Scoliosis Treatment

New discoveries and developments in the field of medicine are becoming a ray of hope for many diseases. Diseases that profoundly affect people's lives are today treated with small surgical operations. Turkey is among the most successful countries in the process of treating these diseases.

Indeed, thanks to the investments the Republic of Türkiye has made in the healthcare field, the newly established city hospitals, and the talented and specialist doctors it trains, significant progress is being made in both the treatment and the research of diseases.

One of these diseases is Scoliosis. In this article that we researched for you, we will try to share with you the answers to the questions that everyone wonders about most, such as what scoliosis is, how many hours the surgery takes, and what its risks are.

What Is Scoliosis (Spinal Curvature)?

Curvatures that form in a person's spine toward the right or left side are called scoliosis, that is, spinal curvature in everyday language. The curvatures are generally located in the chest and lower back regions. This disease is commonly seen in our age.

The movements of people affected by this disease are more difficult and restricted compared to the movements that normal people can make during the day. For this reason, people who struggle and have difficulties in their daily routine life look for a remedy in treatments.

The curvature in the spine, that is, scoliosis, has certain degrees. The form of treatment is determined according to these degrees. These curvatures are not treated by themselves, but with the physical therapy movements applied during the treatment process, scoliosis treatment exercises and surgical interventions.

Scoliosis is a 3-dimensional deformity in which the spine shows an abnormal curvature. Normally, the spine contains slight curves that help provide balance and carries the weight of the body. However, this deformity involves lateral (right or left), anterior-posterior (forward or backward) and rotational orientations of the spine.

Lateral (Right or Left) Curvature:

This is the most distinctive feature of scoliosis. While the spine normally forms a straight line, the spines of people with scoliosis may form curves toward the side in an "S" or "C" shape. This lateral curvature refers to the dimension in which the spine curves toward the sides.

Anterior-Posterior (Forward or Backward) Curvature:

Scoliosis can cause abnormal curvatures not only laterally but also in the anterior-posterior plane. This dimension refers to the curvature occurring at the front and back of the spine. While the spine normally forms curves of certain degrees in the anterior-posterior plane, in people with scoliosis the spine may curve forward or backward more than it should.

Rotational (As if Twisted) Curvature:

Scoliosis can also cause the spine to rotate. This means that the vertebrae of the spine rotate relative to one another and appear to have deviated from the spinal line. Rotation is another important feature in the three-dimensional structure of the spine. This rotation also affects the ribs at the relevant levels.

The combination of these three-dimensional curvatures determines the overall appearance and severity of scoliosis.

What Are the Causes of Scoliosis?

Scoliosis deformity can develop due to many different causes. These causes may include anatomical, genetic, neuromuscular and environmental factors. Some factors that explain the possible causes of scoliosis deformity can be explained as follows.

Idiopathic Factors (Unknown Causes); Idiopathic scoliosis is a subtype that makes up a large part of scoliosis cases and whose cause is not exactly known. This type of scoliosis, which is common among adolescents, cannot be associated with a specific anatomical cause. Idiopathic scoliosis is divided into subtypes according to age groups (infantile, juvenile, adolescent, adult).

Genetic Factors;Genetic predisposition may play a role in the development of scoliosis. Family history may increase the risk of scoliosis. The risk of scoliosis may be higher in individuals with a family history of scoliosis.

Congenital Anomalies;Spinal anomalies that occur in the prenatal period or during birth may be the cause of scoliosis. Congenital anomalies include situations in which the vertebral bones or other components of the spine develop differently from normal.

Neuromuscular Factors; Nerve or muscle disorders may affect the balance and control of the spinal muscles. Such disorders may lead to the development of scoliosis. For example, neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy may increase the risk of scoliosis.

Environmental Factors;Environmental factors may affect the development of scoliosis. Factors such as incorrect posture habits, wrong sitting or lying positions, and carrying heavy loads may contribute to the formation of scoliosis by disrupting the balance of the spine.

Technology Use; In recent years, the widespread use of technology, especially inappropriate postures caused by using computers or smart devices for long periods, may negatively affect spinal health and increase the risk of scoliosis.

More than one factor may have an effect on the development of scoliosis, and in some cases the exact cause may not be determined. In case of any suspicion of scoliosis, it is important to consult a specialist healthcare professional and have the necessary examinations done.

What Are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?

Every disease is known to be specific to the individual. This individual specificity also applies to scoliosis. This disease, which does not show very many symptoms in the early periods, may bring other diseases along with it if it is diagnosed late. For this reason, if one or several of the symptoms we have written below are present in you as well, you should consult a doctor, and if there is scoliosis, it should be diagnosed and treated early.

