45-Year-Oldmale With Scoliosis And Chronic Back Pain

Posted by abby smiths on April 9th, 2019

Scoliosis had been a concern among physicians across the globe due to the intensity of damage caused to the spine. The curved spine can be corrected using varied invasive and non-invasive methods. Here is a case study of a 45-year-old male, who had curvature at the top of the spine. The patient had c shaped spine since childhood and does not have any other illness. Have a look at the brief case study of the patient.

History

The patient is a 45-year-old American male with a curved spine. The patient had reported pain at the spot of curvature and had difficulty in walking. He is an accountant in a firm where he is required to  sit for about 8 hours a day and had a maximum limit of standing for  not more than 15 minutes.  His crippled walk coupled with pain had restricted him from running or staying active. The pain has been for about 10 years and had opted for several examinations. Initial investigations by orthopedics had concluded that the patient has chronic arthritis considering the pain in one leg and its joints.

Examination and diagnosis

When the patient first visited, he had a visible hump at the back with the crippled walk. He had pain in one leg and back. The MRI scans had proved the curvature of the thoracic region of the vertebrate with pinched nerves that had resulted in pain in leg and discomfort in walking. The patient was diagnosed with severe scoliosis. Considering the condition of the spine, the orthopedic had recommended for scoliosis spinal fusion surgery in which a Harrington rod will be inserted to correct the posture of the vertebrates in the thoracic region.  

Post treatment

The surgery went successfully for 8 hours. The curvature was no longer visible. Some of the counter indications of the surgery include an unstable neck, changes in voice, incontinence, discomfort in the chest, temporary memory issues and pain at the site of surgery. The patient was hospitalized for 3 months and had undergone regular physiotherapy to regain mobility and strength.

Conclusion

The patient had experienced pain resolution and posture correction post-surgery. However, Harrington rod complications later in life had made him depended on anaemia and catheter for excretal removal. Lifelong physiotherapy for pain management and strength will be followed. A couple of medicines for sleep disorders and infections caused by regular use of urinal catheter had been prescribed which could be consumed in case of any difficulty.

From the above case study, it is advisable to opt for non-invasive methods such as braces and exercises for treating scoliosis. These exercises are more effective in providing long-term relief from pain and structure related deformity.

Author’s bio: The author is a blogger and the article is about scoliosis.