What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal, sideways curvature of the spine. In scoliosis, the vertebrae curve to one side and rotate or twist. This can make it appear as if you are leaning to one side. The curve of your spine usually makes a C-shaped, but it can also be S shaped. The angle of the curve can be up to 45 degrees.
Girls are more common affected by scoliosis than boys. The primary age of that scoliosis develops is between 10–15 years old.
What Causes Scoliosis?
Scoliosis can have several different causes. Your child may have the condition at birth or develop it later in life. Injuries, infections, or in rare cases, tumors, can also cause scoliosis.
Types of Scoliosis
There are three types of scoliosis:
- Idiopathic: Scoliosis caused by unknown factors
- Congenital: This tends to run in families. It occurs when the spine does not develop properly in the womb.
- Neuromuscular: Certain disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and muscular system can result in scoliosis (for example, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy).
Backpack and Scoliosis
Backpacks do not cause scoliosis. Carrying a heavy backpack may cause back, neck, or shoulder pain. If your child has scoliosis, carrying a heavy backpack may make their symptoms worse.
Watch your child’s posture when wearing their backpack. If they hunch, lean to one side, or slouch, it may be too heavy.
Scoliosis Symptoms
There are several symptoms of scoliosis:
- Your child’s spine curves from side to side
- Uneven hips, waist, and shoulders
- The waist and trunk shift to the side
- Head not centered directly above the pelvis
- Muscle spasms, prominent ribs of the chest
- Trouble walking/standing up straight
- Fatigue, shortness of breath
- Numbness, weakness, or pain in the legs
Scoliosis Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is key for treating scoliosis. Your provider will take a detailed growth and medical history of your child. They will also perform a physical exam. Your provider may ask your child to stand and bend over in order to assess their spinal column. They will also look at the curve of the spine from the sides, front, and back.
Your provider may suggest a neurological exam to check for muscle weakness. Your provider may also order Imaging tests such as an X-ray, an MRI scan or a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the spinal curvature.
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Scoliosis Treatment
Most scoliosis cases are mild. If your child’s scoliosis does not cause pain or interfere with their everyday activities, treatment may not be necessary. However, in some children the condition may become worse as they grow. This can lead to more severe scoliosis.
Severe scoliosis can be painful. Your child may experience back pain, physical limitations and other health problems. Untreated scoliosis can interfere with heart and lung function.
The decision to treat scoliosis depends on several factors:
- The severity of the curve
- The curve pattern
- Location of the curve
- Progress of the curve
- Age of your child
Observation
If your child has a spinal curve of fewer than 20 degrees (mild scoliosis), they may need regular check-ups. These checkups track changes in the curvature of their spine as they grow.
Back Brace for Scoliosis
If your child is still growing and there is moderate scoliosis (a curve ranging between 20 to 40 degrees), your provider may recommend a back brace. A back brace prevents the curve from progressing further.
Most braces fit under clothes and are not visible. Children who wear braces can take part in most activities and daily functions.
Scoliosis Surgery
Severe scoliosis (curve of more than 45 degrees) typically worsens over time. Your provider might suggest surgery to halt the condition’s progress. Scoliosis surgery corrects the abnormal curvature and safely straightens your child's spine. We use the most advanced techniques available including fusionless techniques (vertebral body tethering).
