Symptoms of SCOLIOSIS

Early stages of idiopathic scoliosis may not produce any symptoms. However, simple screening tests may detect this abnormality. As the disease progresses, there is visible curving of the upper body, the spine becomes S-shaped or rotated. The shoulder become uneven and rounded. A sunken chest or a rib hump may develop. Swayback occurs as well as one side of the pelvis being thrust forward. The hips may be of uneven height. Back pain may sometimes occur. Scoliosis of the spine in children and adolescents who have significant pain and develop neurological symptoms, such as weakness, numbness or bladder problems, need to be further evaluated for the presence of spinal cord disorders. The development of back pain and scoliotic deformities centered in the low back, or lumbar spine, is more commonly the result of degenerative changes in the spine. Accordingly, it is seen most commonly in middle-aged and older individuals. Since this type of scoliosis may be associated with narrowing of the spinal canal, weakness or numbness or pain involving the legs may be present.