Scoliosis is most often a benign condition occurring in 3-5 children per 1,000.
It seldom causes serious problems, but is a condition that should be closely monitored in a child. Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine as seen from behind. Severe cases can cause considerable pain and impair proper inflation of the lungs which impairs breathing. This usually occurs with a lateral curvature of more than 70 degrees.
70 percent of all scoliosis is termed idiopathic meaning there is no known cause. Idiopathic scoliosis may worsen the curvature during the growth spurt years, around the ages of 10-16, but doesn’t normally progress afterwards into adulthood.
Symptoms of scoliosis include uneven pant legs, uneven hips, prominent shoulder blades, uneven shoulder height and possible a thoracic hump on one side especially when bent forward. Girls are more likely to have scoliosis than boys.
Most patients with scoliosis do not experience back pain as a child. Adults who were diagnosed having scoliosis as a child are two times more likely to develop chronic back pain and arthritis of the joints.
If you or your child is currently experiencing pain caused by scoliosis, call Texas Spine Clinic for custom-tailored therapy.
Children are usually screened at two intervals throughout school to catch scoliosis in its earliest stages. Bracing is used when scoliosis reaches 20-25 degrees to help prevent progression of the curve. Curves that reach 40 degrees usually require surgery even if the child has stopped growing due to the progression of such curves. The surgeries require multi-level spinal fusions with two metal rods inserted to promote strength and stability of the spine.
Even in severe cases that require surgery, scoliosis can’t be completely cured to remove the curvature completely. Braces, exercises, and treatment may help with symptoms, including pain relief.