Scoliosis, a medical condition that can affect the spines of children and adolescents, causes an abnormal curvature of the spine, giving it the appearance that it is shaped like a letter "C" or "S". An individual affected by scoliosis may also appear to lean to one side when standing upright. Many parents confuse scoliosis with bad posture, but the condition is actually a type of spinal deformity, not something children can cause or correct on their own. Three types of scoliosis can affect children; idiopathic scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, and neuromuscular scoliosis.
Over 80% of individuals with scoliosis suffer from idiopathic scoliosis, which simply means that the cause of scoliosis is unknown. While most likely to affect adolescents, idiopathic scoliosis can further be sub-divided into three groups; adolescent, juvenile, and infantile/early onset. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is most common amongst girls between the ages of 10 and 18. Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis is rare but can occur between the ages of 3 to 10 years old. Infantile/early onset idiopathic scoliosis occurs between the time of birth and three years of age.
Congenital scoliosis occurs during fetal development and is usually caused by the absence of vertebrae, vertebrae that have failed to form, partially formed vertebrae, or the complete lack of separation between at least two vertebrae.
Neuromuscular scoliosis may occur due to certain neurological conditions, like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy.
Symptoms of scoliosis include: uneven shoulders, shoulder blades, hips, ribs and waist. In addition, one arm may appear longer than the other while standing, the head may appear off center with the rest of the body, one side of the back may appear higher than the other while bending over, and the entire body may lean to one side.
An evaluation for scoliosis will often begin with a medical history to help identify any early onset trauma or birth defects that could cause the spine to curve. A physical evaluation for scoliosis includes examinations of the back, chest, pelvis, legs, feet, and skin. A physician is generally able to diagnose scoliosis with little more than a visual inspection of the patient to ensure the shoulders are level, the head is centered on the body, and the back remains even when bent over. X-rays are used to observe and diagnose scoliosis when a spinal curve is visible, when unusual back pain persists, or when symptoms of interference of the central nervous system occur. If the shape of the spine affects the nervous system, the patient may experience uncontrollable bladder or bowel movements.
The extent of the curve, the age and gender of the patient, and the probability of the curve progressing determine treatment of scoliosis. Patients with a spinal curve of less than 25 degrees are typically examined every four to six months. If the condition appears to correct itself over time further treatment may not be necessary, but if it worsens a physician will discuss the various treatment options available. Bracing may be used when the curve of the spine is greater than 25 degrees. Corrective spinal surgery may also be suggested if the curvature of the spine exceeds 50 degrees and/or if brace therapy is unsuccessful.
Early detection of scoliosis can drastically improve a person's chance of correcting the problem without a brace or surgery. Physicians, pediatricians, and even some school health practitioners routinely screen their patients, especially adolescents, for signs of scoliosis.
Over 80% of individuals with scoliosis suffer from idiopathic scoliosis, which simply means that the cause of scoliosis is unknown. While most likely to affect adolescents, idiopathic scoliosis can further be sub-divided into three groups; adolescent, juvenile, and infantile/early onset. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is most common amongst girls between the ages of 10 and 18. Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis is rare but can occur between the ages of 3 to 10 years old. Infantile/early onset idiopathic scoliosis occurs between the time of birth and three years of age.
Congenital scoliosis occurs during fetal development and is usually caused by the absence of vertebrae, vertebrae that have failed to form, partially formed vertebrae, or the complete lack of separation between at least two vertebrae.
Neuromuscular scoliosis may occur due to certain neurological conditions, like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy.
Symptoms of scoliosis include: uneven shoulders, shoulder blades, hips, ribs and waist. In addition, one arm may appear longer than the other while standing, the head may appear off center with the rest of the body, one side of the back may appear higher than the other while bending over, and the entire body may lean to one side.
An evaluation for scoliosis will often begin with a medical history to help identify any early onset trauma or birth defects that could cause the spine to curve. A physical evaluation for scoliosis includes examinations of the back, chest, pelvis, legs, feet, and skin. A physician is generally able to diagnose scoliosis with little more than a visual inspection of the patient to ensure the shoulders are level, the head is centered on the body, and the back remains even when bent over. X-rays are used to observe and diagnose scoliosis when a spinal curve is visible, when unusual back pain persists, or when symptoms of interference of the central nervous system occur. If the shape of the spine affects the nervous system, the patient may experience uncontrollable bladder or bowel movements.
The extent of the curve, the age and gender of the patient, and the probability of the curve progressing determine treatment of scoliosis. Patients with a spinal curve of less than 25 degrees are typically examined every four to six months. If the condition appears to correct itself over time further treatment may not be necessary, but if it worsens a physician will discuss the various treatment options available. Bracing may be used when the curve of the spine is greater than 25 degrees. Corrective spinal surgery may also be suggested if the curvature of the spine exceeds 50 degrees and/or if brace therapy is unsuccessful.
Early detection of scoliosis can drastically improve a person's chance of correcting the problem without a brace or surgery. Physicians, pediatricians, and even some school health practitioners routinely screen their patients, especially adolescents, for signs of scoliosis.
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