Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Scoliosis

Scoliosis is when the spine curves to the side. It usually happens during a growth spurt just before a child becomes a teenager. It sometimes can be the result of other medical conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, but in most cases the cause is unknown. Most cases of scoliosis are mild and don’t require any treatment. Severe cases of scoliosis can be serious and require surgery and/or a back brace to correct the curvature. In some cases you doctor will order an x-ray and ask the radiologist (a specialist that reads x-rays) to measure the exact amount of curvature. The degree of curvature determines if anytreatment is necessary. Scoliosis can run in the family. It usually does not cause pain.

Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Scoliosis

1. Do I need an x-ray?
2. What are the long-term risks from having scoliosis?
3. What degree of scoliosis do I have? What degree is considered severe?
4. When should my scoliosis be checked again?
5. Will my scoliosis get worse with time?

Additional Questions You May Consider Asking About Scoliosis

1. Are there any special exercises to correct the curvature?
2. Do I need to have surgery?
3. Do I need to see a specialist (orthopedician)?
4. Do I need to wear a back brace?

Source:James Sutton and Sagar Nigwekar

Related posts:

1. Back Pain and Scoliosis
2. What doctor knows of Gout?
3. Tubal Ligation Reversal Surgery Questions Answered
4. When to See a Doctor for Severe Back Pain
5. Help for Spinal Arthritis