What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is the sideways curvature of your spine. It is most commonly diagnosed in adolescents, although it can also affect people with conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. The exact cause of scoliosis in childhood is unknown.

Most children with scoliosis are fine, but some curves become worse as they age. Severe curvature can be life-threatening. An especially severe curvature can reduce the space within your chest, making it hard for your lungs to work properly.

If your child has mild scoliosis, they will be closely monitored (usually with X-rays) to see if their curve is worsening. In most cases, there is no need for treatment. Some children will need a brace to prevent the curve from getting worse. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to straighten more severe curves. is the sideways curvature of your spine. It is most commonly diagnosed in adolescents, although it can also affect people with conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. The exact cause of scoliosis in childhood is unknown.

Most children with scoliosis are fine, but some curves become worse as they age. Severe curvature can be life-threatening. An especially severe curvature can reduce the space within your chest, making it hard for your lungs to work properly.

If your child has mild scoliosis, they will be closely monitored (usually with X-rays) to see if their curve is worsening. In most cases, there is no need for treatment. Some children will need a brace to prevent the curve from getting worse. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to straighten more severe curves.

Treatment

Scoliosis treatments depend on the size of your child’s curve. Most children with very mild curves don’t need treatment at all, but they may need regular follow-ups to see if their curve is getting worse as they age.

If your child has a moderate or large spinal curve, braces or surgery may be necessary. Factors to consider include:

• Maturity: If a child’s bones have stopped developing, there’s little risk of curve progression. That’s why braces work best in kids whose bones are still developing. Hand X-rays can be used to check bone maturity.

• Size of the curve: Larger curves tend to worsen over time.

• Gender: Girls are more likely to develop scoliosis than boys.

Braces:

If your child’s bones are still growing and moderate scoliosis is present, a brace may be recommended by your health care provider. Wearing a scoliosis brace will not cure the condition or reverse the curve of scoliosis, but it will usually prevent the curve from worsening. The most common type of scoliosis brace is a molded plastic brace that is contoured to fit the body. This type of brace is nearly invisible under clothing, and fits under the arms, around the rib cage and lower back, and around the hips. Most braces are worn 13 to 16 hours a day, and a brace’s effectiveness increases with the amount of hours it’s worn. Most children who wear braces can participate in most activities, and have little to no restrictions. If needed, a child can remove the brace to play sports or other physical activity. Braces are stopped when there are no additional changes in height. Girls complete their growth at the age of 14 and boys at the age of 16, but this depends on the individual.

Surgery:

As severe scoliosis gets worse over time, your health care provider may recommend surgery to correct the curvature and stop it from worsening further. Surgical options include:

Spinal Fusion: It involves connecting two or more vertebrae in the spine together so they cannot move independently. Parts of bone or a bone-like material are placed between these vertebrae. Usually, metal rods, hooks or screws or wires are used to hold this part of the spine in place while the old bone and new bone material fuse together.

Expanding Rod: If your child’s scoliosis is rapidly progressing at an early age, surgeons may attach expandable rods to the spine that can be lengthened as your child grows. This can be done either with surgery or with a remote control in the clinic.

Vertebral Body Tethering: This procedure can be done by making small incisions in the outside of the spinal curve. Screws are inserted along the outside edge and a strong flexible cord threaded through the screws straightens the spine as the cord tightens. As your child grows, your spine may straighten further.​

Coping and support

Navigating the complexities of a scoliosis diagnosis can be especially challenging for a child or teen at a time when they are already going through a difficult phase in their lives.

Adolescents are often overwhelmed by physical changes, as well as emotional and social issues.

When a child or teen learns they have scoliosis and is diagnosed, they may experience anger, insecurity, and fear.

Having a strong, supportive network of friends can make a huge difference in a child’s or teen’s ability to accept scoliosis treatment, bracing, or even surgery.

Encouraging your child to speak to friends and seek their support is key.

If you are a parent or teen, consider joining a scoliosis support group.

Support group members can offer advice, share real-life stories, and connect you with other parents and teens facing similar challenges.