Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Essay

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Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis What is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that appears in late childhood or adolescence. Instead of growing straight, the spine develops a side-to-side curvature, usually in an elongated “S” or “C” shape; the bones of the spine are also slightly twisted or rotated. (Genetics Home Reference)
This article is meant to be informant to those with the condition and their families. I t also discusses the controversy of how this form of scoliosis could be genetic. The word “idiopathic” itself means that the cause is unknown, but scientists are trying to get a better understanding of condition. They know that it is probably the result of both genetics as well as environment factors. Recent studies have surfaced that the curvature may also be a result of hormonal problems, unusual bone and muscle growth, nervous system abnormalities, or other factors that are yet to be identified. These studies are formed by identifying a family history of the condition, which is sad because patients want answers but scientist can’t yet give them any. This article was lacking scientific background, but the studies are just starting to progress. I remain uncertain of the emotional manipulation of the article. From my point of view I don’t believe it to be manipulative. The article was just trying to be informant to those trying to receive answers. The reasoning behind my choice of this topic is simple. I myself have this condition and I am awaiting surgery at the closing of the school year. During a routine checkup, my surgeon pronounced my curve to have more than doubled in the last year. One year ago my curve was at a steady 43°, which was already at the low end of the scale for needing surgery, but in the last week my X-ray revealed a 65+° curve. My surgeon said that surgery was a must for without it my spine would eventually reach the point of crushing my lungs and/ or heart. He went into depth of the reasoning and mentioned that because my cousin has the same condition that it may be linked to genetics. He asked if I had any family history of the condition but that was unknown. The thoughts racing through my mind at the time were numerous. I have already endured years of extreme ulcerative colitis to the point of being on unsuccessful steroids and meds, the removal of my colon, and an unexplained chronic pancreatitis with a resulting month and a half in the hospital on an extremely limited diet and much more. That was not yet 2 years ago and now this … the decisions, concerns, and issues involved are endless. How will it affect my activity level? What are the risks (for there are many)? How long is the
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