What is Scoliosis?
“Grow a spine” is not just a common idiom. Technically, your kids are literally growing a spine into adolescence. This time, especially during pubertal growth spurts, is very important for us pediatricians to monitor. During ages 10-18, pediatricians look at the curvature of the spine at each wellness visit to check for SCOLIOSIS.
What is scoliosis? It’s a lateral curvature of the spine that makes the spine “S” shaped instead of straight when observed from the back. (Note, we are not talking about the gentle forward curve and backward curve of the spine from the side. That is normal.) If the curve is more than 10 degrees, this becomes scoliosis. Approximately, 1 in 25 girls and 1 in 200 boys develop scoliosis. In most cases, there is no known cause and this is labeled as idiopathic. Some known causes include muscular dystrophy and polio. Many times, other members of the family also have a history of scoliosis.
What are some symptoms of scoliosis?
Curving of the upper body
Uneven/rounded shoulders
Sunken chest
Leaning to one side
Back pain (rare)
Scoliosis often develops silently and picked up by pediatricians during routine examination. We do this with a forward bend test, as well as assessment of gain and stance and by palpation of the spine. In cases where we suspect scoliosis, we may ask to get an x-ray of the spine.
How do you treat scoliosis?
Most cases do not need treatment and we just follow-up more frequently to monitor progression. Generally, 1 in 7 adolescents with scoliosis have curvatures above 25 degrees that require treatment. In cases with severe curvature of the spine, orthopedic back braces can be worn until the spine has matured (usually ages 17-18 for girls and 18-19 for boys). These braces no not interfere with physical activity (contact sports and trampoline activity can be off-limits) and are concealed under clothing. In rare cases, surgery can be indicated if the curvature is more than 50 degrees.
What can you as a parent do to help?
The most important thing to help your child with scoliosis is to encourage compliance with brace wearing and be supportive. Scoliosis can take a toll on your teen’s mental health and worsen their body image and self-esteem issues. Sometimes, talking to a therapist or to other people with scoliosis in a support group can help your teen get through this.
Listen to your teen and if you feel their mental health is being impacted, talk to your pediatrician for guidance. We are here to support you and your teen in all ways – not just with a brace. As always, follow us @thepedipals, tune into our podcast, and let us know how we’re doing! Here’s to happy, healthy, and well-balanced children!
Your PediPals