Congenital spine deformities are defects that develop before birth. Some of these abnormalities may be diagnosed in infancy by the child’s pediatrician. In some cases, the condition may be diagnosed in childhood as the symptoms worsen. These conditions may be progressive, causing structural problems as the child grows. Three of the most common types of congenital spine deformities are scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. The curve may look like a C or an S shape. Signs of scoliosis include uneven shoulders, uneven waist, elevated hips, shoulder blades that jut out, uneven leg length, constant leaning to one side, and the head not centered above the pelvis. Most childhood cases involve the thoracic spine.
Some cases may be mild and not cause symptoms. More severe cases can lead to abnormal posture, back pain, leg pain or weakness, weak core muscles, and loss of height. Treatment depends on the degree of curvature.
Conservative treatment involves monitoring the condition, physical therapy exercises to strengthen the core muscles, and back bracing. Surgical treatment may be necessary to stabilize the spine, keep the curvature from worsening, relieve back pain, and improve breathing.
Kyphosis
Congenital kyphosis is an abnormal forward curvature of the spine. The back is rounded and the child appears hunched over. Kyphosis typically occurs in the thoracic spine.
The spinal vertebrae may be incompletely formed or fused. Scheuermann’s Kyphosis, a type of kyphosis usually diagnosed in adolescence, has wedge shaped vertebrae. As the child or teen grows, kyphosis may progress causing pain, stiffness, trouble breathing, and extreme fatigue.
Mild cases of kyphosis may just require monitoring and physical therapy. Spinal bracing is sometimes used. Severe cases of kyphosis may require surgery to stabilize the spine.
Lordosis
Lordosis is an exaggerated inward curvature of the lumbar spine (low back). The condition produces a swayback appearance, with the abdomen protruding and the hips and pelvis curved back and up. Lordosis may be the result of issues when the vertebrae were formed or due to neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.
Surgery is not usually necessary for lordosis. Patients can often be successfully treated with physical therapy exercises to improve posture and core strength, and sometimes with back bracing.
Atlanta Brain and Spine Care
The spine specialists at Atlanta Brain and Spine Care are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the spine. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
