How Much Curve Is Too Much?
Penis curvature and sex – Talk to your partner about what they want and what feels good, and you’ll find the perfect position for any curved penis. Remember that extreme penis curvatures can make sex painful for either partner. If your penis curve is greater than 30°, it can even be dangerous and may warrant medical attention.
- Brant, W.O., Bella, A.J., & Lue, T.F. (September, 2021). Peyronie’s disease: Diagnosis and medical management. Retrieved on May 26, 2020, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/peyronies-disease-diagnosis-and-medical-management
- Ohebshalom, M., Mulhall, J., Guhring, P., & Parker, M. (2007). Measurement of penile curvature in Peyronie’s disease patients: comparison of three methods. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 4 (1), 199–203. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00404. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17233785/
- Sandean, D.P. & Lotfollahzadeh, S. (2021). Peyronie disease., In: StatPearls, Retrieved on Nov.1, 2021 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560628/
Felix Gussone is a physician, health journalist and a Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.
Contents
- 1 Is a 30 degree curve bad?
- 2 Does Peyronie’s disease go away?
- 3 What does 10 degree scoliosis look like?
- 4 How much length can you lose with Peyronie’s?
- 5 Is 15 percent scoliosis bad?
- 6 Can scoliosis be cured 100%?
- 7 How do you slow down Peyronie’s?
- 8 Can you massage Peyronie’s disease?
- 9 Is Peyronie’s temporary?
- 10 What degree is considered severe scoliosis?
Is a 30 degree curve bad?
A mild curve is less than 20 degrees. A moderate curve is between 25 degrees and 40 degrees. A severe curve is more than 50 degrees.
Does Peyronie’s disease go away?
Symptoms – Peyronie’s disease signs and symptoms might appear suddenly or develop gradually. The most common signs and symptoms include:
Scar tissue. The scar tissue associated with Peyronie’s disease — called plaque but different from plaque that can build up in blood vessels — can be felt under the skin of the penis as flat lumps or a band of hard tissue. A significant bend to the penis. Your penis might curve upward or downward or bend to one side. Erection problems. Peyronie’s disease might cause problems getting or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction). But, often men report erectile dysfunction before the beginning of Peyronie’s disease symptoms. Shortening of the penis. Your penis might become shorter as a result of Peyronie’s disease. Pain. You might have penile pain, with or without an erection. Other penile deformity. In some men with Peyronie’s disease, the erect penis might have narrowing, indentations or even an hourglass-like appearance, with a tight, narrow band around the shaft.
The curvature and penile shortening associated with Peyronie’s disease might gradually worsen. At some point, however, the condition typically stabilizes after three to 12 months or so. Pain during erections usually improves within one to two years, but the scar tissue, penile shortening and curvature often remain.
What does 10 degree scoliosis look like?
Scoliosis at 10 Degrees – While developing an unnatural spinal curve is bad, the spine’s healthy curves facilitate its optimal function by making it stronger, more flexible, and better able to absorb/distribute mechanical stress. It’s the spine’s natural curves that give it the appearance of being straight when viewed from the front or back and a soft ‘S’ shape when viewed from the sides.
- There are a number of spinal conditions a person can develop that involve the loss of one or more of the spine’s healthy curves, and when this happens, the biomechanics of the entire spine are disrupted.
- Spinal conditions have the potential to cause a myriad of effects felt throughout the body as the spine and brain work in tandem to form the body’s central nervous system (CNS), and scoliosis is one such condition that also happens to be more prevalent than many realize.
In fact, scoliosis is the leading spinal condition amongst school-aged children, and the Scoliosis Research Society has current estimates of close to 7 million people living with scoliosis in the United States alone. In order for a scoliosis diagnosis to be given, there are certain parameters that have to be met; there has to be an unnatural sideways spinal curve, with rotation, making it a 3-dimensional condition, and the unhealthy curve has to have a minimum Cobb angle measurement of 10 degrees.
Can 10 degree scoliosis be fixed?
Conclusion – While being diagnosed with scoliosis can hardly be described as positive, it doesn’t have to be viewed as all bad. People like Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, didn’t let a scoliosis diagnosis slow him down and still went on to earn his Olympic title and world-wide recognition, despite having scoliosis.
In fact, if a patient is diagnosed with scoliosis at 10 degrees, in terms of treatment, this is somewhat fortunate as this means early detection was accomplished and proactive treatment can be applied while the condition is still mild and the curvature is smaller and easier to treat. In order for an abnormal spinal curvature to be diagnosed as a true scoliosis, it has to have rotation and a minimum curvature size of 10 degrees, and this cutoff point was decided by a Dr.
William Kane back in 1977. As Dr. Kane pointed out the need to standardize the management of scoliosis, this included diagnosis, assessment, and treatment, and the 10-degree cutoff point was a somewhat arbitrary choice, rather than being based on scientific evidence that a 10-degree curve was any more significant/appropriate than other curvature degrees.
How much length can you lose with Peyronie’s?
