curvature to develop.

Conclusion

Scoliosis is the most common cause of spinal deformation in children. It can affect babies, youngsters, and teens. While this disease mostly affects children, it can also affect adults.

The three types of scoliosis recognized in children – congenital, neuromuscular, and adolescent idiopathic – are commonly known, but the adult variety is frequently neglected.

Regardless of what caused scoliosis to develop, the rate of progression is quite similar across the board, with growth being the most significant factor. Whether or not the reason for a patient’s condition is known, treatment is still very effective. At Functional Wellness Center in Scottsdale Arizona, we specialize in spinal curvature correction. We have the tools that allow us to help correct scoliosis curves using patient-specific in-office traction devices. The doctors are both certified in the technique called Chiropractic Biophysics, which makes them specialists when it comes to all different types of curvatures of the spine. If you have any further questions or would like to know more about our office, please visit our website at www.chiropractorscottsdale.com or give us a call at 480-933-7029 .

Functional Wellness Center
7555 E. Osborn Rd
Suite 102
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
www.chiropractorscottsdale.com
email: [email protected]