Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine. While the exact causes of scoliosis can vary, understanding the underlying factors that contribute to its development is crucial. In this article, we will delve into the causes of scoliosis in adults, children, and the elderly, and explore the possibility of having scoliosis without being aware of it.
What is the cause of scoliosis in adults?
In adults, scoliosis can have multiple causes. One common cause is degenerative scoliosis, which occurs as a result of wear and tear on the spine. Other potential causes include spinal injuries, previous untreated childhood scoliosis, or the progression of an existing curvature into adulthood. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, or muscular dystrophy, can contribute to scoliosis in adults.
What is the cause of scoliosis in children?
Scoliosis in children is often classified as idiopathic, meaning the exact cause is unknown. However, there are different types of idiopathic scoliosis based on the age of onset. Infantile idiopathic scoliosis occurs before the age of three, juvenile idiopathic scoliosis between three and nine years old, and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis typically starts around the age of 10 or during puberty. While the precise causes are still being studied, genetic factors, abnormal spinal development, and hormonal imbalances are believed to play a role in the development of idiopathic scoliosis.
What is the cause of scoliosis in the elderly?
Scoliosis in the elderly is often linked to degenerative changes in the spine, such as osteoporosis or disc degeneration. As the spinal discs deteriorate and the vertebrae lose density, the spine may develop curvature over time. These age-related changes can lead to the development of degenerative scoliosis in older individuals. Other contributing factors may include poor posture, muscle imbalances, hormone changes or previous untreated scoliosis that progresses with age.
Can you have scoliosis and not know it? Yes, it is possible to have scoliosis and not be aware of it, especially in milder cases. Scoliosis can develop gradually, and early signs may go unnoticed or be attributed to other factors such as poor posture. In some instances, scoliosis may only be detected during routine medical examinations, school screenings, or when symptoms become more pronounced.
Regular spine assessments, especially during growth periods, are crucial in detecting scoliosis early and initiating appropriate treatment if necessary.
Scoliosis and inflammation
While scoliosis is when the spine is not straight and bends sideways, there’s a lot more to the condition that just the bones of the spine. Scientists have been studying scoliosis to learn more about why it happens. One thing they have looked at is inflammation, which is when our body gets red and swollen because it’s fighting something. They found that some chemicals related to inflammation are higher in the blood of people with scoliosis compared to people without it. This suggests that inflammation might be connected to scoliosis, but they need to do more research to be sure.
In another study, scientists looked at the genes in the spine of people with scoliosis. Genes are like tiny instructions that tell our body what to do. They found that some genes related to inflammation were different in people with scoliosis compared to those without it. This means that inflammation might have something to do with how scoliosis develops and gets worse.
It’s important to know that researchers are still trying to understand exactly how inflammation and scoliosis are connected. They think that not just inflammation, but also other things like our genes, how our body moves, and the things around us, might all play a part in causing scoliosis.
So, to summarize, scientists have found that there might be a link between inflammation and scoliosis. They saw higher levels of certain chemicals related to inflammation in the blood of people with scoliosis. They also found differences in genes related to inflammation in the spines of people with scoliosis. But they are still studying and learning more to understand how all these things work together to cause scoliosis.
Cortisol, the stress hormone
Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress. It plays a role in the body’s response to stress and inflammation. While cortisol is not directly linked to the onset of scoliosis, it can contribute to the progression of scoliosis by increasing inflammation in the body as discussed earlier in this post.
Additionally, inflammation can cause pain and discomfort associated with scoliosis. It is important to address cortisol levels and other factors that can contribute to inflammation to prevent the onset and progression of scoliosis. As we continue to discuss aspects of the scoliosis condition, we will explore the relationship with stress and mental health in more detail in a future post.
It is essential to be mindful that scoliosis can exist without noticeable symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular check-ups and early detection. By understanding the causes of scoliosis, we can better address and manage this condition for improved quality of life.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9441191/
https://www.scoliosisreductioncenter.com/blog/scoliosis-pain
