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What are the different types of spine conditions?
There are several types of spine conditions, each type ranging from mild to severe, that can occur in infants, children, teens, and adults. Some may be found at birth, some while the spine is growing, and some from an accident or injury.
Scoliosis is a rotation and sideways S- or C-shaped curving of the spine. While there are no known ways to prevent the development of scoliosis, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from getting worse.
Early Onset Scoliosis is scoliosis that develops in a child under 10 years of age. In this age group, there are unique treatments that can help manage spine conditions while a child is still growing. Early diagnosis and intervention are very important for these young children.
Learn more about scoliosis.
Kyphosis is a forward curving of the spine. Sometimes this rounding can become larger than normal (termed hyperkyphosis) and can lead to back pain and, on occasion, difficulty breathing. There are various underlying causes of hyperkyphosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from getting worse.
Spondylolysis is a stress injury that occurs in a specific location on the vertebra, called the pars interarticularis. The pars interarticularis is the weakest area of the spine and therefore the area most likely to be injured by repetitive stress. These injuries may be acute or chronic in nature and do not always cause pain.
Spondylolisthesis, commonly referred to as a “slip”, is a forward shifting of one vertebra on another. In children and adolescents, spondylolisthesis usually occurs due to a spondylolysis. However, it may be due to differences in the shape of the vertebrae that have been present since the bones formed in utero. Like spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis do not always cause pain. They are often monitored over time for signs of stability or progression.
