Assessing and Treating Scoliosis Online
Scoliosis is caused by a sideways curve in the spine. These curves vary in sizes, but any curve measuring greater than 10 degrees is considered scoliosis. People of any age can develop this condition, but scoliosis is normally diagnosed in children between the ages of 10-15 going through a growth spurt and/or puberty. The most common type of scoliosis, called idiopathic scoliosis, develops for no specific reason.
However, there are some types of scoliosis that do have clear causes. Other types of scoliosis include:
- Congenital scoliosis, which presents itself at birth as a baby’s back develops.
- Nonstructural scoliosis, which occurs when a normally functioning spine is seen as curved as a result of an underlying condition like muscle spasms or varying leg length.
- Structural scoliosis, which is a curve in the spine that is caused by another condition, for example neuromuscular diseases, genetic conditions, birth defects, tumors, or certain infections.
During a video consult on Amwell your doctor will ask you a series of targeted questions to determine if your symptoms point to scoliosis. Then your provider will proceed to determine the best treatment plan for you. Your provider may recommend in-person examination by a specialist if this is needed. Your treatment plan is based on the duration and severity of your symptoms and your medical history.
You can talk to your online doctor and get advice about scoliosis. If you have scoliosis, our doctors may refer you to your local PCP or a specialist for an in-person examination.
Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will go over the risks and benefits of the various treatment plans. Treatment for scoliosis is different depending on the severity.
Options for treatment of scoliosis may include:
- Back brace
- Surgery
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