Scoliosis can have different degrees, and different symptoms at these degrees. The most common symptoms that patients generally experience are as follows.

• The person's spine having started to curve toward its right side or left side,

• One shoulder standing higher or lower than the other may cause an appearance of asymmetry in the shoulders.

• A curve having formed in the person's spine that can also be noticed when looking from the outside,

• If the curvature progresses, a noticeable spinal curvature or lateral curve may be seen. The shape of this curvature may be "S" or "C" shaped.

• In advanced scoliosis cases, as a result of the rotation of the spine, one side of the ribs may protrude more, which may cause the back to look as if there is a hump when viewed from the outside.

• An asymmetrical appearance in the person's shoulder and hip,

• One hip standing higher or lower than the other may cause an appearance of asymmetry in the hips.

• When looking at the person from the front, one side of the right and left waist curves may look deeper.

• The person having difficulty standing upright during normal times,

• Bad posture habits may develop in people with scoliosis. Leaning forward or other abnormalities may be noticed in posture.

• Shortness of breath problems experienced by the person,

• When scoliosis is advanced, the rib cage may be restricted and difficulty breathing may be experienced.

• Some problems experienced in the person's walking,

• Pains occurring in the person's lower back, shoulder and back,

• Scoliosis can generally be painless, but advanced curvatures may cause back or lower back pain in some people.

• If the curvature progresses, it may become difficult for the clothes worn to fit properly. Dresses or trousers will hang asymmetrically.

• Finally, the clothes the person has bought no longer fitting them fully as before can be shown among the most common symptoms.

• Advanced scoliosis may cause fatigue because the muscles work more than they should in order to maintain the balance of the spine.

If there is a suspicion of scoliosis or any of these symptoms is seen, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and intervention are important in order to prevent or control the progression of scoliosis.

What Are the Degrees of Scoliosis?

The degrees of scoliosis occurring in patients are calculated with the computed tomography method, the radiography method and the MRI method.

These degrees are examined in three degrees: mild, moderate and severe. If the degree of the curvature occurring in the spine is 10 or below, this is not called scoliosis. The name of the condition at this degree is given as spinal asymmetry.

The stages are classified according to the severity of the curvature of the spine. The most commonly used classification system is based on the Cobb angle, which is used to determine the degree of the curvature of the spine. The Cobb angle is the angle between the two most curved points of the spine, and scoliosis is divided into different stages according to this angle.

Mild Degree Scoliosis ;A curvature of 20 or less in people's spines is mild degree scoliosis. At this degree, doctors generally do not resort to treatment, but whether the curvature continues or not should be checked.

Moderate Degree Scoliosis;Scoliosis values measured between 20-40 degrees are called moderate degree scoliosis. For scoliosis at this degree, which is generally diagnosed in children in the 10-15 age range, the healing process is entered through physical therapy and brace treatment to be applied to the patient.

Severe Degree Scoliosis;At this value, measured at 40 and above, since the person's spinal curve is extremely pronounced and severe, the doctor resorts to surgical intervention at this stage.

Very Severe Degree Scoliosis (More Than 50 Degrees); If the degree of the curvature is more than 50 degrees, this stage is called very severe scoliosis. At this stage, there may be serious effects on the shape of the spine and the person's quality of life. Surgical intervention may often be considered.

Although the Cobb angle is taken as the basis, different measurement methods and classifications may also be used in determining the degree of scoliosis. Since each individual's situation is different, the treatment and intervention plan is customized according to the individual's age, health condition, symptoms and the degree of the curvature. For this reason, individuals diagnosed with scoliosis should be closely followed by a healthcare professional.

What Are the Risk Factors of Scoliosis?

If we need to talk about the risk factors of scoliosis in detail, we can give you an explanation as follows.

• Family history may increase the risk of scoliosis. If you are someone with a family history of scoliosis, your likelihood of developing scoliosis may be higher.

• Adolescence is one of the time periods in which scoliosis is most commonly seen. During rapid growth spurts, the risk of spinal curvature forming may increase.

• The risk of developing scoliosis is generally higher in girls than in boys. However, in severe cases, the gender difference may be less pronounced.

• Conditions called congenital scoliosis occur as a result of abnormal development of the spine before or during birth. Such abnormalities may increase the risk of scoliosis.

• Neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy may increase the risk of scoliosis by affecting the control of the spine.

• Factors such as incorrect posture habits, bad sitting or lying positions, and carrying heavy backpacks may increase the risk of scoliosis by leading to disorders in the spine. Some studies show that smoking may increase the risk of scoliosis. In addition, excess weight or obesity may also increase the risk by creating an additional load on the spine.

