What are the types of scoliosis?

1. Idiopathic scoliosis
2. Congenital scoliosis
3. Neuromuscular scoliosis
4. Adult de Novo Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition wherein there is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Symptoms include uneven shoulders, waist, hip, and rib cage. People with scoliosis often have a spine in a “C” or an “S” shape. Often, the cause of this condition doesn’t have an identifiable cause. But it can occur due to birth defects in the spinal bones, spinal injuries, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy. If you want to know the types of scoliosis, keep on reading.

Idiopathic Scoliosis

Idiopathic means that there is no definite cause of scoliosis. It often occurs in adolescents, but it can happen to adults as well. Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type, and is often mild and requires no treatment. But early diagnosis is vital so it can also be treated early—which can help reduce the need for surgery.

Idiopathic scoliosis is further categorized into three types:

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis: This is diagnosed from birth to 3 years old. Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis: This is diagnosed between 3 to 9 years old. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: This is diagnosed between 10 to 18 years old.

Congenital Scoliosis

Unlike idiopathic scoliosis, congenital scoliosis is caused by spinal abnormalities before birth. The fetus develops a bone malformation, has underdeveloped bones, or has one or more spinal bones missing. This is a rare type of scoliosis that affects 1 in 10,000 infants. As abnormal curvature develops in the womb, congenital scoliosis is often the earliest to be diagnosed. The curves are usually more rigid than in idiopathic scoliosis, but it usually doesn’t cause pain in the patient. Mild curves require no treatment, but active monitoring. Children with moderate to severe cases might require braces or surgery.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Neuromuscular scoliosis develops due to problems with the brain, spinal cord, and muscular system. The conditions that can contribute to this include cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, spinal cord injury, and more. These conditions cause the muscles to become weak or paralyzed and unable to support the proper alignment of the spine. This is why the spine develops scoliosis. Neuromuscular symptoms occur early in life. It could be an uneven seating posture, uneven shoulder blades, and more. Depending on the severity, this could be treated with bracing, physical therapy, or surgery.

Adult De Novo Scoliosis

Adult de novo scoliosis occurs when adults with no medical history of the condition develop it. Compared to the types of scoliosis that develop during adolescence, this type is far less common. This could be caused by degenerative changes in the spine during aging, neuromuscular disease, or other conditions that weaken the spine.

Adult de novo scoliosis is further categorized into 4 types:

• Degenerative scoliosis occurs when the spine deteriorates due to age.
• Traumatic scoliosis is diagnosed when the spine has undergone severe trauma that leads to deformities.
• Pathological scoliosis can happen due to tumors that put pressure against the spine.
• Idiopathic scoliosis occurs when the exact cause of the scoliosis is unknown.

Key Takeaway

There are different types of scoliosis that can occur due to your age and underlying condition. But the symptoms will always be the same—an abnormal curvature of the spine. This can lead to poor posture and pain. If you’re diagnosed with scoliosis, you can contact us here at Chiropractor Philippines! We have knowledge and experience in handling musculoskeletal conditions. Because of this, we can offer non-drug, non-invasive, and non-surgical treatments to relieve your pain.   Author’s Note: This entry was optimized by the best SEO Services Agency in the Philippines – SEO Hacker