SCOLIOSIS

SCOLIOSIS - Scoliosis is a lateral curvature in the normally straight vertical line of the spine. When viewed from the side, the spine should show a mild roundness in the upper back and shows a degree of swayback in the lower back. When a person with a normal spine is viewed from the front or back, the spine appears to be straight. When a person with scoliosis is viewed from the front or back, the spine appears to be curved. The diagnosis of scoliosis and the determination of the type of scoliosis are then made by a careful bone exam and an X-ray to evaluate the magnitude of the curve.

Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve to the side. It can affect any part of the spine, but the most common regions are the chest area and the lower section of the back. The majority of children with scoliosis do not require treatment as the curve corrects itself as the child grows. However, based on the degree of curvature and the age of the child, a combination of bracing and physical therapy is often recommended.

Scoliosis signs and symptoms in children

• The head is slightly off center

• The ribcage is not symmetrical - the ribs may be at different heights

• One hip is more prominent than the other

• Clothes do not hang properly

• One shoulder, or shoulder blade, is higher than the other

• The individual may lean to one side

• Uneven leg lengths

FACET JOINT ARTHRITIS

FACET JOINT ARTHRITIS - The facet joints are posterior joints of the spine which help connect the vertebra and disc space of the spine together. In between these vertebra are cartilage to provide cushioning and lubrication for free movement. However, in facet joint osteoarthritis, the cartilage is worn down, creating painful friction which can limit mobility and cause back pain. Osteoarthritis can cause breakdown of cartilage between the facet joints. When the joints move, the lack of the cartilage causes pain as well as loss of motion and stiffness. The facet joints are located in the back portion of the spine. The joints combine with the disc space to create a three-joint complex at each vertebral level. The facet joint consists of two opposing bony surfaces with cartilage between them and a capsule around it that produces fluid.

The combination of the cartilage and the fluid allows the joint to move with little friction. However, facet joint arthritis causes the cartilage to breakdown and the joint movement is associated with more friction. The patient loses motion and as they get stiffer they have more back pain.The pain does not follow a nerve root pattern. It is actually called "referred pain," as the brain has trouble localizing these internal structures. Patients often complain of pain in a generalized, poorly defined region of the neck or back. Pain is usually worsened by sudden movements or prolonged episodes of poor posture. Many patients find the worst time is at night, when all the muscles relax and the arthritic joints grind together.

COCCYDYNIA

COCCYDYNIA - Coccydynia (tailbone pain or coccyx pain) is a fairly rare and relatively poorly understood condition that can cause persistent pain at the very bottom of the spine. Coccydynia, commonly called tailbone pain or coccyx pain, is a fairly rare and relatively poorly understood condition that can cause persistent pain at the very bottom of the spine. This part of the spine is the coccyx, or tailbone. Coccydynia is felt as a localized pain and will generally feel worse when sitting or with any activity that puts pressure on the bottom area of the spine. The condition is much more common in women than men. It is usually caused by local trauma or giving birth.

Coccydynia symptoms may consist of one or all of the following:

• Pain that is markedly worse when sitting
• Local pain in the tailbone area that is worse when touched or when any pressure is placed on it
• Pain that is worse when moving from a sitting to standing position
• Pain that is worse with constipation and feels better after a bowel movement.

The coccyx is the very bottom portion of the spine. It represents a vestigial tail and consists of three or more very small bones fused together. The coccyx is made up of between three and five separate or fused vertebrae. While it was originally thought that the coccyx is always fused together, it is now known that the entire coccyx is not one solid bone but often there is some limited movement between the bones permitted by the fibrous joints and ligaments.