• Long-term use of computers or smart devices, low postures and positions that may harm spinal health may increase the risk of scoliosis.

• Hormonal changes, especially during adolescence, may affect the growth rate of the spine and increase the risk of scoliosis.

Scoliosis risk factors may differ for each individual, and sometimes the effect of more than one factor may come together. It is important to have regular health checkups in order to reduce the risk of scoliosis or for early diagnosis. If you think you carry a risk of scoliosis, it is important to consult a healthcare professional and have the necessary examinations done when needed.

How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of scoliosis is generally made with a physical examination, imaging tests and special measurements. Below are some of the methods used in diagnosing scoliosis;

With the Physical Examination, the doctor carefully evaluates the patient's posture and the shape of the spine. The doctor checks whether there is any asymmetry or curvature in the alignment of the patient's shoulders, waist and hips. In addition, the doctor may examine bending forward in certain positions (bending test) and spinal rotation.

Cobb Angle Measurement is performed. This measurement is one of the basic measurements used to evaluate the curvature of scoliosis. On X-ray images, the angle between the two most curved points of the spine is measured. This Cobb angle indicates how much the spine is curved laterally.

Rotation (Twisting) Angle Measurement is performed. This measurement is made during the forward bending test with a material called a scoliometer, and how much the spine rotates in the horizontal plane is determined.

The diagnostic process can begin with Imaging Tests. Imaging methods such as X-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT scans help to examine the spine in detail. These imaging tests are used to better understand the shape, the degree and the possible causes of scoliosis.

With the Postural Analysis method, the person stands in certain positions and body posture and asymmetry are evaluated. This can help detect the early stages of scoliosis.

Clinical Evaluation is performed. Especially in children, growth rates and spinal development are followed regularly. The doctor may monitor more closely children who show potential scoliosis symptoms.

These methods are generally used together to confirm the diagnosis of scoliosis. Making the diagnosis correctly is important for controlling the progression of scoliosis or determining the treatment plan. If there is a suspicion of scoliosis or if you have concerns about this matter, you should consult a healthcare professional.

What Are the Methods in Scoliosis Treatment?

Scoliosis treatment may vary depending on the degree of scoliosis, age, growth status, symptoms and other factors. Treatment approaches aim to prevent the progression of scoliosis, relieve symptoms and improve the person's quality of life. Some methods used in scoliosis treatment are as follows.

Observation (Monitoring): In mild scoliosis cases and while growth is still continuing, the doctor may monitor the patient at regular intervals. During this monitoring, it is checked whether the spinal curvature is progressing or not.

Physical Therapy:Evidence-based scoliosis-specific exercises applied by physiotherapists (such as the Schroth and SEAS concepts) may help strengthen the spinal muscles and correct posture. This is a preferred treatment method in mild and moderate scoliosis cases.

Brace Treatment:In adolescents in the growth period, custom-made rigid braces are preferred to prevent the progression of the curvature of the spine. The brace is generally worn throughout the day and followed up with regular checkups.

Surgical Intervention:If the curvature is severe or the symptoms of scoliosis do not respond to treatment, the option of surgical correction may be considered. Surgery may include correction and stabilization of the spine. This is generally preferred in the post-growth period.

Scoliosis treatment is a condition that requires an individual approach. Your doctor will determine the most suitable treatment plan for you by evaluating the treatment options and possible outcomes. Starting treatment early is important in order to prevent or control the progression of scoliosis. No treatment method alone may be sufficient. It is extremely important to evaluate the treatment methods together with the specialist who is following you.

How Is Scoliosis Surgery Performed?

Scoliosis surgeries are performed on patients under the effect of general anesthesia. The name of the method used in the surgery is spinal fusion. Let's learn together how this surgery is performed.

Spinal Fusion Treatment Method;With this surgical method applied by the doctor, while the curvatures in the patient's spine are corrected, the doctor carries out the procedure with bones taken from certain areas of the patient. In addition to these bones, metal rods, wires and screws are also used. With this surgery, it is aimed for the person to get rid of the curvature of the spine.

This surgery is not recommended for children younger than 10 years old. To stop the progression of scoliosis occurring in children, rods produced specially for them are preferred. These rods do not negatively affect the lung development of children. However, as children develop and grow, they need to have surgery again and the rods need to be lengthened and repositioned.

After this long and heavy surgery, the recovery process may take somewhat longer compared to other surgical procedures. A hospital stay of about 7 days may be seen after the surgery. Depending on some complications that may occur, this period may be extended even more.

