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Adult Scoliosis: 5 Signs to See the Doctor
July 13, 2021
Is it adult scoliosis?
Going to see a doctor when you feel you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of adult scoliosis is very important. Why? Because when found that you do have adult scoliosis, your doctor could start providing treatments and recommendations for your condition.
These treatments and recommendations will aid in helping you get better and prevent the condition from worsening, thus increasing your spine health.
Understanding Adult Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a medical condition that results in an abnormal curvature of the spine. Adult scoliosis occurs in persons who are over eighteen years. The spine of a person who has severe scoliosis can rotate over one hundred degrees.
There are different types of scoliosis. However, Degenerative scoliosis is the name given to scoliosis that occurs in aging adults. It appears at a time when the bones of adults start to degenerate.
The major areas of the body affected are the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine. At least 2% of the American adult population gets diagnosed with scoliosis.
Adult scoliosis can result in several signs that make it hard for you to carry out your daily functions. Below are some of these signs.
1. Are You in Pain?
Back pain should not be left untreated. When you feel pain, it is an attempt by your body to warn you that something is wrong. The pressure placed on the spinal disks and facet joints at the beginning of adult scoliosis causes pain.
Adult scoliosis also causes pain in the muscles. It can also result in pain due to nerve irritation and strained joints, all of which causes inflammation.
Medical treatment is necessary for these kinds of pain and should be obtained as soon as they occur.
2. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is another symptom that requires urgent medical intervention. If you have a large spine curvature, 80 degrees or more, it will affect your lungs and, eventually, your breathing.
This situation occurs because the lungs are compressed or squeezed in.
3. Difficulty Standing Straight
Mild scoliosis does not usually affect your ability to walk or stand. However, if you begin to have trouble standing straight, you need to make an appointment to see your specialist.
Why? Because this could be a sign that you have adult scoliosis or that your condition is worsening.
Your medical practitioner will assess your condition and determine your course of treatment. These spinal care treatments may include exercises, spine surgery, and or medications.
4. Feeling Consistent Fatigue
A constant feeling of tiredness is among the symptoms that should necessitate a spine doctor’s visit.
We all experience fatigue, but ongoing fatigue is a cause for concern, mainly if you have already been diagnosed with scoliosis or feel you may be developing it.
Fatigue will occur for a few reasons—one being that the muscles on the convex side of the body are working harder than others. When the muscles work this way, especially after activities that affect the convex side, fatigue-related pain occurs and later results in a lack of sleep.
5. Change in Eating Habits
Scoliosis can affect your eating pattern and results in your body getting insufficient nutrition. You feel full even though you have not eaten enough or not eaten at all.
This feeling occurs because of the pressure placed on your stomach due to its curvature. Speak to your doctor to get assistance with alleviating this problem.
Give Us a Call
Observe your symptoms and if you feel the slightest concern that these symptoms are those related to adult scoliosis, be sure to seek the help of a well-trained and spine specialist.
A Clearwater spine doctor at All Spine Care will provide the advice and care you need, as well as answer all your adult scoliosis questions.
Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse or continue to live in fear of what your problem might be. Call us; a Tampa Bay spine doctor is here and ready to help.