What does thoracolumbar scoliosis mean?
What does thoracolumbar scoliosis mean?
Basic anatomy of the spine divides it into three main sections: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. If a person is diagnosed with ‘thoracolumbar’ scoliosis, this means their spinal curvature includes the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine.
What are the symptoms of thoracolumbar scoliosis?
Signs and symptoms of scoliosis may include:
- Uneven shoulders.
- One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other.
- Uneven waist.
- One hip higher than the other.
- One side of the rib cage jutting forward.
- A prominence on one side of the back when bending forward.
What causes mild thoracolumbar scoliosis?
Although abnormal curvatures can develop anywhere in a person’s spinal column, dextroscoliosis tends to occur in the middle and upper portions of the spine (thoracic spine). Scoliosis can be caused by neuromuscular conditions, connective tissue disorders, and genetic conditions.
How is the diagnosis of thoracolumbar scoliosis made?
Diagnosis of Thoracolumbar Scoliosis Medical history & physical exam where the doctor also looks for any neurological deficits present as a result of thoracolumbar scoliosis. X-ray of the spine helps in confirming the diagnosis and also helps in assessing the severity of the spinal curvature.
What causes the curvature of the thoracolumbar spine?
The underlying cause of the curvature of thoracolumbar scoliosis. The presence of other diseases or medical conditions, such as neuromuscular disorders. The overall health and age of the patient. If the functions of the body, such as breathing, are affected by thoracolumbar scoliosis.
Can a pregnant woman cause thoracolumbar scoliosis?
Causes of Thoracolumbar Scoliosis. Pregnancy: In some cases, thoracolumbar scoliosis occurs in pregnant women as the physiological changes in pregnancy can sometimes cause fusion of the bones of the ribcage, which ultimately pulls on the thoracolumbar area of the spine forming the curvature.
What do you need to know about scoliosis?
Scoliosis affects millions of people around the world and is defined as a sideways curvature of the spine, coupled with spinal rotation. As the spine bends, curves, and rotates in multiple directions, scoliosis is described as a 3-dimensional condition.
Can you cure scoliosis without surgery?
Many cases of idiopathic scoliosis can be cured without surgery. Since scoliosis is defined as a lateral deviation of the spine exceeding 10 degrees, a cure is considered to be any treatment that is able to reduce scoliosis to under 10 degrees.
What is the best treatment for scoliosis?
Surgery is frequently deemed to be the best treatment for scoliosis for adults, children with severe curves, and people of all ages with neuromuscular disorders. A team of skilled surgeons can conduct a very delicate procedure to fuse vertebrae together, which prevents a curve from getting worse.
What is thoracic and lumbar scoliosis?
Thoracic Scoliosis. Thoracic scoliosis describes curvature positioned in the middle, or thoracic, part of the spine. It is the most common location for scoliosis curves, and often includes deformity of the rib cage and spine. As the rib cage develops asymmetrically, one shoulder may become lifted or one leg may appear longer than the other.
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
In adults, scoliosis causes symptoms like these: Uneven shoulders and/or hips. Bump in the lower back. Numbness, weakness, or pain in the legs. Trouble walking. Trouble standing up straight.