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 care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
- Some people with this problem do not need any treatment.
- Have your child wear the back brace as your doctor suggests. It is important to follow these instructions.
- Have your child do exercises that your doctor or physical therapist suggests your child do.
What follow-up care is needed?
The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. The doctor may send your child to a specialist called an orthopedic doctor. The doctor may also send your child to physical therapy for treatments to help lessen pain and to learn exercises. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
If the doctor wants your child to wear a brace, your child may be limited with playing sports, doing activities in gym class, and running. The doctor may tell your child to wear the brace all of the time except when showering. Talk to the doctor about the best activities for your child. ‚
What problems could happen?
- 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 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. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Pain or swelling gets worse
- You notice more problems with the shape of your childs back
- Trouble breathing
- Health problem is not better or your child is feeling 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. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition.
- I can tell you what kind of treatment my child will be having.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child' has more pain or swelling or my child has trouble breathing.
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