What are spinal deformities?

Spinal deformities occur when the spine curves or twists abnormally. There could be several reasons for this. A minor spinal deformity may only require a follow-up, but a more serious one requires conservative treatments or even surgery.

Most forms of spinal deformities often have issues concerning the curvature and torsion of the spine. Common adult spinal deformities include scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis.

This is medically known as kyphosis; the upper curve of the back always bends forward and can also have a hump-like appearance.
Swayback: Also known as lordosis; the lower back section curves inward rather than outward.
Scoliosis is actually a frontal deformity characterized by curvature to one side in case one views the spine straight on. Usually, this ends there when the skeleton stops growing but may progress slightly in adulthood as a result of degeneration of the disks.

What are the symptoms of spinal deformity?

Different deformities have different symptoms. They may take the form of:

Scoliosis, for example, can be characterized by this kind of pain: it can be situated in the upper spine and ribs. Uncorrected balance or inability to walk or stand is another symptom, as the body and head are positioned directly from where the spinal column is placed. Visual curvature: In kyphosis, the curvature of the upper back is visible, mainly the outer curve, and one of the shoulder blades or hips is higher than the other in the case of scoliosis.

No symptoms: The curves may not produce any symptoms in some patients with mild deformities.

Treatment (surgical or non-surgical) is required when certain spinal abnormalities result in discomfort, interfere with your everyday activities, or cause malfunction of the spinal cord or nerve roots.

What is the Cause of Spinal Deformity?

It is quite hard to conclude one single cause of scoliosis and other types of spinal deformities. Your past medical and health histories are vital factors, such as accidents, genetic defects, previous spine surgery, or diseases and illnesses. Some spinal deformities are congenital and diagnosed at birth.

How are spinal deformities diagnosed?

To diagnose a spinal deformity, a specialist would perform a physical examination and order x-rays of the spine. We might position the patient in certain positions, such as forward bend, just to see how the curvature moves and if it has some apparent causes. If there is a suspicion of an internal abnormality, we might send images such as MRI scans or CT scans to analyze the inner structure of the spine and its surrounding area.

What are treatments for spinal deformities?

Treatment of spinal deformities aims to eliminate or reduce pain, ease the stresses on the spine, prevent degradation of spinal structures such as disks and vertebrae, alleviate breathlessness in the case of respiratory involvement, and minimize the cosmetic appearance of the deformity.

Having established the best course of action, doctors consider whether the spinal deformity is stable or unstable. In such a case, intervention would not be considered if the curve isn't progressing and the symptoms aren't causing the patient too much of a problem. Specialists will keep watch over the curve and treat it when needed. Various physical therapies are also used to help treat spinal deformities by reorienting the spine and slowing down the advancement of the curve.

When to consider spinal surgery?

Surgery is considered when the curve is impinging on your organs in a symptomatic manner if the curve is progressing, or if pain increases and fails to improve with medical and conservative care. Spinal surgery includes mobilization and straightening of the spine followed by instrumentation with a spinal fusion to fix the spine in this position and prevent further advancement of the curve.

Neurosurgeons use a combination of screws, rods & bones obtained from another part of the body to encourage the formation of new bones in better positions.

Patients can expect recovery within two months after this surgery.

What are the risk factors for spinal deformities?

Many cases of scoliosis occur for no identifiable reason. However, a few known genetic conditions may put somebody at risk of developing scoliosis, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and achondroplasia, which affects cartilage.

Kyphosis risks include poor posture and fractures resulting from osteoporosis or injury.
Lordosis is also due to osteoporosis. Other causes include slipped vertebrae and obesity.

Is there a difference in treating spinal deformities in children, adults, and the elderly?

The cases are not the same between children and adults. Non-surgical treatments are normally chosen for this group of patients while they are still young and their bones are still developing. An example of a non-surgical treatment for a child is wearing a brace to guide the spine to proper positioning as it grows. The same non-surgical treatment applied to an adult would not be helpful since the spine's bone has already been stiffened into the position.

Osteoporosis is often the cause of deformity in older adults. The condition can be treated with calcium, hormone replacement therapy, or weight-bearing exercises. Bracing can be used as a non-surgical treatment for adults. This does not change the position of the spine but may ease pressure and pain. Orthotics, or shoe inserts, can reduce back pain in individuals whose legs have been affected by changes in the shape of the spine.