How can I tell if I have a spinal curvature?
June 30, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Eva Ziegler
Dear Doctor,
My name is Fanni Kronberger and I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing problems with my back for some time and I am concerned that I may have a spinal curvature. I have been experiencing increasing back pain, especially when sitting and standing. Additionally, I feel that my spine is no longer straight and has developed a slight sideways tilt. My posture also does not seem as upright as it used to be.
These symptoms are causing me great concern and I would like to know how I can determine if I indeed have a spinal curvature. Are there specific signs or tests that I can perform at home to make a possible diagnosis? What impact can a spinal curvature have on my body and how can it be treated?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with guidance on how to better understand my issue and what steps I should take to address a possible spinal curvature. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Fanni Kronberger
Dear Mrs. Kronberger,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise in the field of orthopedics. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing back problems and are concerned about a possible curvature of the spine. It is important to take these symptoms seriously and to seek an accurate diagnosis from a specialist.
The symptoms you described such as back pain, a slight lateral curvature of the spine, and a changed posture could indeed be signs of a curvature of the spine, also known as scoliosis. To obtain an accurate diagnosis, you should first consult an orthopedic specialist who can physically examine you and, if necessary, perform further diagnostic measures such as X-rays or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
There are some tests you can do at home to roughly assess a possible scoliosis. One method is the Adams test, where you stand in front of a mirror and bend forward. This can reveal a lateral curvature of the spine. Another option is the shoulder tilt test, where you stand upright and can identify a possible misalignment of the shoulders.
A curvature of the spine can have various effects on the body, depending on the severity of the scoliosis. Possible consequences include not only the symptoms you have mentioned, but also a limitation in mobility, muscle tension, breathing difficulties, or even organ damage as scoliosis progresses.
The treatment of a curvature of the spine depends on various factors such as the extent of the scoliosis, the age of the patient, and the symptoms. In mild cases, physiotherapy to strengthen the back muscles and improve posture may be sufficient. In more advanced cases, brace therapy or even surgical correction may be necessary.
In conclusion, I can only advise you to promptly consult a specialist in orthopedics to get an accurate diagnosis and start appropriate treatment steps. The earlier scoliosis is detected, the better potential damage can be avoided.
I hope my information has been helpful to you and I am available for any further questions.
Best regards,
Eva Ziegler
