Scoliosis is a common condition of the spine and I see it frequently in my practice. It is characterized by a curvature in the spine, usually from side to side. Although it is a complex three-dimensional deformity, on an X-ray, viewed from the rear, the spine of an individual with scoliosis may look more like an “S” or a “C” than a straight line. The amount of curvature can range from a barely noticable few degrees to nearly >70-80 degrees. Scoliosis is most often idiopathic (i.e. no-one knows what really causes it), but there are other types as well, that are less common. In the case of the most common form of scoliosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the cause may be attributed to a number of factors, including genetics. This condition affects approximately 7 million people in the United States.

back pain from scoliosis
  • Low back pain one of the most common complaints in adults with scoliosis
  • Estimated that 60-90% of people have suffered from low back pain
  • Annual incidence is estimated at 5%
  • The prevalence is no more associated in scoliotic patients than those of the general population
  • Attempts to look at severity of low back pain in patients with scoliosis
  • Some studies have suggested that the back pain in people with scoliosis is permanent and severe in nature, especially in cases of lumbar or thoraco-lumbar scoliosis
  • Complications of scoliosis at it’s worse involves cardiorespiratory distress, limited functional properties of the spine, and back problem
  • Common surgical option is surgical fusion with a Harrington Rod
  • Surgical outcome measures have often focuses on objective signs such as radiographic measurement of the angle of the curve (Cobb Angle)
  • Association of LBP with fusion is controversial

METHODS

  • Patients hospitalized in a Spine Rehabilitation Hospital with chronic low back pain
  • 50 patients with lumbar scoliosis and 50 control patients matched with age and gender
  • Patients were given interviews to determine the severity of their low back pain and examined according to a standardized spine exam, which involved the taking of x-rays, and measurement of angles such as Cobb and lumbar lordosis

RESULTS/CONCLUSION