Spinal Deformity

The spine, commonly known as the backbone, is a bony structure that supports the body. It is made up of nerves, bones, muscles, tendons, and other tissues. Naturally, a healthy spine makes an S-shape with three curves and extends from the neck/head bone to the lower back. The spine plays a key role in maintaining the right posture by supporting the body.

Spinal deformity is a condition where the spine has an unusual shape or abnormal alignment. The spine's rotation or curvature may be affected by this unusual alignment or shape. Birth defects, injuries, spine surgery, and ageing can all result in spinal deformities.

In addition to these, an inactive lifestyle is a significant contributing factor to the increase in cases of spinal deformities. Obesity puts extra strain on the spine, sitting for extended periods of time can cause curvature problems, and a lack of exercise weakens the back and core muscles and eventually causes pain. An inactive way of living deteriorates bone health and weakens the muscles that support the spine. Individuals suffering from spinal deformity may notice changes in their physical appearance such as a curved spine or uneven shoulders as well as pain in their neck, lower back or back. They may also experience a decrease in their flexibility and have issues bending or standing for extended periods. Given the important role the spine plays, any abnormalities can have emotional and psychological effects.

Spinal deformities are issues with curvature or rotation of the spine, some common types of spinal deformities include,

The proverb ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ applies to the diagnosis and management of spinal deformities. Since the spine is the main support structure of the body, identifying even the smallest change and treating the symptoms can help prevent further complications, enhance quality of life, and reduce the need for invasive treatment.

The proverb ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ applies to the diagnosis and management of spinal deformities. Since the spine is the main support structure of the body, identifying even the smallest change and treating the symptoms can help prevent further complications, enhance quality of life, and reduce the need for invasive treatment.

Benefit	Reasoning
Prevents Progression	Early intervention can stop the deformity from worsening
Reduces Pain	Treating early helps alleviate discomfort & prevent chronic pain
Preserves Mobility	Timely management maintains flexibility & daily function
Avoids Complications	Reduces risks like nerve damage, breathing issues & organ problem
Enhances Appearance	Correcting the deformity early can prevent visible changes
Reduces Surgery Needs	Non-invasive treatments can avoid or delay the need for surgery

Spinal deformities are conditions related to the misalignment or abnormal curve of the spine. The abnormalities can arise at birth, during growth, in old age, or as a result of trauma. While some deformities may cause pain and discomfort without any obvious symptoms others may exhibit obvious symptoms. Some of the common causes of spinal deformities include,

Trauma: Any serious injury or accident to the spine may result in spinal misalignment. The deformity can result from injuries like a fracture or a dislocated spine.

Aging: As we age the bones in our spines begin to compress or crack as a result of wear and tear and other changes take place leading to a variety of spinal deformities.

Congenital Factors: There are spinal deformities present during the birth. It is a condition when the spine or any part of it may not fully develop.

Tumours: Spinal tumours, whether malignant or benign, can affect the spinal cord, nerves, and other parts of the spine and can result in spinal deformity if left untreated.

Postural Issues: Poor posture can cause improper spine alignment, and strain the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and joints leading to deformity. Postural issues gradually develop and lead to significant problems with the spine.

Neuromuscular conditions, prior surgery, infection or inflammatory spinal diseases, genetic factors, etc. may also lead to spinal deformities.

Symptoms of spinal deformity can vary depending on the type, severity, and location of the curvature. Some symptoms can be asymptomatic in the beginning while others have noticeable changes & discomfort. Common symptoms of spinal deformities include,

Symptoms	Description
Visible Curvature	Abnormal alignment of the spine, such as a hump, sideways curve, or an exaggerated forward bend
Uneven Shoulders/Hips	One shoulder or hip may appear higher than the other due to the curvature
Back Pain	Persistent or recurring pain in the back, neck, or lower spine due to strain
Reduced Flexibility	Stiffness in the spine, limiting the ability to bend or twist
Difficulty Standing	A feeling of imbalance or trouble maintaining an upright posture
Muscle Fatigue	Tiredness or strain in the back and surrounding muscles from compensating for poor spinal alignment.

A specialist examines the patient thoroughly, notes the condition of the spine and suggests diagnostic tests to look for any abnormalities. MRI: Gives a detailed image of the soft tissue discs & nerves.
CT Scan: Helps create a two-dimensional picture of the spine.
X-ray: Aids in determining spine anomalies or curvature.

The treatment of spinal deformities depends on the type, severity, and age of the patients. Spinal deformity treatment can range from non-invasive methods to surgical methods.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments are suggested for patients with mild symptoms. These include,

• Physical therapy: These involve exercises to strengthen the core and back muscles, and help with enhancing posture and flexibility.
• Bracing: Wearing a brace helps with abnormal curvature of the spine, this is especially effective with children.
• Lifestyle modifications:Maintaining a correct posture, regularly exercising, and avoiding activities that add strain to the spine can help with treating the deformities.
• Alternative therapies: Therapies like chiropractic or acupuncture can be used to manage pain and release stress around the spine & surrounding muscles.
• Medications: Prescribed medicines and muscle relaxants can help reduce pain and discomfort.

Surgical Treatments

The type of deformity and the severity of the symptoms determine whether surgery is necessary. When non-surgical treatments are not enough to treat deformities like progressive deformity, neurological symptoms, trauma, tumours, spinal instability, and other severe conditions, surgical procedures are the preferred course of action. Surgery such as osteotomy, decompression surgery, and fusion surgery are among the procedures used to treat deformities surgically.

There are multiple factors that affect the health of the spine. While proactive measures can be used to treat or manage spinal deformities resulting from degenerative conditions or postural issues they cannot be used to treat deformities caused by congenital or genetic factors. Key preventive measures that help maintain a healthy spine include,

Measures	Descriptions
Maintain Good Posture	Practice proper posture while sitting, standing & walking
Weight Management	Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the spine
Regular Exercise	To strengthen core muscles & support spinal alignment
Routine Screening	Regular check-ups to identify early signs or other deformities
Prevention of Injuries	Use protective gear during sports & activities