What is scoliosis, what are the symptoms of Princess Eugenie’s back condition and how is it treated?
In around 80 per cent of cases, doctors can’t identify the cause of scoliosis
SCOLIOSIS is a condition that causes the curvature or twisting of the spine.
While the ailment is relatively unknown, it isn’t uncommon and can affect people of any age. So what is scoliosis and is there a cure?
What is scoliosis?
A twist or curve of the spine to one side has been medically defined as scoliosis.
Although the condition most commonly affects children aged 10-15, it can strike people of any age.
It’s unlikely for cases of scoliosis to improve without surgery, so it’s always important to contact your GP if you or your children spot tell-tale symptoms.
What causes scoliosis?
In around 80 per cent of cases, doctors can’t identify the cause of scoliosis.
Despite this, there are some triggers of the condition…
- Congential scoliosis: When the spinal bones don’t form properly in the womb
- Neuromuscular scoliosis: It may be an after-effect of a muscle or nerve condition, such as cerebral palsy
- Degenerative scoliosis: Where the spine is damaged because of general wear and tear that comes with age
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
Back pain is a common symptom of scoliosis, especially for adult sufferers.
outlines six other signs to look out for…
- a visibly curved spine
- leaning to one side
- uneven shoulders
- one shoulder or hip sticking out
- the ribs sticking out on one side
- clothes not fitting well
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
If you spot these symptoms, it’s important to visit your local GP.
After the medical expert has examined the back, they may then refer you to a hospital for an X-ray to confirm a diagnosis.
This test will determine just how severe the curvature of the spine is and if it needs to be treated.
What are the treatments for scoliosis?
Contrary to popular belief, surgery is not prescribed to patients in the majority of cases.
Treatment tends to vary depending on the age of the patient and how severe the condition is.
Often, babies and toddlers won’t need treatment as there is a possibility that the scoliosis may improve with time.
Fitting them with a brace or plaster cast can also prevent the spinal irregularity from worsening.
Older children may be prescribed a surgery to straighten out the spine – an operation that tends to be carried out after they stop growing.
Very occasionally, adult patients will be advised to have an op.
But in the majority of cases, they are prescribed pain relief medication and spinal injections.
How does scoliosis affect lives?
While some cases are more severe, the majority of people diagnosed with scoliosis are able to live normal lives – including partaking in exercise including squats, crunches, back extensions and foam roller balancing.
The condition also doesn’t tend to cause long-term or significant pain.
Despite this, some patients turn to support groups, including Scoliosis Association UK, as they feel self-conscious about the curve to their spine.
latest health q&as
Who are famous sufferers of scoliosis?
- Britain's Got Talent finalist Julia Carlile had scoliosis and needed two operations, in the USA, at a cost of £175,000.
- Usain Bolt suffered from an abnormal curvature of the spine but managed to compensate for it by strengthening his back muscles
- Princess Eugenie was diagnosed with the spinal condition at 12 years old, when doctors at the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital told her she'd need a corrective procedure to fix the misalignment. She had 8-inch titanium rods inserted into each side of her spine and 1.5-half inch screws at the top of her neck to correct the curve.
- Former Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar runs on a treadmill and does Pilates to help her scoliosis.
- Love Island's Gabby Allen had major spinal surgery to insert two metal rods either side of her spine, which had curved severely due to scoliosis.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.