Scoliosis is derived from the Greek word for curvature. While a normal spine has natural curves, scoliosis represents an abnormal curve of the spine.
Who develops scoliosis?
Scoliosis is one of the most common forms of spinal deformity. There is a genetic predisposition, with 2-4 percent of the general population affected. If someone in your family has had scoliosis, the likelihood of developing a curve is as high as 20 percent.
Children with scoliosis typically present with a noticeable curve during early teenage years, which is the period of rapid growth. Often, a parent, a school nurse, or physician will notice either a curve in the back or shoulder asymmetry. Scoliosis typically occurs in healthy children with the underlying cause remaining unknown, or "idiopathic." However, there are numerous other neuromuscular cases, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and other medical conditions.
Idiopathic scoliosis may be classified by the age of the child when first diagnosed.
Early Detection
Since the majority of people with scoliosis have no symptoms, the condition can go undetected for years. Parents should watch for any shoulder asymmetry, uneven waist, leaning to one side, or an elevated hip in their children. If you suspect your child has scoliosis, we recommend a routine screening examination by a physician. If there is any clinical sign of scoliosis, then an x-ray of the spine should be obtained to confirm the diagnosis.
If the curve is small, we will continue to observe the child. If the curve becomes moderately advanced and there is at least one year of active growth remaining, we typically use bracing. For larger curves, we may need to consider surgical options.
Non-surgical treatment
Bracing has been shown to be the only form of non-surgical treatment that is effective. Bracing helps prevent the progress of scoliosis until skeletal maturity is reached.