Spine issue in teens often missed till it worsens, leaving only surgical option: Doctors

Bengaluru: During a lively family gathering, a 14-year-old, Arundhati Rajeev was happily clicking pictures when her father noticed something unusual. As she struck a pose, her shoulders seemed uneven, tilting noticeably to one side. When asked to stand straight, Arundhati couldn't do it. Concerned, her parents rushed to consult doctors, who revealed that she was diagnosed with scoliosis.

In an age where teens are more hooked to their phones, scoliosis has become a common adolescent problem as incorrect postures can aggravate the condition. Doctors are raising the alarm: too many teens with scoliosis only seek help when it's nearly too late, arriving with a spine that's curved past 50 degrees - often making surgery the only option.

Unfortunately, Arundhati had developed a spine curvature past 70 degrees and had to undergo a surgery recently, as wearing a back brace for over 20 hours a day for two months did not help her.

Dr S Vidyadhara, chairman & HOD - spine surgery & consultant - robotic spine surgery, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, said, "Scoliosis is a complex 3-D deformity of the spine and can significantly impact a child's life, especially if left undiagnosed. Defined as a lateral curvature of the spine greater than 10° on radiographs, scoliosis is most prevalent among children aged 10 to 15 and is more common in girls than boys."

Doctors say that while no one has a perfectly straight spine, a bend of up to 10 degrees is considered normal. For curvatures between 10° and 25°, the standard approach is simply to observe, without any immediate intervention. "The lack of a school screening programme in India means that many cases of scoliosis, particularly the milder ones, are missed until they worsen. While 80% of scoliosis cases have no known cause, 15% develop during the spine's formation before birth. Beyond 50 degrees would need surgical intervention, because there is a potential harm to lungs, heart and stomach," Dr Vidyadhara said.

Among the various types of scoliosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common. This type typically occurs in children who are otherwise healthy, with no abnormalities at birth or during early development. It often appears suddenly, causing a noticeable bend in the spine during the crucial years of growth.

Scoliosis can also affect individuals over the age of 50. "Although less common in adults compared to children, scoliosis in older patients is typically symptomatic and easier to diagnose," Dr Raghuram G, additional director of neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, noted.

'Maintain good posture'

Dr Raghuram G emphasised that scoliosis is often rooted in developmental issues that surface during puberty. "Interestingly, scoliosis can be hereditary, with mothers potentially passing it on to their children, while fathers can only pass it to their sons. Although there are no known preventive measures, maintaining good posture during daily activities may help prevent the condition from worsening."