Congenital Scoliosis

When an individual is born with a defect in the spine, he or she is said to be suffering from "congenital scoliosis". This ailment is marked by a lateral curving of the spine, hampering its longitudinal development. In this article, we will be looking at some of the causes and treatements of congenital scoliosis.

Causes of congenital scoliosis

Abnormalities in the formation of spinal tissue segments result in problematic vertebral development, in turn this causes congenital scoliosis. Studies have proven that congenital scoliosis is not likely a be a result of hereditary issues. As a matter of fact, twins are highly unlikely to suffer from the same disease even if they sahre the same heredity. But there’s research that suggest environmental factors like smoking and drug abuse by pregnant women can cause the development of this type of scoliosis among their children. Generally speaking girls are more likely to have congenital scoliosis than boys.

Diagnosing congenital scoliosis

Congenital scoliosis is known to be hard to detect unless x-rays are used. Usually, its detection is accidental and occurs when x-rays are taken for another ailment. The fact that only a handful of children are born with this defect worsens the situations as doctors hardly ever think of it as a potential disease when dealing with a new born.

For all these reasons and other, congenital scoliosis is often diagnosed at a later age.

Treating congenital scoliosis

While it does not bring pain to the patient, there are only a few cases wherein such scoliosis did not worsen over time. Scoliosis Braces can help, although most patients suffering from congenital scoliosis undergo surgical treatment to rectify their condition and in certain cases a second operation is also needed to improve the health of the patient.

Experts also recommend using braces after the surgery in order to protect the spine. Additionally patients have to be examined for other prospective ailments as well, since those with congenital scoliosis are likely to have spinal cord, kidney, and heart problems too.

As with most diseases, early detection is key to an easier and more effective curing process, congenital scoliosis is no exception to that rule. Thus, parents noticing signs like a little hump located on the rib should notify a doctor as quickly as they can.