Spinal Deformities: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments
The spine is an important part of your body, helping you stay erect and perform various bodily movements. It defines your body’s posture, providing your body the support it needs. So, a spine does and performs much more than you can imagine!
However, like every other body part, the spine too undergoes degeneration, due to various factors, weakening it and reducing its efficiency. These are called spinal deformities that feature abnormal curvatures, misalignments, restricted mobility, pain, and much more. Ignoring these signs and symptoms can culminate in even more severe conditions.
So, lately, if you’ve been experiencing spinal deformity-like signs and symptoms, you must know what’s causing them, and diagnose and treat them with experts.
What are Spinal Deformities?
Most of you must have seen what a healthy spine looks like. It has a slight curve to resemble the shape of an ‘S’. Spinal deformities change the spine’s curve or its alignment. The three primary types of spinal deformities include the following.
- Scoliosis
This condition features the spine curving to the side. Usually, scoliosis is diagnosed during childhood. However, in some cases, the condition may go undetected until adulthood. Adult-onset scoliosis may take place as the discs wear down and the spine weakens as a result of aging. If you don’t treat scoliosis promptly, it can lead to severe physical complications, extended up to the lungs and heart.
- Lordosis
This one involves an inward spinal curve. It is a congenital spinal deformity that can affect a developing fetus. However, the lordosis can develop at any age. Some risk factors for it include excess body weight or poor posture.
- Kyphosis
Kyphosis is characterized by an unusual outward spinal curve. The condition is more common in older women. The most common cause of kyphosis is a vertebral fracture resulting from osteoporosis. Nevertheless, the condition can affect anyone at any age.
While you’ve now seen the various spinal conditions, let’s look at what causes them.
Causes of Spinal Deformities
Spinal deformities can be the result of various factors and conditions. For instance, in some cases, it results from genetic predisposition. Such people have certain genes that increase the likelihood of developing a spinal deformity. Many others develop these deformities due to developmental issues during their childhood and adolescence. Additionally, other causes, including diseases, poor posture, injuries, sedentary lifestyles, etc., can also lead to spinal deformities.
How to Diagnose Spinal Deformities?
Understanding the underlying cause plays a crucial role in treating a spinal deformity. However, doing so requires accurate diagnosis. Thanks to advancements in diagnostic technology, the capabilities of which go beyond X-rays. Accordingly, let’s look at some ways through which you can diagnose spinal deformities.
- Physical Examination: Doctors look for some noticeable physical signs like uneven shoulders, waist, or hip levels that can indicate a spinal curvature. They may use a scoliometer that measures spinal curve angles.
- X-rays: A conventionally popular diagnostic technique, X-rays offer a clear view of the spine and help measure the curvature degree.
- EOS Imaging: EOS imaging offers 3D images of the spine and allows for full-body imaging with minimal radiation exposure. It is particularly beneficial for children who need regular monitoring.
- MRI and CT-Scan: These examinations offer more detailed images of the spine, particularly in cases where there’s nerve involvement, underlying conditions, or if the patient requires or plans to undergo surgery.
Spinal Deformities – Potential Treatment Options
Spinal conditions can be treated through various options. Experts diagnose the case to identify the underlying case and the degree of damage and devise a treatment plan accordingly. Some options include the following.
- Observation: Mild deformities may only need regular monitoring to restrict their progress, particularly in growing children.
- Physiotherapy: It involves a set of exercises that help strengthen muscles, support the spine, increase flexibility, enhance posture, and improve core strength. While helping increase mobility, physiotherapy, when done under the guidance of an expert can reduce discomfort and the risk of deformity.
- Bracing: Wearing a brace can decelerate the progression of scoliosis or other deformities while the bones are still growing.
- Pain Management: In some cases, over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections can help manage pain. However, it is best to consult an expert before taking these medicines.
- Surgery: Surgery is usually the last resort. However, it may become imminent in severe cases where deformities affect regular functioning and quality of life. Doctors can prescribe a range of surgical options like spinal fusion or vertebral body tethering to straighten and stabilize the spine.
Do you want to know more about spinal deformities, their causes, diagnosis, and treatments in your case? Then, visit us at Ranka Hospital to get all your questions answered and receive a personalized course of treatment. Call us at +91 – 20 – 24261530 to schedule a consultation appointment.
