Scoliosis

The human spine, when viewed from the side, resembles a long "S" shape. The upper back curves outward, and the lower back curves slightly inward. Looking at the spine from behind, it should appear as a straight line from the base of the neck to the tailbone. Scoliosis is a sideways bend in the spine.

Scoliosis is a sideways curve in the spine. It's most often discovered during adolescence. While some people with conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy can develop scoliosis, the exact cause of most childhood scoliosis isn't known.

Many cases of scoliosis are mild and don't cause problems. But in some cases, the curve gets worse as the child grows. Severe scoliosis can make it hard to do everyday activities. A very severe curve can also squeeze the space in the chest, making it harder for the lungs to work properly.

Doctors keep a close watch on children with mild scoliosis, often using X-rays to see if the curve is getting worse. Many times, no treatment is needed. Sometimes, children need a brace to help prevent the curve from worsening. For more serious curves, surgery might be necessary to straighten the spine.

Scoliosis is a sideways curve in the spine. It can sometimes be hard to spot at first because the changes happen slowly and often don't cause any pain. Here are some signs to look for:

• Uneven Shoulders: One shoulder might be higher or more prominent than the other.
• Uneven Back Blade: One shoulder blade might stand out more than the other.
• Uneven Waist: The waistline might not be straight.
• Uneven Hips: One hip might be noticeably higher than the other.
• Rib Cage Bulge: One side of the rib cage might stick out further than the other.
• Uneven Back Curve: When bending forward, one side of the back might appear more prominent or uneven.

In many cases of scoliosis, the spine also twists (rotates) as well as curves sideways. This twisting makes the ribs or muscles on one side of the body stand out more than the other.

If you notice any of these signs in a child, it's important to see a doctor. Even mild curves can develop without being noticed. Sometimes, teachers, friends, or even sports coaches are the first to spot scoliosis in a child. Early detection is key to managing scoliosis effectively.

If you think your child might have scoliosis, see a doctor right away. Scoliosis is a sideways curve in the spine. Sometimes, these curves are small and develop slowly, so you or your child might not notice them at first, especially since they often don't cause pain. It's not uncommon for teachers, friends, or even sports coaches to spot the signs first. Early detection is important, so don't hesitate to bring any concerns to your healthcare provider.

Scoliosis is a sideways curve in the spine. The most common type of scoliosis has an unknown cause, though it often appears in families, suggesting a role for genes. This means that if someone in your family has scoliosis, you have a higher chance of developing it.

However, some less common types of scoliosis do have clear causes:

• Neuromuscular conditions: Some conditions that affect the nerves and muscles, like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, can lead to scoliosis. These conditions can make muscles weak or unevenly developed, which can cause the spine to curve.

• Birth defects: Sometimes, babies are born with problems in the development of their spine bones. These problems can result in scoliosis.

• Chest wall surgery: If a baby has surgery on their chest wall, this can sometimes lead to scoliosis later on.

• Spine problems: Injuries or infections to the spine can also cause scoliosis.

• Spinal cord issues: Irregularities in the spinal cord can sometimes contribute to scoliosis.

In short, while the exact cause of the most common type of scoliosis is still unknown, several other factors can result in the condition. Knowing these causes can help doctors understand and treat the different types of scoliosis more effectively.

Scoliosis, a sideways curve of the spine, is a common problem, especially in teenagers. Several things can increase your chances of getting it.

• Age: Most cases of scoliosis start during the teen years, often during the growth spurt.

• Gender: While boys and girls are equally likely to develop a mild curve, girls are more prone to the curve getting worse and needing medical attention. This difference isn't fully understood, but it's a known factor.

• Family history: Having a family member with scoliosis can make you more susceptible to developing the condition. However, many children with scoliosis don't have any family history of it.

Scoliosis, a condition affecting the spine's shape, is often mild. However, in some cases, it can lead to problems.

One common issue is back pain. People who had scoliosis as children might experience more back pain as adults, particularly if the curvature of their spine was significant and not treated properly. This is because the spine can develop wear and tear over time, and the unevenness caused by scoliosis can make this worse.

