Spinal Deformities | Most Common Types

The spine is a complex structure made up of vertebrae, discs, ligaments, and muscles that protects the spinal cord and allows movement. Spine deformities disrupt the spine’s normal alignment and can cause pain, neurological issues, and other symptoms. Understanding the anatomy of a healthy spine makes it easier to recognize spinal abnormalities.

Normal Spinal Alignment

When viewed from the front, the healthy spine is straight. From the side, it has slight natural S-shaped curves – an inward curve (lordosis) in the cervical and lumbar regions and an outward curve (kyphosis) in the thoracic area. These contours provide balance, shock absorption, and movement range. Breakdowns in this alignment signify a spinal deformity.

Prevalence of Spinal Deformities

Spinal deformities affect millions. Scoliosis alone impacts around 3% of Americans. Degenerative issues like arthritis also commonly cause spinal misalignments later in life. Detecting and treating spinal disorders early optimizes outcomes.

Types of Spine Deformities

There are several types of abnormal spinal curves. So, what are the most common types of spine deformities? The three most widely recognized are:

Scoliosis

Definition

Scoliosis refers to an abnormal sideways spinal bend that resembles an “S” or “C” shape. The thoracic area is the most prevalent site. Congenital defects, neuromuscular conditions, and unknown factors may trigger this distortion during youth.

Signs and Symptoms

• Uneven shoulders or hips
• A visibly curved spine
• Leaning to one side
• Back pain (sometimes)

Causes

• Genetics
• Unknown (idiopathic)
• Birth defects
• Injuries/trauma
• Neuromuscular disorders

Diagnosis

Doctors visually screen for signs of scoliosis, like asymmetric shoulders. X-rays confirm the diagnosis and gauge the curve’s angle. Advanced imaging provides additional details in complex cases.

Treatment

Mild scoliosis may just need observation. Moderate curves often benefit from bracing to prevent worsening. Severe or painful scoliosis may necessitate spinal fusion surgery for stability.

Kyphosis

Definition

Kyphosis refers to the rounding of the upper back. Several spinal conditions feature this excessive thoracic curve, making the back appear hunched.

Signs and Symptoms

The hallmark kyphosis signs are:

• Hunching of the upper back
• Stooping of head and shoulders
• Back pain or fatigue (sometimes)

Causes

• Scheuermann’s disease
• Degenerative disc disease
• Vertebral fractures (osteoporosis)
• Congenital spinal defects
• Neurological conditions

Diagnosis

Doctors assess kyphosis via visual inspection and imaging like X-rays or MRIs. Measurements determine the curvature’s angle and location.

Treatment

Kyphosis treatment ranges from observation, bracing, medication, or surgery depending on factors like pain levels and curve progression. Physical therapy also helps strengthen back muscles.

Lordosis

Definition

Lordosis refers to the exaggerated inward curve typically located in the lumbar spine. The buttocks protrudes outward, and a large gap forms between the back and floor when lying down.

Signs and Symptoms

• Excessive arch in the lower back
• Swayback posture
• Buttocks protrusion

Causes

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Hip misalignment
• Muscular issues
• Prior surgeries

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose lordosis based on visible symptoms plus X-ray confirmation of the lumbar curve’s depth.

Treatment

Options include physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, posture training, pain medication, weight loss, and braces. Surgery is a last resort for significant, painful curves.

Causes of Spine Deformities

Abnormal spinal curves stem from various sources, mainly:

Congenital Causes

Genetic conditions passed from parents to offspring occasionally disrupt fetal development in the womb, resulting in spinal defects at birth like hemivertebrae.

Idiopathic Origins

“Idiopathic” refers to conditions with no known cause. Idiopathic scoliosis with no genetic link makes up around 80% of cases.

Neuromuscular Disorders

Cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and similar muscle-impacting disorders can pull the spine out of alignment over time.

Spinal Trauma

Car accidents, falls, and sports collisions often fracture vertebrae or strain spinal ligaments. These injuries alter mechanics, leading to gradual curvature changes.

Spinal Tumors

Abnormal tissue growths within the spine may disrupt bone integrity and spinal alignment.

Degenerative Causes

Daily wear-and-tear plus aging degrade spinal discs and joints, sparking arthritis, stenosis, spondylolisthesis and other instabilities that promote postural shifts.

Diagnosing Spine Deformities

Doctors determine specific spinal issues through:

Medical History

Providers assess important background details like family history of spinal problems plus symptom onset and progression.

Physical Examination

Hands-on assessments uncover posture abnormalities and neurological deficiencies needing further evaluation.

Imaging Tests

• X-rays confirm spinal curvature severity and precisely measure abnormal angles. They also unveil bone anomalies.
• MRI scans provide 3D spine visualization without radiation, ideal for assessing soft tissues like discs and nerves.
• CT scans deliver enhanced osseous imaging for intricate bone details.
• Myelograms involve injecting dye into the spinal canal to highlight spinal cord compression spots on X-rays or CTs.

Advanced imaging delivers critical data to create patient-tailored treatment plans targeting the individual nuances of more complex spinal disorders.

Treating Spine Deformities

Doctors strategize scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis treatment methods per patient presentation. Early interventions with mild cases aim to protect long-term spinal health and function. More advanced options address moderate to severe spinal deformities already causing major postural, mobility and neurological impairments.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Lifestyle modifications – Weight control, posture training, strength building physical activity and anti-inflammatory diets alleviate pain and symptoms.
• Bracing – Custom external braces protect progressive curvatures in growing kids. Achieving brace compliance remains challenging.
• Medications – Over-the-counter and prescription anti-inflammatory/neuropathic medications reduce spinal discomfort associated with degenerative deformities.
• Physical therapy – Specific strengthening and flexibility programs build supportive muscles and teach posture strategies.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery is reserved for severe, progressive and painful spinal deformities causing major neurological, functional and quality of life declines when conservative methods prove ineffective after 6+ months. Goals involve:

• Realigning the spine
• Preventing further deformity progression
• Decompressing affected nerves
• Fusing unstable spinal sections

Common procedures like spinal fusion have risks including infection, bleeding and implant failure. Modern techniques like anterior/posterior fusion, spinal osteotomies and off-label device use provide reconstructive options for deformities once deemed inoperable. Patients must discuss pros/cons with their spinal surgeon when considering surgery.

Outlook for Spine Deformity Sufferers

• Annual scoliosis screenings help early detection in kids at risk.
• Expanding research spotlights innovative treatments like genetically-customized braces.
• Advances in minimally invasive spinal procedures promise quicker recovery times with smaller scars.
• Regenerative medicine may someday reverse spinal degeneration underlying many deformity cases.

Spinal abnormalities vary widely but share a common disruption in the backbone’s normal contours. Customized treatment plans match deformity characteristics and symptoms to provide optimal stabilization and pain relief. Patients partnering closely with their spinal health providers achieve the best quality of life outcomes while protecting their spine’s long-term function. Early assessment and proper management help halt deformity progression before significant disability and neurological hazards develop.