Plaque incision (PI) or partial excision and grafting – While there are many variations on the technique, PI and grafting, in general, consists of a tunical incision on the concave aspect of the point of maximum curvature with grafting of the defect ( 25 ), and partial excision consists of dissection of the plaque off of the tunica with grafting of what is often a larger defect. Full excision is more likely to cause post-operative erectile dysfunction and is usually reserved for plaques that cause significant narrowing or corporal deformity ( 24, 26, 27 ). PI and grafting was initially described by El-Sakka et al. The original procedure may be referred to as the Lue technique ( 25 ). However, evidence in the literature is conflicted regarding length outcomes for PI and grafting using this technique. In the original series of 112 patients, 83% of the men had stable or increased length following the procedure and 17% of men had decreased length. A subsequent study of 50 patients was notable for stable penile length in 60% of patients and decreased penile length in 40%, with long-term follow-up suggesting that more patients eventually progressed to decreased penile length ( 28 ). Another prospective study of 58 patients found that 22.4% had decreased penile length (range, 0.5–1.5 cm) ( 29 ). One of the largest studies, looking at 113 men, found that 25% had decreased penile length by >1 cm postoperatively ( 30 ). Another group of 58 patients were observed to have decreased penile length in 35% of men ( 31 ). Long term outcomes from 30 patients (mean follow-up 13 years) showed high satisfaction with the procedure (73% overall satisfaction), but are notable for high rates of ED (36.7%) and perceived penile shortening (43.3%) ( 32 ). Overall, while the majority of patients maintain penile length with this technique, a clinically significant minority are still reported to experience penile shortening ( 33 ). The Egydio technique for PI and grafting was first described in 2002 and consists of a geometrically-based circumferential relaxing incision which is forked at the ends ( 34 ). Initial results in 33 patients demonstrated an intraoperative increase in SPL of 2.2 cm (range, 1–4 cm) ( 35 ). A total of 157 patients were enrolled in a multi-institutional outcomes study with median follow-up of 20 months in order to evaluate the Egydio technique. These patients had a median 2.5 cm (range, 1.5–3.5 cm) gain in penile length ( 36 ). However, this technique has been independently associated with ED and therefore patients must be selected appropriately ( 24 ). Overall, the literature suggests that the Lue technique is likely to maintain or decrease penile length, but the Egydio technique is likely to increase penile length in men with PD while simultaneously elevating the risk of post-operative ED.
Does stretching really help Peyronie’s?
– Yes, certain types of exercise can help Peyronie’s disease. According to Massachusetts General Hospital, gentle stretching of the sheath can correct the curvature by breaking down some of the scar tissue. Recent research has also shown that exercises with special devices can be effective at straightening and stretching the penis back into its normal shape and length during erection.
Is Peyronie’s disease a big deal?
Peyronie’s disease is the development of fibrous tissue in the penis that can cause curved and painful erections. Up to 13 percent of men may have the condition, yet that number could be much higher as most men don’t talk about it. It’s an extremely treatable condition, but you need to see a doctor.
Can you fix 20 degree scoliosis?
Conclusion – So what should a person do after a 20 degrees scoliosis diagnosis: seek out proactive treatment. The time to start treatment is always now, particularly when it comes to the progressive nature of scoliosis. When it comes to a scoliosis diagnosis, the most important decision to be made is how to treat it moving forward because the two main scoliosis treatment approaches offer patients different potential outcomes.
- Under a traditional treatment approach, patients diagnosed with a 20 degrees of scoliosis fall under the umbrella of mild scoliosis, and in the majority of cases, these patients are told merely to watch and wait.
- The danger of solely watching and waiting is that it’s more reactive than proactive, wastes valuable treatment time, and does nothing to prevent increasing condition severity, escalating symptoms, and the need for invasive treatment in the future, such as spinal fusion surgery.
Under a conservative treatment approach, patients diagnosed with a 20 degrees of scoliosis benefit from proactive treatment initiated as close to the time of diagnosis as possible; that way, work is started immediately to counteract the condition’s progressive nature.
Is 15 percent scoliosis bad?
Scoliosis is defined as any sideways spinal curvature that measures 10 degrees or more (see Cobb angle ). That being said, any curve measuring less than around 25 degrees is considered quite mild and generally less likely to require immediate medical attention.
For context, spinal fusion surgery is usually recommended only in cases where the curve measures at least 40-50 degrees. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that 15 degree scoliosis doesn’t need to be treated at all. For one thing, some symptoms of scoliosis can occur no matter how slight your spinal curvature may be.
Many people with so-called ‘mild’ scoliosis still experience:
Back painStiffnessNoticeably reduced mobility/flexibility
If these symptoms persist, it may be necessary to treat them in order to minimise their impact on the patient’s day-to-day life. Pain medication can help, and physical therapy can improve flexibility/mobility while also combating the source of any pain or stiffness.
Is a 14 degree curve scoliosis?
Overview – Scoliosis means abnormal curvature of the spine greater than 10 degrees, as measured on an X-ray. Anything less than 10 degrees is considered normal variation in a normal individual. The curvature takes place in three dimensions. Normally, the spine is straight when looking at a person from the front or back.
- When looking at a person from the side, the spine is curved.
- There is a gentle bending forward of the spine in the chest and a bending backward, called lordosis, between the chest and the pelvis.
- In scoliosis, the spine appears S-shaped when looking at the front or back.
- When looking at the side, the normally curved spine typically straightens out.
In addition, the spine twists on its axis, pushing the ribs and flanks backward and forward to produce a prominence, or hump.
