For scoliosis, ultimately, the prognosis depends on two things. The first is the cause of the scoliosis. Now, in the vast majority of cases, the cause is either not known, idiopathic, or it’s something that’s explained, but benign, like degenerative changes in the discs or joints.

It’s important to have scoliosis diagnosed. It’s in two settings. For adolescents, it’s important to have it diagnosed because if it’s the ones that progress and the ones that you can prevent through simple treatments, either with bracing or in more rare cases, orthopedic surgery, it can have a profound impact later on in life, in both cosmetic appearance of that person, and also in terms of function, heart or lung ability to expand, participation in sports.

If the curvature is so much that it’s putting pressure on nerves and causing weakness or neurological symptoms, in arms or legs, these, in those cases that need to be treated, can be prevented by diagnosis and follow-up.

In the case of the adult onset scoliosis, it’s important because it could potentially be a serious condition, be it a tumor or a mass or a neurological problem that has brought this on. And so if it’s not diagnosed, it could even be potentially life threatening or put a patient at risk of serious injury or long-lasting effect. So even though scoliosis is extremely common, even though the vast, vast majority, with proper diagnosis by an expert, don’t need any treatment, don’t need any investigation, there are ones that do need investigation, and do need specific treatment in the right setting, so it’s important to see someone who is specializing or comfortable with treating this condition.

If you think you have a scoliosis, either because you’ve seen asymmetry of your posture yourself, or of someone has commented that you may have an abnormal curve in your spine, see your family physician. They can examine you and answer your questions.  Often seeing a local family physician or a physiotherapist in conjunction with a registered dietitian and athletic therapist is a great option to take control of this condition. You might visit a rheumatologist for information on what is, conditions, side effects, symptoms and treatments related to scoliosis diagnosis, spinal disorders and genetic conditions in adults and children.

Presenter: Dr. Maziar Badii, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC

Now Health Network Local Practitioners: Rheumatologist