Scoliosis Causes

Scoliosis Causes

The cause in majority of scoliosis cases is idiopathic, or unknown. More rare causes include malformation of the spinal column during formation in the womb when a specific vertebra does not fully form or when multiple vertebrae fuse rather than separating. Other causes of scoliosis include neuromuscular disease such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy. These conditions cause weakness in the back muscles, which allows curvature of the spine. Lastly, degenerative changes can lead to formation of a scoliosis curve. Degenerative causes include arthritis, osteophyte (bone spurs) formation, disc dehydration (drying out of the intervertebral disc), failure of facet joints to form properly in the spinal column, and osteopenia or osteoporosis. These conditions can cause weakening on one side of the spinal column, leading to scoliotic curvature.

Certain modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing scoliosis, especially degenerative scoliosis. Non-modifiable risk factors include gender, family history, and age. Scoliosis is more frequently diagnosed in females than in males and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is most commonly found in children from ages 10-12. Though idiopathic scoliosis has no known cause, there are studies that have supported genetics as playing a role in its development.

Modifiable risk factors include weight as increased body weight places more stress on the spine. Over time, the added stress causes spinal joints to wear out and intervertebral discs dry, leading to degeneration of the disc and thereby degenerative scoliosis. Decreased estrogen has a negative effect on bone density and is directly related to osteopenia and osteoporosis, both of which increase risk for fracture which can cause the spine to curve. Smoking can also lead to scoliosis, as it may accelerate degenerative changes in the spine and can decrease bone density, leading to osteoporosis. In addition, smoking reduces oxygen in the blood stream, which can prevent nutrients from reaching tissues for proper healing. Smoking may also lead to breakdown of the intervertebral discs, a condition known as degenerative disc disease, which can lead to degenerative scoliosis. Lastly, high impact movement and repetitive motions from sporting activities can increase wear and tear on spinal column or lead to a vertebral body fracture which may lead to scoliosis.

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