How bad is a 12 degree scoliosis?
The Cobb angle is best understood within the context of the individual patient. For instance, if a 30-degree Cobb angle is found in a 10-year-old girl who has a lot of skeletal growth left, a brace is likely to be recommended; but if that same 30-degree angle is found in a 16-year-old girl who has stopped growing, perhaps no treatment is needed as the curve is unlikely to progress.
1 to 9-degree curve. Curves that are less than 10 degrees are not considered to represent scoliosis, but rather a minor spinal asymmetry. 10- to 24-degree curve. Curves between 10 and 24 degrees are mild scoliosis and likely just need to be monitored. If a curve has reached 20 degrees and the child or adolescent is still continuing to grow, bracing might be considered. See Bracing Treatment for Idiopathic Scoliosis 25- to 39-degree curve. A curve of at least 25 degrees is typically considered moderate scoliosis. If a child or adolescent’s curve has been progressing and is likely to continue to grow, bracing will probably start now in an effort to prevent the deformity from worsening. If the teen is near skeletal maturity, perhaps no treatment is needed other than to monitor for future progression.
40- to 49-degree curve. Generally, an adolescent with a curve between 40 and 49 degrees will try a brace to avoid surgery. If the curve has already progressed to 40 degrees despite bracing, surgery could now be a consideration. See Scoliosis Surgery 50- to 69-degree curve. For curves measuring 50 degrees or more in adolescents, surgery is likely to be recommended. However, the choice is still up to the patient. Surgery considerations include the degree of pain, ability to handle daily tasks and enjoy everyday activities, and personal preferences about physical appearance. 70-degree curve or more. A curve of at least 70 degrees is usually considered severe scoliosis. At this stage, there is a greater risk for the spine’s curve and rotation to cause the rib cage to eventually twist so much that heart and lung function can be significantly affected.1 Tsiligiannis T, Grivas T. Pulmonary function in children with idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis.2012: 7:7. People with severe scoliosis typically choose surgery if it is an option.
These cutoffs are general guidelines based on a study of current medical literature, and they are by no means absolute. Each patient’s situation is unique and individual treatment plans may vary. See Scoliosis Treatment
Can scoliosis be cured 100%?
Is It Possible To Fix Scoliosis? – Scoliosis is a condition that can’t be cured. As such, there’s no option to “fix” scoliosis, at least not to 100%. However, scoliosis can be treated in a way that helps “correct” the curvature, reducing the angle of the curvature and improving the spinal alignment.
- Additionally, treatment can also effectively reduce and manage any pain or discomfort associated with scoliosis.
- It’s also important to note that not all treatment programs are the same.
- The goal of a specific treatment program will depend on the severity of the curvature, the age when the scoliosis was diagnosed, and other factors.
For example, when treating adolescents, the goal is typically to prevent progression and reduce the angle of the spinal curvature to under 30 degrees, which helps to reduce the risk of progression in adulthood. On the other hand, when treating adults, the goal is usually to prevent or slow the progression and relieve pain.
Is 10 percent scoliosis bad?
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It is most often diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence. The spine’s normal curves occur at the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions in the so-called “sagittal” plane. These natural curves position the head over the pelvis and work as shock absorbers to distribute mechanical stress during movement.
Coronal plane Sagittal plane Axial plane
The coronal plane is a vertical plane from head to foot and parallel to the shoulders, dividing the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. The sagittal plane divides the body into right and left halves. The axial plane is parallel to the plane of the ground and at right angles to the coronal and sagittal planes.
Scoliosis affects 2-3 percent of the population, or an estimated six to nine million people in the United States. Scoliosis can develop in infancy or early childhood. However, the primary age of onset for scoliosis is 10-15 years old, occurring equally among both genders. Females are eight times more likely to progress to a curve magnitude that requires treatment.
Every year, scoliosis patients make more than 600,000 visits to private physician offices, an estimated 30,000 children are fitted with a brace and 38,000 patients undergo spinal fusion surgery. Source: National Scoliosis Foundation, June 2007. Scoliosis can be classified by etiology: idiopathic, congenital or neuromuscular,
- Idiopathic scoliosis is the diagnosis when all other causes are excluded and comprises about 80 percent of all cases.
- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis and is usually diagnosed during puberty.
- Congenital scoliosis results from embryological malformation of one or more vertebrae and may occur in any location of the spine.
The vertebral abnormalities cause curvature and other deformities of the spine because one area of the spinal column lengthens at a slower rate than the rest. The geometry and location of the abnormalities determine the rate at which the scoliosis progresses in magnitude as the child grows.
Because these abnormalities are present at birth, congenital scoliosis is usually detected at a younger age than idiopathic scoliosis. Neuromuscular scoliosis encompasses scoliosis that is secondary to neurological or muscular diseases. This includes scoliosis associated with cerebral palsy, spinal cord trauma, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and spina bifida.
This type of scoliosis generally progresses more rapidly than idiopathic scoliosis and often requires surgical treatment. There are several signs that may indicate the possibility of scoliosis. If one or more of the following signs is noticed, schedule an appointment with a doctor.
