Lumbar scoliosis causes a curved lower spine, often resulting in back pain and fatigue. It can be caused by congenital disorders, arthritis, or wear and tear. Treatment options include pain management, braces, and surgery. Mild cases can be treated conservatively, while severe cases may require surgery.
Lumbar scoliosis refers to a condition in which the lower spine becomes curved. Spinal deformities can be caused by many different factors, including congenital disorders and arthritis, and usually result in lower back pain and chronic fatigue. Treatment for this type of scoliosis depends on the severity and exact location of the curve. An orthopedic doctor can evaluate an individual’s condition and determine the need for pain management medications, corrective appliances, or surgery to relieve symptoms and aid in recovery. With treatment, most people are able to overcome lumbar scoliosis and enjoy an active lifestyle.
A person can experience lumbar scoliosis at any point in their life. Congenital disorders are usually evident right away in a newborn, while adolescent scoliosis occurs when a young person’s spine grows and develops awkwardly. In both children and adults, neuromuscular and skeletal disorders such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and arthritis can contribute to tissue degeneration around the lumbar vertebrae, leading to scoliosis. Older people can also develop the condition due to general wear and tear on the lower back. Scoliosis is considered idiopathic when doctors are unable to determine its cause.
Lumbar scoliosis can cause several signs and symptoms. Depending on the severity of the curvature, an individual may experience frequent lower back pain and fatigue that worsens after long periods of sitting and standing. The hips may feel tilted due to an uneven spine, leading to an awkward gait and difficulty engaging in physical activity. Left untreated, the pain associated with scoliosis tends to get worse as the soft tissue near the spine becomes constantly irritated. A severe bend can also cause numbness and problems controlling movement in the legs if it puts pressure on the nerves in the lower back.
A doctor can check for signs of scoliosis by conducting a thorough physical exam. Your doctor may also do x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of your lower back. The X-ray and MRI findings allow specialists to determine the degree of the curve and identify the precise location of the deformity. After making a diagnosis, the doctor can discuss different treatment options with the patient.
Most cases of mild scoliosis, especially those considered idiopathic, are treated conservatively. A patient may be instructed to take over-the-counter or prescription medications to relieve chronic pain and schedule regular checkups to make sure the lumbar scoliosis doesn’t get worse. Children and adolescents suffering from scoliosis are often fitted with customized back braces which must be worn for several hours a day in an attempt to gradually reduce the curvatures of the spine.
Surgery is usually reserved for more severe cases. An experienced surgeon can perform a spinal fusion, a procedure in which two or more vertebrae are fused together permanently to prevent scoliosis from getting worse. The patient may be required to wear a brace for several months following surgery to ensure a full recovery.
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