If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with scoliosis, it's important to know the various genetic risk factors that may play a role. This blog is about scoliosis genetics variants and their impact on the cause of scoliosis. By understanding how scoliosis develops and the various genetic risk factors that contribute, you may be able to find a treatment plan that better suits your needs. If you're curious about scoliosis genetics testing and whether or not scoliosis genetic factors might be a cause of your scoliosis, read on!
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spine curvature that can develop at any age. It's usually caused by multiple genetic and environmental factors, but it can also be caused by trauma or accidents. Treatment for scoliosis involves surgery to realign the spine and relieve pressure on other organs and tissues. If left untreated, scoliosis can progress and eventually cause serious health problems. Knowing the signs and symptoms of scoliosis is the first step in getting the treatment you need. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms, it's important to see a doctor: back pain, neck pain, pain on one side of the body that doesn't go away, pain during everyday activities like walking or sitting. Many signs of scoliosis that occur during childhood include uneven shoulders or hips, a protruding shoulder blade, or visual leg-length differences.
Scoliosis statistics
Idiopathic scoliosis is a condition that affects the spinal cord and spinal column. It is a type of scoliosis that is not caused by a medical condition or injury. It is the most common type of scoliosis, accounting for around 80% of all scoliosis cases. Scoliosis statistics show that the average age of onset for idiopathic scoliosis is around 10-15 years old, known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This means that children and young adults are at a higher risk for developing scoliosis. Females are diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis 8 times more frequently than males. The incidence of scoliosis climbs across the lifespan, with nearly 2 out of 3 women over the age of 60 developing scoliosis.
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for the treatment of scoliosis, as the condition and severity of the scoliosis will vary from child to child. However, there are many genetic risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the condition, so it's important to be aware of them and seek treatment as soon as possible. Some of the most common genetic risk factors for scoliosis include congenital spinal curvature, spinal deformity, and spine curvature in the first few months of life. If your child is diagnosed with scoliosis, the first step will be to take an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis. From there, the treatment plan will depend on the scoliosis type and severity. In most cases, the goal of treatment is to halt the progression of the scoliosis and ensure a healthy spine for the child long term.
What are the different types of scoliosis?
There are many different types of scoliosis, and each one has a different cause. Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type, and it accounts for around 60-70% of all scoliosis cases. It's a scoliosis that has no known cause and can develop at any age. The spine can curve in a variety of ways, but all of them lead to spinal deformity over time. The type of scoliosis a person has makes a big impact on the type of treatment recommended. If idiopathic scoliosis is mild, the majority of cases will not require treatment. However, if idiopathic scoliosis is moderate or severe, it may require scoliosis-specific exercises, bracing and/or surgery. In most cases, idiopathic scoliosis progresses slowly and does not cause any pain symptoms. However, in some cases, idiopathic scoliosis can cause back pain, leg pain, shoulder blade pain, or hip pain.
Are There Genetic Scoliosis Causes?
Congenital scoliosis is a condition that is mostly caused by genetic factors. It accounts for around 60% of the cases of neuromuscular scoliosis, while idiopathic scoliosis (which is the most common type) is due to multiple contributing factors- both genetic and environmental.
Neuromuscular scoliosis can also be caused by a number of connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan's syndrome. In these cases, the underlying syndrome affects normal spinal muscle control, often resulting in the development of severe curves.
Syndromic Scoliosis
Syndromic scoliosis refers to a scoliosis that is directly caused by an underlying genetic disorder. There are two types of syndromic scoliosis - congenital, neuromuscular. Congenital scoliosis can be caused by genes that trigger abnormal vertebral shape and malformation. Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by genetic syndromes like Marfan's, Ehlers-Danlos, muscular dystrophy or osteogenesis imperfecta.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Neuromuscular scoliosis is a condition that is caused by underlying disorders that affect spinal muscle control. These disorders can be inherited, or they may be acquired in the course of other conditions, such as birth trauma or spinal cord injury. Cerebral palsy is the most common condition that causes neuromuscular scoliosis.
Some patients with neuromuscular scoliosis will also have heart and lung impacts from the disorder itself. If the curve remains below a Cobb angle of 45 degrees at skeletal maturity, it does not typically progress throughput adulthood. Surgery for severe scoliosis is risky; around 60% of patients experience major complications after surgery to correct their scoliosis. Therefore, conservative treatment methods are preferred when possible.