Shoulders are uneven – one or both shoulder blades may stick out Head is not centered directly above the pelvis One or both hips are raised or unusually high Rib cages are at different heights Waist is uneven The appearance or texture of the skin overlying the spine changes (dimples, hairy patches, color abnormalities) The entire body leans to one side
In one study, about 23 percent of patients with idiopathic scoliosis presented with back pain at the time of initial diagnosis. Ten percent of these patients were found to have an underlying associated condition such as spondylolisthesis, syringomyelia, tethered cord, herniated disc or spinal tumor.
- If a patient with diagnosed idiopathic scoliosis has more than mild back discomfort, a thorough evaluation for another cause of pain is advised.
- Due to changes in the shape and size of the thorax, idiopathic scoliosis may affect pulmonary function.
- Recent reports on pulmonary function testing in patients with mild to moderate idiopathic scoliosis showed diminished pulmonary function.
Scoliosis is usually confirmed through a physical examination, an x-ray, spinal radiograph, CT scan or MRI. The curve is measured by the Cobb Method and is diagnosed in terms of severity by the number of degrees. A positive diagnosis of scoliosis is made based on a coronal curvature measured on a posterior-anterior radiograph of greater than 10 degrees.
In general, a curve is considered significant if it is greater than 25 to 30 degrees. Curves exceeding 45 to 50 degrees are considered severe and often require more aggressive treatment. A standard exam that is sometimes used by pediatricians and in grade school screenings is called the Adam’s Forward Bend Test.
During this test, the patient leans forward with his or her feet together and bends 90 degrees at the waist. From this angle, any asymmetry of the trunk or any abnormal spinal curvatures can easily be detected by the examiner. This is a simple initial screening test that can detect potential problems, but cannot determine accurately the exact type or severity of the deformity.
X-ray : Application of radiation to produce a film or picture of a part of the body can show the structure of the vertebrae and the outline of the joints. X-rays of the spine are obtained to search for other potential causes of pain, i.e. infections, fractures, deformities, etc.
Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) : A diagnostic image created after a computer reads X-rays; can show the shape and size of the spinal canal, its contents and the structures around it. Very good at visualizing bony structures.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) : A diagnostic test that produces three-dimensional images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology; can show the spinal cord, nerve roots and surrounding areas, as well as enlargement, degeneration and deformities.
Scoliosis in children is classified by age: 1.) Infantile (0 to 3 years); 2.) Juvenile (3 to 10 years); and 3.) Adolescent (age 11 and older, or from onset of puberty until skeletal maturity). Idiopathic scoliosis comprises the vast majority of cases presenting during adolescence.
- Depending on its severity and the age of the child, scoliosis is managed by close observation, bracing and/or surgery.
- In children with congenital scoliosis, there is a known increased incidence of other congenital abnormalities.
- These are most commonly associated with the spinal cord (20 percent), the genitourinary system (20 to 33 percent) and the heart (10 to 15 percent).
It is important that evaluation of the neurological, genitourinary and cardiovascular systems is undertaken when congenital scoliosis is diagnosed. Scoliosis that occurs or is diagnosed in adulthood is distinctive from childhood scoliosis, since the underlying causes and goals of treatment differ in patients who have already reached skeletal maturity.
- Most adults with scoliosis can be divided into the following categories: 1.) Adult scoliosis patients who were surgically treated as adolescents; 2.) Adults who did not receive treatment when they were younger; and 3.) Adults with a type of scoliosis called degenerative scoliosis.
- In one 20-year study, about 40 percent of adult scoliosis patients experienced a progression.
Of those, 10 percent showed a very significant progression, while the other 30 percent experienced a very mild progression, usually of less than one degree per year. Degenerative scoliosis occurs most frequently in the lumbar spine (lower back) and more commonly affects people age 65 and older.
It is often accompanied by spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, which pinches the spinal nerves and makes it difficult for them to function normally. Back pain associated with degenerative scoliosis usually begins gradually and is linked with activity. The curvature of the spine in this form of scoliosis is often relatively minor, so surgery may only be advised when conservative methods fail to alleviate pain associated with the condition.
When there is a confirmed diagnosis of scoliosis, there are several issues to assess that can help determine treatment options:
Spinal maturity – is the patient’s spine still growing and changing? Degree and extent of curvature – how severe is the curve and how does it affect the patient’s lifestyle? Location of curve – according to some experts, thoracic curves are more likely to progress than curves in other regions of the spine. Possibility of curve progression – patients who have large curves prior to their adolescent growth spurts are more likely to experience curve progression.
After these variables are assessed, the following treatment options may be recommended:
Observation Bracing Surgery
In many children with scoliosis, the spinal curve is mild enough to not require treatment. However, if the doctor is worried that the curve may be increasing, he or she may wish to examine the child every four to six months throughout adolescence. In adults with scoliosis, X-rays are usually recommended once every five years, unless symptoms are getting progressively worse.
- Braces are only effective in patients who have not reached skeletal maturity.
- If the child is still growing and his or her curve is between 25 degrees and 40 degrees, a brace may be recommended to prevent the curve from progressing.
- There have been improvements in brace design and the newer models fit under the arm, not around the neck.
There are several different types of braces available. While there is some disagreement among experts as to which type of brace is most effective, large studies indicate that braces, when used with full compliance, successfully stop curve progression in about 80 percent of children with scoliosis.
