Loading...

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis refers to the side curvature of the spine. This usually occurs during one’s growth spurt, before puberty hits.

Some cases of scoliosis can be brought about by conditions such as muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy, but most have an unknown cause.

What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

People with scoliosis often have the following:

– Uneven shoulders
– Uneven waist
– One hip higher than the other

How is scoliosis diagnosed and treated?

Scoliosis can get worse if left unmanaged. If you’re suspecting your child has scoliosis, it’s important to see a specialist to have him/her checked. The doctor will do a thorough medical history and may ask questions regarding one’s growth.

There will also be a physical exam, where your child may be asked to bend forward from the waist, with arms hanging loosely. This will help the doctor see if one side of the rib cage is more prominent than the other.

There can also be some neurological tests where the doctor will check for muscle weakness, abnormal reflexes, and numbness. Imaging tests are usually done to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition.

As with treatment, most children with mild scoliosis probably won’t need treatment. However, they need to be regularly monitored to see if there are changes in the curvature of their spine. For children with moderate scoliosis, the doctor may recommend a brace. This doesn’t treat the curvature but keeps it from progressing. Braces are discontinued once the bones stop growing.

For severe cases of scoliosis, surgery may be recommended. The most common surgery for scoliosis is spinal fusion.

Our spine health specialists at Ozark Orthopaedics Spine Center will assess your child’s scoliosis and recommend the most suitable treatment for you. Call us to request an appointment.