MAY 2010 NEWSLETTER Sinus Self Care Archives Scoliosis Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. The scoliosis can be a single curve of the neck, thorax or lumbar curves or can involve them all. If one views a normal spine from behind, it should essentially be straight with both right and left side of the body being symmetrical. With scoliosis the spine will have a curve or curves in it. Most easily recognized is usually a thoracic curve, although there may be curves in the lumbar and or cervical spine. See x-ray Sc 1 and link www.nlm.nih.gov True Scoliosis One can be born with a scoliosis (congenital), however most often they develop during pre- adolescence for no apparent reason. See link www.nlm.nih.gov If detected early the curve is usually monitored and treated with exercise. Once a curve increases to a moderate size and bony maturity has not been reached, treatment can involve a hard plastic body jacket and exercise. See link www.nlm.nih.gov If the curve still continues to increase despite conservative treatment and bony maturity has not yet been reached, surgical straightening and fixation with a rod is usually recommended. See link www.nlm.nih.gov The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Movementwise makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, currentness, or timeliness of the content, text or graphics. Links to other sites are provided for information only - they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Copyright 2006