Another consequence of scoliosis is how it can affect appearance. As the spine curves more, it can cause noticeable differences in the body. This can include uneven hips and shoulders, protruding ribs, and a sideways shift in the waist and upper body. These changes can make people with scoliosis feel self-conscious about their bodies.

Doctors will first ask about your child's health history and any recent changes in their growth. During a physical exam, the doctor might have your child stand and bend forward. This helps them see if one side of their rib cage sticks out more than the other, a possible sign of scoliosis. The doctor will also check for muscle weakness, numbness, and reflexes in your child.

To confirm scoliosis and understand how severe the spinal curve is, X-rays are often used. However, taking many X-rays over time to monitor the curve's progression can expose your child to more radiation than is ideal. To reduce radiation exposure, some medical centers use a special imaging technique that creates a 3D model of the spine using less radiation. This isn't available everywhere. Ultrasound is another option, but it might not be as accurate in showing the severity of the spinal curve as X-rays or the 3D imaging.

If the doctor suspects a problem like an abnormality in the spinal cord, an MRI might be recommended. This detailed imaging test can show more about the underlying cause of the scoliosis.

Mayo Clinic has a team of specialists who can provide comprehensive care for scoliosis. They can help you understand your options and develop a treatment plan.

Scoliosis Treatment Options for Children

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways. Treatment options depend on how severe the curve is.

Mild Curves: If the curve is very slight, no treatment might be needed. Regular checkups are still important to make sure the curve doesn't get worse as the child grows.

Moderate to Severe Curves: For moderate or large curves, treatment options like braces or surgery may be necessary. Several factors influence the best approach:

• Growth: Braces work best on children whose bones are still growing. Hand X-rays can help determine bone maturity. If a child's bones are done growing, the chance of the curve worsening is lower.
• Curve Size: Larger curves are more likely to get worse over time.
• Gender: Girls are more likely to experience a worsening curve than boys.

Braces: Braces are often recommended for children with moderate scoliosis whose bones are still growing. A brace doesn't cure scoliosis, but it can prevent the curve from getting worse. Braces are made of plastic and fit snugly against the body, usually under clothing. They are worn for most of the day, typically 13-16 hours. Children can usually continue their normal activities while wearing a brace, taking it off for sports or other physical activities as needed. Braces are typically worn until the child stops growing, which is usually around age 14 for girls and 16 for boys, but can vary.

Surgery: If scoliosis is severe or progressing rapidly, surgery might be recommended. The goal of surgery is to straighten the spine and prevent further worsening. Several surgical techniques are used:

• Spinal Fusion: Surgeons connect two or more vertebrae (spinal bones) together to prevent them from moving independently. Bone or bone-like material is placed between the vertebrae. Metal rods, screws, or wires are often used to hold the spine straight while the new bone grows and fuses.
• Expandable Rods: If scoliosis is progressing quickly, especially in younger children, expandable rods can be placed along the spine. These rods are adjusted as the child grows, either in the operating room or in a doctor's office, to keep up with the child's growth.
• Vertebral Body Tethering: This technique uses small incisions to place screws on the outside of the curved spine. A strong, flexible cord is attached to the screws. Tightening the cord helps straighten the spine. The spine may continue to straighten as the child grows.

Important Note: Any surgery, including spinal surgery, carries potential risks, such as bleeding, infection, or nerve damage. It's crucial to discuss these risks and benefits with your child's doctor.

Dealing with scoliosis can be tough for teenagers, who are already going through a lot of changes. They're experiencing physical changes, and new emotional and social challenges. When a teen is also diagnosed with scoliosis, it can lead to feelings like anger, worry, and fear. Having a good group of friends who understand and support them can make a big difference in how they cope with the diagnosis, treatment (like wearing a brace), or surgery. Encourage your teen to talk to their friends and ask for their support. Joining a support group for families with scoliosis can also be very helpful. Support groups offer advice, share stories of what it's like to live with scoliosis, and connect you with other families facing similar situations. This can provide valuable emotional support and practical guidance.