Patients aged from 18 or older are less likely to worsen their case due to their mature spines and body system. Pain is often common in adulthood, especially if the scoliosis is left untreated. Though doctors do not always recommend surgery as the solution to scoliosis, it is still the most efficient way to completely strengthen the spine. Scoliosis surgery is often performed for cosmetic reasons rather than pain alone as the surgery cannot guarantee pain loss but it can stabilize a curvature and prevent worsening therefore improving one's quality of life. Pain can occur because the muscles try to conform to the way the spine is curving often resulting in muscle spasms. Some of the severe cases of scoliosis can lead to diminishing lung capacity, putting pressure on the heart, and restricting physical activities.
The symptoms of scoliosis can include:
- Uneven musculature on one side of the spine
- A rib "hump" (Pectus carinatum) and/or a prominent shoulder blade, caused by rotation of the ribcage in thoracic scoliosis
- Uneven hip, rib cage, and shoulder levels
- Asymmetric size or location of breast in females
- Unequal distance between arms and body
- Slow nerve action (in some cases)
- Different heights of the shoulders
Further Reading
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"Scoliosis"
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