What is Idiopathic Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a general term used for a sideways bend in the spine. There is a lot of fear and misunderstanding on this topic so today we are here to set the record straight.
Idiopathic scoliosis is the term given to scoliosis without a known cause. It is much more common than most people think, around 1-2% of school-aged children and 8% of adults, making it the most common type of scoliosis. The degree of curvature in the spine can vary and is split into three main categories.
- Mild Scoliosis: curves ranging from 10-25 degree
- Moderate Scoliosis: 26-40 degree
- Severe Scoliosis: 50 degree and above
Long-term Effects of Scoliosis
In general, those with mild to moderate scoliotic curves that take good care of their spine do not experience serious health complications stemming from the curve. By middle age, there is a slightly increased risk of developing disc degeneration and back pain induced by the asymmetric load on the spine. But this rarely has any deleterious effects on one’s quality of life in terms of pain, functional status or mental health.
It is possible for the scoliosis to progress, with the risk increasing as the severity of the curve increases. There is a 10-20% risk of progression for mild scoliosis and up to 70% in moderate to severe scoliosis. On the other hand, the older you are when your scoliosis develops, the less likely there is going to be significant progression of the curve as you continue to develop.
More severe lumbar curves are at risk of developing spinal stenosis and radiculopathy, so curve progression should be monitored annually. Severe thoracic scoliosis can limit the expansion of the heart and lungs so curves greater than 60 degrees should be further assessed for additional testing to determine the extent of cardiopulmonary involvement.
Goal of Treatment
The main goal of adult idiopathic scoliosis treatment is to improve flexibility of the curve and the overall spinal function. Effective scoliosis treatment involves clinical improvements in pain and function by decreasing asymmetries in the trunk, pectoral girdles, pelvic girdle and lower limbs. In individuals with mild scoliosis, there is some evidence that conservative care on its own may decrease the severity of the curve but this has only been seen in a minority of patients. Thus, the focus of treatment is on curve flexibility and spinal function.
