This eMedTV article provides several important facts about scoliosis, which is a sideways curvature of the spine. This page talks about scoliosis in detail, including information on how the condition can occur at any age and for no apparent reason.
Injury, tumors, and birth defects are causes of scoliosis. However, in many cases, the cause is unknown. This eMedTV segment discusses these and other factors that can lead to scoliosis, including information on how they are categorized.
As this eMedTV segment explains, common signs and symptoms of scoliosis can include a waist that seems lopsided and shoulders that are at a different height. This article discusses these and other scoliosis symptoms.
As this eMedTV page explains, in order to make a scoliosis diagnosis, your doctor will need to know your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order a number of tests, including an x-ray. This article explains how scoliosis is diagnosed.
Observation, bracing, and surgery are common treatments for scoliosis. As this page of the eMedTV archives explains, the type of treatment recommended will depend on factors such as the child's age and the type of scoliosis the child has.
The goal of scoliosis surgery is to balance the spine and stop the spine from continuing to curve. This eMedTV segment discusses this type of surgery in detail and provides a list of questions a person might want to ask before the surgery.
No specific exercises for scoliosis are proven to affect the natural course of the condition. As this eMedTV article explains, however, exercise is important for a person's overall well-being and is encouraged in people with scoliosis.
A scoliosis brace is used to keep a spinal curve from getting worse. This eMedTV Web page offers information about the different types of braces that are available, including what your healthcare provider will consider before making a recommendation.
