What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often in an “S” or “C” shape. It can affect children (adolescent idiopathic scoliosis) and adults (degenerative scoliosis). Most cases are mild, but severe scoliosis can be disabling. At Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi, we provide expert scoliosis evaluation and management.
Types of Scoliosis
- Idiopathic Scoliosis (80%): No known cause, most common in adolescent girls
- Congenital Scoliosis: Abnormal vertebral development before birth
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis: Due to cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, etc.
- Degenerative Scoliosis: Adults, due to disc and facet joint degeneration
Symptoms
- Visible curve or lean to one side
- Uneven shoulders, hips, or waist
- One shoulder blade more prominent than the other
- Back pain (especially in adults)
- In severe cases: breathing difficulties
Diagnosis
Physical examination (Adam’s forward bend test), full-length spine X-ray for Cobb angle measurement. Curve <10°: normal variation. 10–25°: mild scoliosis. 25–45°: moderate. >45°: severe.
Treatment
Observation
For curves less than 25°. Regular monitoring every 6–12 months.
Bracing
For growing children with curves 25–45°. Boston or Rigo Chêneau brace worn 16–23 hours/day until skeletal maturity. Can prevent curve progression.
Physiotherapy (Schroth Method)
Scoliosis-specific physiotherapy exercises to address postural control and deformity correction.
Surgical Treatment
For curves >45–50° or rapidly progressing. Spinal fusion with instrumentation corrects the curve and prevents progression.
Expert scoliosis treatment at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042