- For optimal effectiveness, the brace should be checked regularly to assure a proper fit and may need to be worn 16 to 23 hours every day until growth stops.
- In children, the two primary goals of surgery are to stop the curve from progressing during adulthood and to diminish spinal deformity.
- Most experts would recommend surgery only when the spinal curve is greater than 40 degrees and there are signs of progression.
This surgery can be done using an anterior approach (through the front) or a posterior approach (through the back) depending on the particular case. Some adults who were treated as children may need revision surgery, in particular if they were treated 20 to 30 years ago, before major advances in spinal surgery procedures were implemented.
Back then, it was common to fuse a long segment of the spine. When many vertebral segments of the spine are fused together, the remaining mobile segments assume much more of the load and the stress associated with movements. Adjacent segment disease is the process in which degenerative changes occur over time in the mobile segments above and below the spinal fusion.
This can result in painful arthritis of the discs, facet joints and ligaments. In general, surgery in adults may be recommended when the spinal curve is greater than 50 degrees and the patient has nerve damage to their legs and/or is experiencing bowel or bladder symptoms.
Adults with degenerative scoliosis and spinal stenosis may require decompression surgery with spinal fusion and a surgical approach from both the front and back. A number of factors can lead to increased surgical-related risks in older adults with degenerative scoliosis. These factors include the following: advanced age, being a smoker, being overweight and the presence of other health/medical problems.
In general, both surgery and recovery time are expected to be longer in older adults with scoliosis. Posterior approach: The most frequently performed surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis involves posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation and bone grafting.
This is performed through the back while the patient lies on his or her stomach. During this surgery, the spine is straightened with rigid rods, followed by spinal fusion. Spinal fusion involves adding a bone graft to the curved area of the spine, which creates a solid union between two or more vertebrae.
The metal rods attached to the spine ensure that the backbone remains straight while the spinal fusion takes effect. This procedure usually takes several hours in children, but will generally take longer in older adults. With recent advances in technology, most people with idiopathic scoliosis are released within a week of surgery and do not require post-surgical bracing.
- Most patients are able to return to school or work in two to four weeks post surgery and are able to resume all pre-surgical activities within four to six months.
- Anterior approach: The patient lies on his or her side during the surgery.
- The surgeon makes incisions in the patient’s side, deflates the lung and removes a rib in order to reach the spine.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VAT) surgery offers enhanced visualization of the spine and is a less invasive surgery than an open procedure. The anterior spinal approach has several potential advantages: better deformity correction, quicker patient rehabilitation, improved spine mobilization and fusion of fewer segments.
- The potential disadvantages are that many patients require bracing for several months post surgery, and this approach has a higher risk of morbidity – although VAT has helped to reduce the latter.
- Decompressive laminectomy: The laminae (roof) of the vertebrae are removed to create more space for the nerves.
A spinal fusion with or without spinal instrumentation is often recommended when scoliosis and spinal stenosis are present. Various devices (like screws or rods) may be used to enhance fusion and support unstable areas of the spine. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) : Fusion can sometimes be performed via smaller incisions through MIS.
- The use of advanced fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging during surgery) and endoscopy (camera technology) has improved the accuracy of incisions and hardware placement, minimizing tissue trauma while enabling a MIS approach.
- It is important to keep in mind that not all cases can be treated in this manner and a number of factors contribute to the surgical method used.
The benefits of surgery should always be weighed carefully against its risks. Although a large percentage of scoliosis patients benefit from surgery, there is no guarantee that surgery will stop curve progression and symptoms in every individual. The AANS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products or physicians referenced in these patient fact sheets.
Why is my PP curved?
Peyronie’s disease causes abnormal, fibrous lumps (plaques) to form inside the erectile tissue of the penis.Over time, these plaques can grow and deform the erect penis by causing it to curve.Sometimes the condition improves without any treatment.Various treatments are available, but surgery is usually only offered as a last option.
Peyronie’s disease causes abnormal, fibrous lumps (plaques) to form inside the erectile tissue of the penis. Over time, these plaques can grow and deform the erect penis and cause it to curve. Peyronie’s disease usually affects the upper side of the penis, but the disease may sometimes target the lower side or both sides.
- Infection or injury to the penis can lead to Peyronie’s disease, but the cause remains unknown in the majority of cases.
- The condition is more common in middle-aged and older men.
- Peyronie’s disease affects around three per cent of men aged 30 to 80 years.
- There is no cure and the condition is difficult to treat.
Around 16 to 20 per cent of men with Peyronie’s disease develop other forms of fibrosis, or plaques. A common example is Dupuytren’s contracture – the shortening of the connective tissue of the palm, which causes one or more of the fingers to start to close (most commonly, the little or ring finger is affected).
Does Peyronie’s always bend?
Does a curved penis always mean Peyronie’s disease? – Not necessarily. Many men have a penis that curves to the left or right while erect. But if you notice a new or more significant curve to your penis or a curve that makes sex difficult or painful, it’s time to see a specialist for an evaluation.
- At Urology Associates Medical Group, we review your history, discuss your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order any imaging studies needed to rule out other conditions and diagnose Peyronie’s disease.
- Come in as soon as possible if you suspect Peyronie’s disease.
