Scoliosis is a spinal condition that develops right after a child is born, but it starts to manifest during early puberty. Women are more likely to develop it than men due to anatomical reasons. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, finding a specialist for scoliosis in Las Vegas at McNulty Spine is the best idea. At the end of this article, you will learn how spine specialists determine the cause and design treatment plans depending on the condition’s severity.
Table of Contents
Diagnosis for scoliosis
To diagnose scoliosis, your doctor will conduct the following exams:
Ask questions to match your medical history
Your doctor may ask questions such as:
· When your pain started and how often it occurs
· If the pain is preventing you from doing your daily chores
Physical exam
Physical exams involve asking your child to stand and bend forward to verify if either side of the ribs protrudes more than the other.
Neurological exams
This type of exam is designed to assess muscle strength, numbness, and unusual reflexes. Your doctor may conduct imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI.
Treatment options for scoliosis
Scoliosis can be treated in several ways depending on your spine’s maturity, the curvature’s seriousness, and where the curve is located. They include:
Braces
For a doctor to recommend braces to correct your spine curvature means your skeletal structure has attained maturity, but for children, it is to prevent the spine’s curvature from progressing. The best part is braces have been improved. The new ones can fit under the arm.
Surgery
The primary goal of surgery is to prevent your spine’s curvature from getting worse. However, for adults whose spines have matured 40 degrees, surgery might be used to prevent the curve from progressing. Each surgical procedure is tailored differently depending on the seriousness of your condition.
Coping with scoliosis after treatment
If your doctor diagnosed you with scoliosis when you were a child, you might be required to undergo a second surgery. The type of surgery your doctor conducted several years ago might not effectively correct your spinal issue. Always work with your doctor to ensure that your spinal curvature does not progress.
Living with scoliosis does not need to be a painful venture. You can still go back to your regular duties as long as you do not strain your spine. If your child has scoliosis, get a supportive peer group to inform them about the condition and how to cope with it. And if you experience any pain while doing your tasks, seek help from a spine specialist.
A Spine Specialist Can Help You Navigate Life Effectively
If your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis, do not wait until it becomes worse to find a specialist. Create time to take your child for a regular well-child visit. If their school has a screening program for spinal conditions, make use of it. During the visit, you can inform your doctor about the symptoms your child could be experiencing. Remember to tell your doctor about your child’s medical history to speed up the diagnosis process. To learn more about scoliosis, schedule a visit with a spine specialist.