Prof. Dr. Kerem Alptekin: Back Pain May Be Caused by Scoliosis

Prof. Dr. Hasan Kerem Alptekin from the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at BAU Faculty of Health Sciences stated that spinal curvature, or scoliosis, which appears more frequently in children especially during growth, leads to serious health problems if left untreated, and noted that back pain may be caused by scoliosis.

Stating that "a difference in height between the shoulders and 'S'-shaped curves in the spine are the first signs of scoliosis," Prof. Dr. Hasan Kerem Alptekin provided information about the condition. Noting that surgical treatment is used in cases where the curvature exceeds a certain degree and progresses, while scoliosis cases diagnosed early can be corrected with physical therapy, bracing and special exercises, Prof. Dr. Alptekin said: "Spinal curvature, or scoliosis, refers to a sideways tilt of the spine that cannot be fully corrected. Just as a tree may bend as it grows, the human spine is also exposed to 'external forces' during its development, which can lead to various curvatures. However, a vertebra merely tilting slightly over another cannot be defined as scoliosis. In a person with scoliosis, the vertebra in the curved region has rotated to the right or left over the other vertebra."

SYMPTOMS OF SPINAL CURVATURE

Stating that the most prominent sign of spinal curvature is a difference in height between the shoulder blades and shoulders, Alptekin listed the other symptoms as follows: "It can show signs of asymmetry in the body, such as a disproportionate appearance of the shoulders and hips; one side of the hips appearing higher than the other; a hump-like appearance on the back; more space between the arm and the torso on one side when the arms hang down; and the projection of the head not aligning with the center of the pelvis."

TREATMENT METHODS FOR SCOLIOSIS

Explaining that the methods used in scoliosis treatment vary according to the patient's age, the size and type of the curvature and its rate of progression, Alptekin said: "Patients with scoliosis below 25 degrees are monitored at 4-6 month intervals without intervention. People whose skeletal structure is fully developed and whose growth is complete can be monitored less frequently. Bracing is preferred for patients with a curve of 25-30 degrees that is still progressing, and for patients with a curve between 20 and 29 degrees who have at least two years of growth remaining. Exercise therapy can be given to children aged 7 and over with scoliosis above 15 degrees and to adults with scoliosis above 40 degrees. Studies have shown that exercise therapy is successful in scoliosis of up to 60 degrees. Surgical interventions are recommended for patients with curves of 45 degrees or more that continue to progress."