- Getting treatment early can prevent complications from developing.
Look for the following :
Hard lump or thickened area in the shaft of the penis Significant or new curve in your penis (usually curving up) A misshapen penis (often hourglass-shaped) Soft or painful erections Shortening of or loss of girth in your penis Pain in your penis
While Peyronie’s disease usually affects men over 40, it can happen to men of any age.
How do you slow down Peyronie’s?
Traction therapy – Penile traction therapy involves stretching the penis with a self-applied mechanical device for a period of time to improve penile length, curvature and deformity. Depending on the specific device, traction therapy may need to be worn for as little as 30 minutes to as much as three to eight hours a day to achieve benefits.
Can you live with Peyronie’s?
Peyronie’s disease is when plaques (scar tissue) form under the skin of the penis and cause it to bend. Living with this condition often includes pain and changes to sexual function that can affect personal intimacy, your relationships, and mental health.
Can you massage Peyronie’s disease?
Massage – Massage could be a way to treat Peyronie’s disease. However, research that supports this as an effective method to treat PD is inconclusive. Massaging the penis incorrectly can also lead to further damage and worsening of Peyronie’s disease. Talk to your doctor before attempting any massages as a form of treatment for Peyronie’s disease.
Is Peyronie’s temporary?
What Is Peyronie’s Disease? – Peyronie’s disease is a condition in which a substance called plaque forms under the skin of the penis. The plaque may start as inflammation that, over time, turns into scar tissue, and prevents the penis from fully straightening during erection.
- Instead, when erect, the penis is curved and bent at an unnatural angle.
- This can be painful and may make sexual intercourse difficult, painful or impossible.
- The location and extent of the plaque deposits will determine the direction of the curve and the severity of the disease.
- The condition can range from mild and temporary to permanent and disabling.
Peyronie’s disease is relatively common, affecting approximately one out of 10 men. Many of these men also have associated erectile dysfunction, as well as penile shortening. Most cases of Peyronie’s disease develop slowly over time and without an identifiable cause.
How much curve is okay?
A curve anywhere from 5 to 30 degrees—up, down, left, or right—is normal, says Baptiste. If you can get an erection, and the bend doesn’t bother you or your partner during sex, your curve doesn’t need treatment, he says.
What degree curve requires surgery?
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It is most often diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence. The spine’s normal curves occur at the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions in the so-called “sagittal” plane. These natural curves position the head over the pelvis and work as shock absorbers to distribute mechanical stress during movement.
Coronal plane Sagittal plane Axial plane
The coronal plane is a vertical plane from head to foot and parallel to the shoulders, dividing the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. The sagittal plane divides the body into right and left halves. The axial plane is parallel to the plane of the ground and at right angles to the coronal and sagittal planes.
Scoliosis affects 2-3 percent of the population, or an estimated six to nine million people in the United States. Scoliosis can develop in infancy or early childhood. However, the primary age of onset for scoliosis is 10-15 years old, occurring equally among both genders. Females are eight times more likely to progress to a curve magnitude that requires treatment.
Every year, scoliosis patients make more than 600,000 visits to private physician offices, an estimated 30,000 children are fitted with a brace and 38,000 patients undergo spinal fusion surgery. Source: National Scoliosis Foundation, June 2007. Scoliosis can be classified by etiology: idiopathic, congenital or neuromuscular,
- Idiopathic scoliosis is the diagnosis when all other causes are excluded and comprises about 80 percent of all cases.
- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis and is usually diagnosed during puberty.
- Congenital scoliosis results from embryological malformation of one or more vertebrae and may occur in any location of the spine.
The vertebral abnormalities cause curvature and other deformities of the spine because one area of the spinal column lengthens at a slower rate than the rest. The geometry and location of the abnormalities determine the rate at which the scoliosis progresses in magnitude as the child grows.
Because these abnormalities are present at birth, congenital scoliosis is usually detected at a younger age than idiopathic scoliosis. Neuromuscular scoliosis encompasses scoliosis that is secondary to neurological or muscular diseases. This includes scoliosis associated with cerebral palsy, spinal cord trauma, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and spina bifida.
This type of scoliosis generally progresses more rapidly than idiopathic scoliosis and often requires surgical treatment. There are several signs that may indicate the possibility of scoliosis. If one or more of the following signs is noticed, schedule an appointment with a doctor.
Shoulders are uneven – one or both shoulder blades may stick out Head is not centered directly above the pelvis One or both hips are raised or unusually high Rib cages are at different heights Waist is uneven The appearance or texture of the skin overlying the spine changes (dimples, hairy patches, color abnormalities) The entire body leans to one side
In one study, about 23 percent of patients with idiopathic scoliosis presented with back pain at the time of initial diagnosis. Ten percent of these patients were found to have an underlying associated condition such as spondylolisthesis, syringomyelia, tethered cord, herniated disc or spinal tumor.
If a patient with diagnosed idiopathic scoliosis has more than mild back discomfort, a thorough evaluation for another cause of pain is advised. Due to changes in the shape and size of the thorax, idiopathic scoliosis may affect pulmonary function. Recent reports on pulmonary function testing in patients with mild to moderate idiopathic scoliosis showed diminished pulmonary function.
