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Scoliosis is a medical term for an abnormal lateral curve in the spine (typically in the thoracic or mid-back region) that can cause deformity, chronic pain and reduced range of motion. For reasons not well understood, some babies are born with scoliosis (congenital), while other people develop it during their adolescent years (idiopathic). Scoliosis screenings are typically conducted on middle-school kids by resident nurses, but medical doctors, chiropractors and physiotherapists are also qualified to screen you for scoliosis. Screening involves flexing forward at the waist and looking for shoulder blade alignment. If one blade sticks up significantly more than the other, then a thoracic spine scoliosis is very likely.  Scoliosis screening is most important for adolescents because some relatively effective treatments exist during this developmental stage (such as bracing or implantation of metal rods), which can slow or stop the progression of the deformity. Adolescent girls have a greater risk of developing aggressive forms of scoliosis compared to boys. Lateral curves can occur virtually anywhere in the spine, but they are most common in the thoracic region. If it appears you have a lateral curve (scoliosis) in your spine, due to a positive screening or because your body looks lopsided in a mirror, then consult with your doctor or a medical specialist such as an orthopedist. As noted, mild scoliosis doesn't often cause symptoms, but the greater the deformity the greater the chances of spinal pain and dysfunction. Your doctor or orthopedist will thoroughly examine your spine and probably take spinal x-rays to better understand the extent of your issue. If appropriate, your doctor will also look for common adulthood causes of scoliosis, such as osteoarthritis, osteoporotic fractures, osteomalacia and herniated discs.  Your doctor may also recommend a CT scan, MRI or bone scan to better diagnose your spinal problem. Scoliosis runs in families and likely has a genetic component. As such, kids who have parents, brothers or sisters with scoliosis should have regular checkups and screenings. Spinal surgery should be considered as a last resort for the vast majority of people who have issues and pain in their spines, but it can be the first choice for an adolescent who has a rapidly progressive scoliosis. Surgery for scoliosis often involves fusing together two or more vertebrae with bone grafts and inserting a metal rod or other device for structural support.. The goal is to realign and fuse together the curved vertebrae so that they heal into a straight, solid segment. Keep in mind that surgery is used mainly to correct a curve or stop it from progressing while an adolescent is still growing, and not for adults who may have some scoliosis. However, spinal fusion surgery is appropriate for elderly adults who have osteoporotic fractures of the thoracic spine, which often gives them a hunchback appearance.   Metal rods (stainless steel or titanium) are used to hold the straightened spine in place until the bone fusion is complete. They are attached to the spine with screws, hooks, and/or wires and then often removed when the child becomes an adult. Potential complications from spinal surgery include infection (osteomyelitis), allergy to anesthesia, nerve damage / paralysis and chronic pain. Chiropractors and osteopaths are spinal specialists who tend to use natural, hands-on methods for treating spinal problems and other musculoskeletal issues. They can check your spine for any abnormalities such as unusual curves, restricted or malpositioned spinal facet joints and/or tight paraspinal muscles. If there is an issue in the spine, a type of physical manipulation called a spinal adjustment is used to reposition the facet joints and restore normal mobility. Spinal adjustments can't reverse moderate-to-severe scoliosis, but they can be important for maintaining normal spinal alignment and function.  Regular spinal treatments (perhaps monthly) from a chiropractor or osteopath is helpful for most causes of spinal pain and it promotes better posture. The popping or cracking sound of spinal adjustments is caused by pressure change in the joints, which results in nitrogen gas bubbles being released and imploding.
Get screened for scoliosis. Consult with your doctor or medical specialist. Talk to your doctor about spinal surgery. See a chiropractor or osteopath.