After 30 days, the patient can return to daily life, and after 90 days can participate in sports activities.

How Many Hours Does Scoliosis Surgery Take?

Every surgery and every disease proceeds in a way specific to the individual. For this reason, it is not correct to give a definite duration of surgery, considering the complications that may occur in the operating room during surgery.

But assuming everything goes well, scoliosis surgery generally takes between 3-4 hours.

What Are the Risks of Scoliosis Surgery?

Whether big or small, whether it lasts long or short, every surgery has certain risks. This surgery also has a number of risks. We can list the risks of scoliosis surgery for you as follows.

• Occurrence of bleeding,

• Occurrence of clots,

• Risk of infection at the wound sites, This risk factor is eliminated with antibiotics used after surgery.

• Risk of the prostheses applied to the person not being fully seated, This risk can be corrected by operating on the person again.

• Damage to the nerves in the spine during surgery,

• Risk of paralysis or numbness occurring in the legs, (Rare)

• Damage occurring in the nerves that affect the person's bowel movements, (Rare)

How Are Scoliosis Exercises Performed?

The curvatures that form in people's spines are corrected under the supervision of doctors with certain exercise methods, brace treatment or surgery. One of the things that doctors generally recommend is exercise methods.

But it is not recommended to do these exercises outside of a doctor's advice. Which exercises will be done for which degree must be determined by the doctor. People's ages and the degree of scoliosis they have also affect the exercise to be done. First of all, the doctor's advice must be followed and the movements he or she recommends must be done. Especially the exercise plans of young children must be under the doctor's supervision.

How Should Scoliosis Patients Lie Down?

Lying in a way that places equal load on the spine while lying down is the lying form that will be good for the person. Lying on one's back provides this. The patient lying in the supine position will also affect the progression of this disease and make it possible to prevent it.

Another lying position is lying on the side. A pillow placed between the feet while lying on the sides is also among the positions that are good for the person. As for the prone position, although it is preferred by everyone, it is not recommended by doctors because it causes flattening of the back.

What Can Be Done to Protect Against Scoliosis?

No certain guarantee can be given that scoliosis can be completely prevented, but by taking some precautions you can reduce the risk or achieve early diagnosis. Some steps you can take to reduce the risk of scoliosis or for early diagnosis are as follows;

• Take your children to the doctor regularly and have their spinal health checked. This is important for catching potential signs of scoliosis at early ages.

• Developing good posture habits can support the proper development of the spine. Take care to maintain correct posture while sitting, standing and lying down. You can get recommendations for correct posture from your physiotherapist.

• Carrying heavy bags carefully, especially for children, carrying heavy bags by distributing them equally on both shoulders rather than on one shoulder supports spinal health.

• An active lifestyle, sports and exercise strengthen the supporting muscles of the spine. However, it is important to pay attention to the risk of excessive stretching or injury in overly strenuous sports.

• Try to maintain good posture habits while using a computer or smart device for long periods. Make sure the screen is at eye level and take breaks at regular intervals.

• A balanced nutrition plan supports bone and muscle health. Especially for children, it is important to pay attention to calcium and vitamin D intake.

• Ergonomic sitting and lying arrangements may help protect spinal health. Choosing the right pillow and mattress is important.

• Smoking may harm spinal health and increase the risk of scoliosis. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption may also negatively affect bone health.

• Maintaining the correct sitting position by using ergonomic desks and chairs supports spinal health.

Although we cannot completely eliminate the risk of scoliosis, these precautions may increase the chance of intervention by enabling early diagnosis of scoliosis or may help prevent the progression of scoliosis.

Scoliosis Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey continues to give hope to sick people by showing a high level of success in the treatment of many diseases. In the treatment of scoliosis, which is difficult in terms of application and long in terms of duration, the expertise and experience of Turkish doctors give patients confidence.

Turkish hospitals and Turkish doctors, which have made a name especially in the foreign press, are preferred by many foreign patients.

• The hospitals being equipped with the latest technology

• The hospitals being large and comfortable,

• The doctors being experienced, expert in their field, helpful, empathetic and conscientious people,

• The doctors, caregivers, nurses and all hospital staff who attend to patients during the treatment process being hospitable and helpful,

• Transportation to Turkey being easy,

• Treatments being performed at affordable prices,

• Accommodation and food and drink being affordable,

• Having natural and historical beauties that offer patients a holiday opportunity after treatment, can be shown among the reasons why hospitals in Turkey are preferred.

If you also want to choose Turkey for scoliosis treatment, you can contact us for the answers to all the questions on your mind and detailed price information.