In the past, polio was a leading neurological cause of scoliosis. Adults who grew up with polio when epidemics were common often develop scoliosis as a result of their prior condition.

Scoliosis is a sideways (lateral) curvature of the spine, or backbone, usually developing in late childhood or early adolescence. The bones that make up the spine are called vertebrae. Some people who have scoliosis require treatment. Other people, who have milder curves, may only need to visit their doctor for periodic observation. The section "Does Scoliosis Have To Be Treated?" describes how doctors decide whether or not to treat scoliosis.

Scoliosis has frequently been treated successfully with specific AIS exercises to stretch muscles of the trunk, neck, hips and pelvis. Stretching alone will not change the curvature and stabilize the structure. Specific isolated strength exercises for the back, hip, neck and abdominal regions are an important part of the treatment plan. The use of seat belts for stabilization has been a great assistance.

Avian pox is another common disease that affects a bird’s eyes. This disease causes warty lesions on the head, legs, and feet, but cannot always be easily distinguished from conjunctivitis. Avian pox is transmitted by biting insects, by direct contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces (e.g. feeders), or by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Just as with conjunctivitis, the infected bird becomes vulnerable to predation, starvation, or exposure. MORE PHOTOS

Sometimes microrganisms that cause health effects can be found in drinking water. However, as drinking water is thoroughly disinfected today, disease caused by microrganisms is rarely caused by drinking water. People that swim in swimming pools will find that the water they swim in is disinfected with either chlorine, ozone, UV or chlorine dioxide. But there are people that swim outside in surface water every year.

No. Our study found underlying disease in a higher percentage of the abnormally short girls than boys, but our study was looking at children referred to a specialty clinic and not at the general population. Turner syndrome, a genetic condition that causes short stature, occurs only in girls. Turner syndrome cases were not enough to account for the difference found in our study. It is very reasonable to look at your child’s growth curve together with your pediatrician.

Yes! While there are hundreds of different species, there are two basic classifications: floodwater and permanent water mosquitoes. Both types can transmit West Nile virus and other diseases.

A lack of calcium does not cause scoliosis. However, adolescents need 1200-1500 mg of calcium per day to prevent osteoporosis later in life.

You need to be evaluated for scoliosis fusion. There are different ways to perform this type of surgery, all customized to the curvature present. For adolescents with less degree curves, bracing may be recommended.

People of all ages can have scoliosis, but this fact sheet focuses on children and adolescents. Of every 1,000 children, 3 to 5 develop spinal curves that are considered large enough to need treatment. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (scoliosis of unknown cause) is the most common type and occurs after the age of 10. Girls are more likely than boys to have this type of scoliosis.

In 80 to 85 percent of people, the cause of scoliosis is unknown; this is called idiopathic scoliosis. Before concluding that a person has idiopathic scoliosis, the doctor looks for other possible causes, such as injury or infection. Causes of curves are classified as either nonstructural or structural. Nonstructural (functional) scoliosis: A structurally normal spine that appears curved. This is a temporary, changing curve.

The most common form of scoliosis is called idiopathic scoliosis, which basically means that the cause is unknown. Anyone can suffer from scoliosis; the condition usually begins in childhood, although too often it is not identified until the teenage years or later. Scoliosis tends to run in families, and it affects many more girls than boys.

Sometimes curvature of the spine is visible (the body tilts to the left or the right, or one shoulder blade is raised higher than the other. Some of the actual physical symptoms of scoliosis can include back pain, fatigue (especially postural fatigue -- feeling tired when standing, sitting, etc.), and in more severe cases, problems with circulation and breathing.

Doctors of chiropractic are trained to identify and manage problems relating to the spine and the back. An initial visit to the chiropractor will include a thorough physical and diagnostic examination (including range-of-motion tests and spinal x-rays) to identify any problems you may be having, including whether you or your children may be suffering from abnormal or dangerous curvature of the spine.

There are many resources that patients can use to interact with others who have scoliosis. This website has several patient stories which provide useful information on what it is like to have scoliosis and undergo treatment. There are also national support groups for scoliosis patients. In addition, many surgeons have patients who they have treated, who are willing to speak about their scoliosis. It is important to speak with others who have been treated both surgically and through bracing.

The exact cause of scoliosis is still unknown. There has been substantial research into causes such as genetic factors, hormones, tissue growth abnormalities, vertebral body/disc disorders, and central nervous system problems.

Hepatitis A and E are generally self-limiting. After the resolution of an acute infection, they rarely go on to chronic hepatitis or carrier state. Occasionally, however, they may lead to fulminant hepatitis. After the resolution of acute hepatitis B or C, some of the patients may become carriers or may have chronic hepatitis. It is this group of patients who may develop complications, e.g. liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. TOP

The most common diseases caused by marine toxins in United States in order of incidence are scombrotoxic fish poisoning, ciguatera poisoning, paralytic shellfish poisoning, neurotoxic shellfish poisoning and amnesic shellfish poisoning. Scombrotoxic fish poisoning also known as scombroid or histamine fish poisoning, is caused by bacterial spoilage of certain finfish such as tuna, mackerel, bonito, and, rarely, other fish.

Researchers have little information about pregnancy and IC / PBS but believe that the disorder does not affect fertility or the health of the fetus. Some women find that their IC / PBS goes into remission during pregnancy, while others experience a worsening of their symptoms. The emotional support of family, friends, and other people with IC / PBS is very important in helping patients cope.

The evidence available says no. See the following site as starting points, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/implants/cron.html http://www.asps.asn.au/siliconeimplants/

There are several uncommon conditions that give rise to over-production of bilirubin. The bilirubin in the blood in these conditions usually is only mildly elevated, and the resultant jaundice usually is mild and difficult to detect.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. There are five identified types of viral hepatitis and each one is caused by a different virus. In the United States, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are the most common types. Hepatitis A is caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B is caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV).

We recommend viral testing for all cats. These viruses can lay dormant, similar to AIDS in humans, and can cause problems in the future. They can be spread to any other cat in the household by cat to cat contact, so it is safest to screen any new cat before exposure to other cats.

Vaccines themselves do not cause autoimmune disease, but in genetically predisposed animals they may trigger autoimmune responses followed by disease - as can any infection, drug, or a variety of other factors. Yes - For example, Leptospira bacterins are often the diluent for the viral antigen combination. The "viral cake" may be resuspended in sterile water, and the Leptospira bacterin be given separately at another site or time, or discarded.

Yes. In addition to Legionnaires' disease, the same bacteria also can cause a flu-like disease called Pontiac fever.

Hard-bodied ticks are carriers of several diseases that affect man and domesticated animals, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. These diseases can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early. Notify your physician if you develop flu-like symptoms two to 21 days after a tick bite. For more information on these and other diseases carried by ticks, please refer to the following link: CDC: Lyme Disease