Scoliosis is usually confirmed through a physical examination, an x-ray, spinal radiograph, CT scan or MRI. The curve is measured by the Cobb Method and is diagnosed in terms of severity by the number of degrees. A positive diagnosis of scoliosis is made based on a coronal curvature measured on a posterior-anterior radiograph of greater than 10 degrees.
- In general, a curve is considered significant if it is greater than 25 to 30 degrees.
- Curves exceeding 45 to 50 degrees are considered severe and often require more aggressive treatment.
- A standard exam that is sometimes used by pediatricians and in grade school screenings is called the Adam’s Forward Bend Test.
During this test, the patient leans forward with his or her feet together and bends 90 degrees at the waist. From this angle, any asymmetry of the trunk or any abnormal spinal curvatures can easily be detected by the examiner. This is a simple initial screening test that can detect potential problems, but cannot determine accurately the exact type or severity of the deformity.
X-ray : Application of radiation to produce a film or picture of a part of the body can show the structure of the vertebrae and the outline of the joints. X-rays of the spine are obtained to search for other potential causes of pain, i.e. infections, fractures, deformities, etc.
Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) : A diagnostic image created after a computer reads X-rays; can show the shape and size of the spinal canal, its contents and the structures around it. Very good at visualizing bony structures.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) : A diagnostic test that produces three-dimensional images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology; can show the spinal cord, nerve roots and surrounding areas, as well as enlargement, degeneration and deformities.
Scoliosis in children is classified by age: 1.) Infantile (0 to 3 years); 2.) Juvenile (3 to 10 years); and 3.) Adolescent (age 11 and older, or from onset of puberty until skeletal maturity). Idiopathic scoliosis comprises the vast majority of cases presenting during adolescence.
Depending on its severity and the age of the child, scoliosis is managed by close observation, bracing and/or surgery. In children with congenital scoliosis, there is a known increased incidence of other congenital abnormalities. These are most commonly associated with the spinal cord (20 percent), the genitourinary system (20 to 33 percent) and the heart (10 to 15 percent).
It is important that evaluation of the neurological, genitourinary and cardiovascular systems is undertaken when congenital scoliosis is diagnosed. Scoliosis that occurs or is diagnosed in adulthood is distinctive from childhood scoliosis, since the underlying causes and goals of treatment differ in patients who have already reached skeletal maturity.
- Most adults with scoliosis can be divided into the following categories: 1.) Adult scoliosis patients who were surgically treated as adolescents; 2.) Adults who did not receive treatment when they were younger; and 3.) Adults with a type of scoliosis called degenerative scoliosis.
- In one 20-year study, about 40 percent of adult scoliosis patients experienced a progression.
Of those, 10 percent showed a very significant progression, while the other 30 percent experienced a very mild progression, usually of less than one degree per year. Degenerative scoliosis occurs most frequently in the lumbar spine (lower back) and more commonly affects people age 65 and older.
- It is often accompanied by spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, which pinches the spinal nerves and makes it difficult for them to function normally.
- Back pain associated with degenerative scoliosis usually begins gradually and is linked with activity.
- The curvature of the spine in this form of scoliosis is often relatively minor, so surgery may only be advised when conservative methods fail to alleviate pain associated with the condition.
When there is a confirmed diagnosis of scoliosis, there are several issues to assess that can help determine treatment options:
Spinal maturity – is the patient’s spine still growing and changing? Degree and extent of curvature – how severe is the curve and how does it affect the patient’s lifestyle? Location of curve – according to some experts, thoracic curves are more likely to progress than curves in other regions of the spine. Possibility of curve progression – patients who have large curves prior to their adolescent growth spurts are more likely to experience curve progression.
After these variables are assessed, the following treatment options may be recommended:
Observation Bracing Surgery
In many children with scoliosis, the spinal curve is mild enough to not require treatment. However, if the doctor is worried that the curve may be increasing, he or she may wish to examine the child every four to six months throughout adolescence. In adults with scoliosis, X-rays are usually recommended once every five years, unless symptoms are getting progressively worse.
- Braces are only effective in patients who have not reached skeletal maturity.
- If the child is still growing and his or her curve is between 25 degrees and 40 degrees, a brace may be recommended to prevent the curve from progressing.
- There have been improvements in brace design and the newer models fit under the arm, not around the neck.
There are several different types of braces available. While there is some disagreement among experts as to which type of brace is most effective, large studies indicate that braces, when used with full compliance, successfully stop curve progression in about 80 percent of children with scoliosis.
For optimal effectiveness, the brace should be checked regularly to assure a proper fit and may need to be worn 16 to 23 hours every day until growth stops. In children, the two primary goals of surgery are to stop the curve from progressing during adulthood and to diminish spinal deformity. Most experts would recommend surgery only when the spinal curve is greater than 40 degrees and there are signs of progression.
This surgery can be done using an anterior approach (through the front) or a posterior approach (through the back) depending on the particular case. Some adults who were treated as children may need revision surgery, in particular if they were treated 20 to 30 years ago, before major advances in spinal surgery procedures were implemented.
- Back then, it was common to fuse a long segment of the spine.
- When many vertebral segments of the spine are fused together, the remaining mobile segments assume much more of the load and the stress associated with movements.
