About this topic
Scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine. Most often your spine runs straight down your back. You have some small normal curves in it. A person with scoliosis has a spine that curves too much. If there is one curve, the spine may look like the letter C. If there are two curves, the spine may look like the letter S. With scoliosis, your hips or shoulders may look uneven. One may look higher than the other. This problem most often starts in childhood before the teenage years. ‚
What are the causes?
The cause of scoliosis is not known. Sometimes, it is present from birth. Other times, it may happen because of a nerve problem or disease like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida. It may also be caused by infections or injuries. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Scoliosis is seen more often in girls aged 9 to 15. Growth spurts may also cause this problem. Your child may be more likely to have scoliosis if other family members have it. ‚
What are the main signs?
- C- or S-shaped curve of the spine
- One shoulder higher than the other
- One hip higher than the other
- Back ache or pain
- Feeling tired when standing or sitting for long periods of time
- Leaning to one side
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will do an exam and feel around your childs back. The doctor will have your child stand and will look from behind to see how the spine, shoulders, hips, and legs line up. The doctor will also have your child bend forward at the waist to look at the spine in that position. The doctor may also check motion, strength, reflexes, and for any numbness. The doctor may order: ‚
- X-ray
- Measuring the spinal curve. This is done with a tool called a scoliometer.
- MRI scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Soon after finding scoliosis, the doctor may order exercises and physical therapy. If the curve is mild, there may be no other treatment needed. The doctor may just watch the child over time. ‚
For children who are still growing and for more severe curves, more treatment is needed. Your child may need to wear a brace. This is most often done if they are more than 10 years old. The brace may be one: ‚
- That fits from the waist to the top of the neck. It keeps the upper back straight and the shoulders back. This is a Milwaukee brace.
- That fits from the hips to under the arms. This works to keep the lower back straight. It is a thoracolumbosacral orthosis.
A brace is often used in children with curves of less than 75 degrees. The brace is worn all the time at first and then only 8 to 12 hours a day as the curve gets better. ‚
More severe curves will need to have surgery to make the back straighter. It is often done when a child is between 14 and 15 years old. The doctor uses hooks, rods, and screws to straighten the back. This may be done if there is very bad pain or if the curve is more than 60 to 75 degrees. Your child may also need surgery if the spine is done growing. After surgery, your child will need to wear a brace. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Very severe curves of more than 100 degrees may put pressure on the lungs, heart, and bowels. This can cause problems with breathing. Your child may also have chest pain, tiredness, and problems with appetite.
- A curve in the upper back may lead to more of a curve in the lower back in the opposite direction. This can lead to low back pain.
- Children with this disease often have lower self esteem.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
You cannot prevent this problem. Finding the problem early in these children may help stop the problem from getting worse. ‚
Helpful tips
There may be a support group for people with scoliosis in your area. This may help your child cope better with having to wear a brace to school and dealing with this health problem. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00236 ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/bone/scolio.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