Q: What is scoliosis? A: Not everyone’s spine is straight. Scoliosis, as the name implies, is a curvature of the spine to the side. A normal person’s spine is straight from the front, because people are symmetrical, while a scoliosis patient’s spine is in the shape of a letter “C” or “S” from the front. Q: What are the signs of scoliosis? A: Scoliosis is divided into scoliosis of the thoracic spine and scoliosis of the lumbar spine. In appearance, scoliosis of the thoracic spine can be manifested as unequal shoulders, bilateral asymmetry of the thorax, elevation of the scapula on one side and depression on the other. Lumbar scoliosis is often characterized by fullness of the lumbar muscles on one side and emptiness on the other, and in severe cases of lumbar scoliosis there may also be unequal shoulders. Scoliosis usually only affects the appearance and does not cause symptoms. Some patients think their back pain or back pain is caused by scoliosis, but in fact, back pain and scoliosis have little to do with each other and are often experienced by people who do not have a curved spine. Low back pain is a common symptom, mostly due to strain on the muscles of the low back, and can usually be relieved by rest, massage and topical medication. Q: What is neuromuscular scoliosis? A: Neuromuscular scoliosis is a scoliosis caused by imbalance of muscle strength due to neurological and muscular diseases, especially asymmetry of the paraspinal muscles, the most common causes include post-polio, cerebral spastic paralysis, progressive muscle atrophy, etc. In these patients, because the muscle strength of the paraspinal muscles is weakened or lost, the patient often cannot sit steadily on his or her own and often needs to be supported by both hands next to a chair to sit steadily. Q: What are the dangers of scoliosis? A: Mild to moderate scoliosis does not affect internal organ function or other bodily functions. Only severe scoliosis, usually more than 60 degrees, can cause a significant reduction in the space between the thoracic and abdominal cavities, resulting in cardiopulmonary and gastrointestinal stress and corresponding dysfunction. Cardiopulmonary dysfunction refers to a decrease in activity tolerance, such as panting and rapid heartbeat after walking for a short distance, or having to take a break before continuing to climb two or three flights of stairs. Reduced abdominal space can lead to a decrease in meal size and, in severe cases, can affect pregnancy. Q: Will scoliosis develop in adulthood? A: In adulthood, scoliosis of more than 40 degrees will develop slowly, at an average rate of 1 degree per year. And at two ages will be significantly aggravated: one is 1-2 years after childbirth: scoliosis generally does not affect pregnancy and childbirth, but pregnancy and childbirth will make scoliosis worse, because during pregnancy there will be ligamentous laxity, in addition to childbirth often hold the child resulting in a significant increase in spinal load, both factors often lead to significant progress in the degree of scoliosis; second is the age of 60 years after the osteoporosis period, osteoporosis can weaken the spine The original scoliosis will become increasingly curved under the effect of gravity. Therefore, patients with scoliosis should take conscious measures during these two stages, i.e., minimize holding children after childbirth, start taking calcium supplements after the age of 50, and actively take calcium supplements after the age of 60. Q: How is the degree of scoliosis measured? A: The degree of scoliosis can only be determined by taking x-rays, which are usually full-length x-rays of the spine taken in a standing position. The reading is measured on the film after it is taken. The degree of thoracic curvature and lumbar curvature should be measured separately, and finally two degrees, one is the thoracic curvature, the other is the lumbar curvature, generally take the largest degree represents the severity of the condition.