- Adjacent segment disease is the process in which degenerative changes occur over time in the mobile segments above and below the spinal fusion.
This can result in painful arthritis of the discs, facet joints and ligaments. In general, surgery in adults may be recommended when the spinal curve is greater than 50 degrees and the patient has nerve damage to their legs and/or is experiencing bowel or bladder symptoms.
Adults with degenerative scoliosis and spinal stenosis may require decompression surgery with spinal fusion and a surgical approach from both the front and back. A number of factors can lead to increased surgical-related risks in older adults with degenerative scoliosis. These factors include the following: advanced age, being a smoker, being overweight and the presence of other health/medical problems.
In general, both surgery and recovery time are expected to be longer in older adults with scoliosis. Posterior approach: The most frequently performed surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis involves posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation and bone grafting.
- This is performed through the back while the patient lies on his or her stomach.
- During this surgery, the spine is straightened with rigid rods, followed by spinal fusion.
- Spinal fusion involves adding a bone graft to the curved area of the spine, which creates a solid union between two or more vertebrae.
The metal rods attached to the spine ensure that the backbone remains straight while the spinal fusion takes effect. This procedure usually takes several hours in children, but will generally take longer in older adults. With recent advances in technology, most people with idiopathic scoliosis are released within a week of surgery and do not require post-surgical bracing.
- Most patients are able to return to school or work in two to four weeks post surgery and are able to resume all pre-surgical activities within four to six months.
- Anterior approach: The patient lies on his or her side during the surgery.
- The surgeon makes incisions in the patient’s side, deflates the lung and removes a rib in order to reach the spine.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VAT) surgery offers enhanced visualization of the spine and is a less invasive surgery than an open procedure. The anterior spinal approach has several potential advantages: better deformity correction, quicker patient rehabilitation, improved spine mobilization and fusion of fewer segments.
The potential disadvantages are that many patients require bracing for several months post surgery, and this approach has a higher risk of morbidity – although VAT has helped to reduce the latter. Decompressive laminectomy: The laminae (roof) of the vertebrae are removed to create more space for the nerves.
A spinal fusion with or without spinal instrumentation is often recommended when scoliosis and spinal stenosis are present. Various devices (like screws or rods) may be used to enhance fusion and support unstable areas of the spine. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) : Fusion can sometimes be performed via smaller incisions through MIS.
The use of advanced fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging during surgery) and endoscopy (camera technology) has improved the accuracy of incisions and hardware placement, minimizing tissue trauma while enabling a MIS approach. It is important to keep in mind that not all cases can be treated in this manner and a number of factors contribute to the surgical method used.
The benefits of surgery should always be weighed carefully against its risks. Although a large percentage of scoliosis patients benefit from surgery, there is no guarantee that surgery will stop curve progression and symptoms in every individual. The AANS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products or physicians referenced in these patient fact sheets.
What degree is considered severe scoliosis?
Conclusion – Scoliosis is a highly-variable condition, meaning no two cases are exactly the same; this is due to a variety of important patient/condition characteristics such as patient age, condition type, curvature location, and severity. Condition severity is determined by a measurement known as Cobb angle that measures the different degrees of scoliosis.
Cobb angle measurements between 10 and 25 degrees are classified as mild scoliosis ; Cobb angle measurements between 25 and 40 degrees are diagnosed as moderate scoliosis, and 40+ degrees is classified as severe, while 80+ is considered very severe, As you can see from the different degrees of scoliosis, there is a wide range of condition severity, which is why effective treatment has to be fully customized to address the specifics of each patient and their curvature type.
The answer will depend on the chosen treatment approach when addressing what degree of scoliosis requires treatment. Under a traditional treatment approach, treatment isn’t started until a curvature has shown significant progression, generally in the moderate and/or severe classification, and even then, the only form of treatment applied before recommending spinal fusion is traditional bracing.
- When it comes to what degree of scoliosis requires surgery, under a traditional approach, the surgical threshold is crossed when patients show continued progression in the severe classification at 40+ degrees.
- Under a conservative approach, I believe in starting treatment as close to the time of diagnosis as possible; here at the Scoliosis Reduction Center, I see a mild curvature as an opportunity to keep it that way.
Through combining multiple treatment disciplines such as condition-specific chiropractic care, in-office therapy, custom-prescribed home exercises, and corrective bracing, I work towards helping patients avoid increasing condition severity and the need for invasive surgery in the future.
Am I too skinny if I can see my spine?
Category: Spine | Author: Stefano Sinicropi – One of the many common questions I hear in my practice (and see online) is: should you be able to see your spine? In other words, should you be able to recognize your vertebra through the skin on your back? That’s the topic for today’s blog. We’ll talk about why some people’s spines are more visible than others and whether that is anything to be concerned about.
There are a handful of reasons why a person’s spine may be “visible” or appear to be bulging. The simplest explanation is weight. Skinnier people will generally have less fat surrounding the spine, making the vertebra appear more pronounced. This can be seen to the extreme in malnourished people who have so little fat that their entire skeletal structures appear visible through the skin.
An overweight person, or one with a very muscular back is less likely to have a “visible” spine. In other cases, a person’s spine could simply be shaped in such a way that it appears prominent. Everyone’s spine is different and no spine is absolutely perfect.