Idiopathic Scoliosis
Idiopathic scoliosis is a condition that affects the spine and results from multiple genetic factors. It can be classified into four different types - infantile, juvenile, adolescent, and de novo (adult). All of these associations have an impact on the severity of curvature and treatment protocols.
The earlier idiopathic scoliosis is detected, the better chances there are of achieving successful treatment outcomes. This may include a brace, along with other treatments such as surgery or scoliosis-specific exercises. Early diagnosis means that patients receive regular check-ups to monitor their progress Accordingly, early recognition is key for a positive prognosis in any case of idiopathic scoliosis.
What is the most convenient way to perform scoliosis genetic testing?
If you're considering genetic testing for idiopathic scoliosis, there are a few factors to consider. One of the most convenient ways to get the testing done is by purchasing an at-home collection kit from a commercial laboratory. Depending on the provider, specialized analysis of your DNA may be required in order to identify any genetic factors associated with idiopathic scoliosis. After the testing is complete, you may be required to become a patient of record or receive a complete physical examination before the results can be processed. Make sure you understand the costs and timeline associated with the test before making a decision. In the end, it's important to know what options are available to you and to discuss the options with your healthcare provider.
What are single nucelotide polymorphisms (SNPs)?
If you're concerned about your genetic risk of developing scoliosis, it's important to know about single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). SNPs are variations in the DNA sequence that can be inherited. They have been found to play a role in the development of this condition, so it's important to know which ones affect you personally. If you're curious about your genetic risk for scoliosis, a ScoliNATION provider can help you identify which SNPs might be involved in your scoliosis. Additionally, these variations can predict your child's risk of developing scoliosis, so it's important to know about them. Knowing about scoliosis genetic risk factors can help you make informed decisions and develop proper treatment recommendations.
Sample gene variants that contribute to scoliosis development or progression
There are a number of SNPs that have been widely studied for their health impacts. Some SNPs have been linked to idiopathic scoliosis development or progression, while others increase the risk of other health conditions such as colorectal cancer and food allergies. It is important to keep this information in mind when planning treatment options or preventive measures.
Can You Fix Single Nucelotide Polymorphisms?
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that occurs as the result of environmental and genetic factors. It is a condition that can severely impact a person's quality of life, and can even require surgery. However, thanks to the development of genetic testing and research, it is now possible to determine the genetic risk factors for scoliosis and to implement lifestyle and dietary plans to minimize the impact of these risk factors. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are tiny differences in the sequence of a gene. They're like the scratches on a record, SNPs are permanent. However, those scratches can be waxed, which minimizes the impact the scratches have on how well the record plays. Because SNPs can't be changed, they can cause changes in the function or structure of proteins, which collectively can cause diseases like scoliosis. By 'waxing' your scratches with proper dietary, lifestyle, and supplement plans, you can minimize the impact of these SNPs on you health. Knowing your SNPs, and how they impact your health, can be an important way to live a long and healthy life.
What kind of treatment is required to help scoliosis genetic variants?
If you're someone who is concerned about your or your child's genetic risk for developing scoliosis, now is the time to get tested. Multiple combined genetic SNPs can cause scoliosis, but the recommended treatments will vary depending on the number and types of SNPs identified. In some cases, lifestyle interventions may include the avoidance of certain foods, ingredients, or chemicals. For some people, the focus may be put on dietary factors, with the aim of improving the absorption of nutrients and reducing the risk of scoliosis. If you're concerned about your or your child's genetic risk, don't wait - get tested today!
Finding a Provider near you who performs scoliosis genetic variant testing
If you're curious about your scoliosis genetic risk factors, or you're just looking to find a provider that can test you for scoliosis SNPs, ScoliNATION is the resource for you. Our updated list of scoliosis Providers throughout North America uses scoliosis genetic testing to provide you with the best care possible. Many of these providers can help you obtain testing, interpret your results, and create a customized treatment plan. If you cannot find a local ScoliNATION Provider, some of them also provide virtual telemedicine services. So whatever your scoliosis related needs, we hope that our list will help you find the right provider for you.
Conclusion
Scoliosis is a condition that causes curvature of the spine, and it can occur in any part of the spine. If you or a loved one suffers from scoliosis, or you are concerned that your child may develop scoliosis, genetic testing can help to identify genetic factors that may be associated with scoliosis development or progression. Make sure to check our website for provider locator information, as well as details on the different types of scoliosis and the treatment options available. Thanks for reading!