May 21, 2024

Episode 102: Degrees of Scoliosis: What do the Degrees of Curvature Mean?

8 minutes

When faced with a scoliosis diagnosis, patients often encounter terms like "20-30 degrees" or "40-50 degrees curvatures," leaving them puzzled about the significance of these numbers. Scoliosis entails an unnatural sideways curvature of the spine, accompanied by a rotational twist in three dimensions. The measurement of scoliosis revolves around the Cobb angle, determined through X-rays. This angle, taken between the most tilted vertebrae, quantifies the severity of the curvature.

Scoliosis Severity Levels

Mild scoliosis falls within the 10-25 degrees range.

Moderate scoliosis falls within the 25-40 degrees range.

Severe and Very Severe is 40 degrees plus.

Progression and Predictability

Scoliosis is a progressive condition, meaning that untreated curves tend to worsen over time. The rate of progression varies among individuals, with larger curves exhibiting a higher likelihood of advancement. Proactive treatment aims to mitigate this progression, emphasizing the importance of addressing small curves before they escalate.

The Scoliosis Reduction Center advocates for a proactive and conservative treatment method tailored to individual patients. By intervening early and effectively, the aim is to prevent curves from reaching severe stages, thus averting the need for invasive surgical procedures. These natural and conservative methods prioritize functional spinal health, steering away from invasive surgeries whenever possible.

Understanding the degrees of scoliosis curvature provides valuable insight into the progression and management of this condition. Rather than passively monitoring mild and moderate curves, proactive intervention offers hope for preventing escalation and averting potential complications.

To explore this topic further and discover personalized treatment options for scoliosis, tune in to Dr. Tony Nalda's podcast.

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