WEBVTT

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SCOLIOSIS Scoliosis is a
condition that causes the spine

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to curve in an unnatural
"C" or "S" shape.

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It's not clear what causes
most types of scoliosis.

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The excess curving of the spine
usually begins in childhood

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or adolescence and happens
to girls more than boys.

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Scoliosis can slowly get
worse into adulthood.

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Symptoms Scoliosis will affect
each person differently.

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But the most common
symptoms include a difference

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in shoulder height, or,
the head isn't centered

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with the rest of the body.

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Sometimes it can cause a
difference in the height

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or position of your
shoulders and hips.

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It can change the way the
arms hang from the body

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when you are standing
up straight.

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And, the sides of the back look
uneven when you're bending over.

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Most people will not
have back pain, leg pain,

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or changes in bowel
and bladder habits.

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If that happens, call your
healthcare provider right away.

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Even if a curve is not
noticeable to others,

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scoliosis can affect
the way a person feels

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about themselves -
especially teenagers.

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Diagnosis To find out
if you have scoliosis,

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your healthcare provider will
look at your medical history

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and give you a physical exam.

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You will likely have
X-rays of your spine.

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Other imaging tests may be
done to confirm the diagnosis

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and rule out other problems.

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These may include an
M-R-I , which uses magnets

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and a computer to make images
of the spine, or a C-T scan,

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which uses special
X-rays and a computer

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to take a more detailed
picture of your spine

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and the surrounding tissue.

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If the spine has a sideways
curve that measures 10 degrees

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or more on a measurement
tool called the Cobb scale,

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you have scoliosis.

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In some cases, the
scoliosis may not be found

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until the curve is large.

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Treatment There are no
medications, injections, diets,

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or exercises that
change the curve itself.

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Anti-inflammatory medications
may reduce any pain.

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A brace can help keep the
curve from getting larger,

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but won't make it smaller.

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Sometimes a curve gets
worse even with a brace.

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Don't stop wearing
a brace on your own.

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Talk with your healthcare
provider first.

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A curve can get worse over time.

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Tell your healthcare provider
if you notice a change

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in your scoliosis such as
a rib that sticks out more,

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a change in your leg length, or
pain you did not have before.

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A series of x-rays taken over
several years is the best way

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to keep track of
a changing curve.

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Scoliosis can be treated with
surgery if the curve gets larger

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or the pain is severe.

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Things to remember Take your
medications as prescribed.

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Don't stop wearing
your brace on your own.

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Tell your healthcare provider
if you notice a change

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in your spine, a change in leg
length, or new or worse pain.

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What We Have Learned
A normal spine looks

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like an S from behind.

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True or false?

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The answer is false.

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A normal spine looks
mostly straight.

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Scoliosis can have
severe emotional effects.

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True or false?

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The answer is true.

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Adolescents especially
can be affected.

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Scoliosis can be
treated with surgery.

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True or false?

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The answer is true.

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Discuss the risks and
benefits of surgery

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with your healthcare provider.