Seven Tips to Prevent Scoliosis

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çağlar Berk, Director of Neurosurgery at Anadolu Health Center Hospital, noted that scoliosis presents symptoms such as back or lower back pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. "If the disease has progressed, patients may also experience numbness in the legs, tingling, or weakness. It should be remembered that scoliosis, which causes aesthetic concerns and confidence issues in terms of appearance, can be controlled through early diagnosis," he said.

Emphasizing that scoliosis, meaning spinal curvature, creates the basis for postural disorders due to asymmetric appearance of the shoulders or hips, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çağlar Berk, Director of Neurosurgery at Anadolu Health Center Hospital, stated: "In cases where curvature progresses, surgical methods are utilized. These operations both correct physical appearance and prevent health problems in the long term. In recent years, there have been significant innovations and developments in scoliosis surgery. Both surgical techniques and materials used are leading to safer and more effective treatments, thereby improving patients' quality of life."

Adolescence is a risk period for scoliosis development
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çağlar Berk, noting that scoliosis has several different types, stated: "The most common type is 'idiopathic'; although it has no specific cause, it develops during childhood and adolescence because as growth accelerates, spinal curvatures become more pronounced. Degenerative scoliosis seen in adults is associated with natural aging processes and wear and tear of spinal structures." He added that while scoliosis cannot always be completely prevented, early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and healthy lifestyle habits make it possible to stop or slow its progression. "Options such as bracing and physical therapy also reduce the need for surgery," Berk explained.

Personalized surgical planning is possible
Highlighting recent significant innovations and advances in scoliosis surgery, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çağlar Berk stated: "Every day, safer and more effective treatments are being developed to accelerate patient recovery, reduce complication risks, and achieve better outcomes. Thanks to robotic surgery and navigation systems, surgeons can correct the spine more precisely. With these technologies, more reliable results are achieved, preventing potential adverse outcomes and reducing the need for revision surgery. Scarring and tissue damage remain at minimal levels. Additionally, 3D imaging and planning help better understand the patient's spinal structure and customize the surgical strategy for each individual."

As curvature severity increases, surgery becomes more likely
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çağlar Berk emphasized that scoliosis surgery is indicated when curvature reaches severe levels such as 40-50 degrees or higher, or when other treatment methods have failed. "The decision for surgery varies depending on the degree of curvature, rate of progression, patient's age, and spinal growth potential. The surgical method, aiming to improve the patient's quality of life, differs according to the type of scoliosis, its severity, and the patient's age. After the procedure, complaints such as back pain and respiratory problems caused by scoliosis decrease or disappear completely," he said.

Return to routine possible a few weeks after surgery
Noting that surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia with duration ranging from 1-2 hours, Berk stated: "Risks such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or incomplete spinal fusion that may occur during surgery are minimized by an experienced team. While hospitalization may be necessary in some cases, it should be remembered that the recovery period varies from person to person. Patients typically return to daily activities within a few weeks, while complete recovery may take 6 months to 1 year. Of course, physical therapy is also an important factor at this point."

Dr. Emre Zorlu, Neurosurgery Specialist at Anadolu Health Center Hospital, stated: "For scoliosis surgery to produce successful results, it is important that the patient undergoes regular follow-up examinations after surgery and follows the exercise programs recommended by the physician."

Dr. Emre Zorlu shared 7 recommendations to prevent scoliosis:
1.    Prioritize early diagnosis. With early detection of the problem, non-surgical treatment methods such as bracing can stop the progression of curvature.
2.    Stand upright. Good posture protects the spine. Developing correct sitting, standing, and sleeping habits during childhood and adolescence is very important.
3.    Avoid heavy backpacks. Especially in children, heavy backpacks can increase the risk of scoliosis development. Backpacks should be carried balanced from both shoulders and should not be too heavy.
4.    Keep your muscles strong. Exercises that strengthen spinal and abdominal muscles support the spine and help maintain healthy posture.
5.    Do sports that improve flexibility. Yoga and pilates in particular are beneficial for spinal health.
6.    Value bone health. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D during childhood and adolescence supports bone health and reduces the risk of scoliosis development.
7.    Eat a balanced diet. A balanced diet providing necessary nutrients for body development contributes to healthy spinal development.