Baby Boomers and Scoliosis in Vacaville

Many adults would remember scoliosis as the thing they do during childhood when undergoing a physical examination on their gym class. However, scoliosis in Vacaville is not a pediatric condition. Curvature in the spine can also happen during adulthood, and osteoporosis that can accompany menopause is also a risk factor.

What is scoliosis in Vacaville?

Scoliosis happens when the spine is misshaped and projects a curved structure. It may not cause pain depending on the severity of the curvature. The reason why schools screen children during their elementary or junior years is because some parents are not aware that their children had it.

The range of symptoms may vary wherein it can be asymptomatic or can be debilitating, depending on the patient. It can rely on certain factors like the magnitude of the deformity and where the bend or special shape takes place.

What causes scoliosis in children?

This change happens when the baby is still in the growth process inside the womb, wherein a growth plate in the spine closes prematurely or if there is an extra piece. It is possible that scoliosis in older children and adolescents are due to genetics, but this claim has not been defined yet. But there are cases where certain diseases like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and Marfan syndrome (a connective tissue disorder) can predispose a child to scoliosis.

However, the most common one is called idiopathic scoliosis since there is no clear definition as to how and why it happened.

What causes scoliosis in adults?

Adults who had spine curvature as children can cause the development of severe arthritis in the spine next to their old curves. There are cases where osteoporosis can happen because of menopause or medications of people as they age, which can cause even more fractures. There is also a type of arthritis where the joints in the back start to wear out, in which it causes the spine to sag into a bad position.

How is scoliosis affecting baby boomers?

Baby Boomers understand adult scoliosis much better and are always seeking treatment aggressively compared to what the previous generations have been. There are a lot of older adults who are seeking corrective surgery for scoliosis especially women in the Baby Boomer age.

How is scoliosis treated?

The best approach is an initial treatment while ensuring a maximized patient's function. Even with the treatment, the patient must do whatever they can to remain as active as possible. This means that physical therapy is essential while adults should take medications that can treat osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

If any of these methods did not work, spinal surgery may be considered.

However, patients should know that surgery is known as an end-stage treatment. This painful procedure should only be done if the more basic treatments don't work at all.

In principle, the surgery in adults is the same with children wherein it focuses on treating spinal deformity. But due to the influence of age on healing and bone quality, adult scoliosis is a whole different experience.

It is worth noting that not all patients are qualified for scoliosis surgery. But if they are, successful surgery can improve their ability to move, help reduce the pain, and it can improve their self-image. Physical therapy is also important since it can build flexibility, stamina, and strength.

Can adults prevent scoliosis?

It is best to get enough calcium and vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis and if you do have it, better seek treatment right away. Women should need to take steps to prevent their bone health before menopause.

So, if you need to get yourself checked for scoliosis, you can get in touch with Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA. Just dial (707) 474-5688 and set yourself an appointment today.