Is your child’s back bending side wards and showing symptoms of scoliosis? Read on as we discuss the diagnosis and treatment of this widespread condition that impacts about 39% of children every year in India. Here are five important facts about scoliosis that every parent must know.

1. Children can Experience Two Types of Scoliosis

Two kinds of scoliosis can impact children – congenital and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Congenital scoliosis is an uncommon condition in which the child experiences a curved spine right from birth. Fortunately, the frequency of congenital scoliosis is low, impacting one in about 10,000 new-borns.

It can be caused due to several reasons, like the incomplete formation of the vertebrae or the development of compensatory curves in the child’s spine to ensure an upright position.

On the other hand, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis occurs during a child’s formative years. This condition may present itself either during late childhood or early adolescence. Usually, this type of scoliosis occurs due to growth imbalance and results in a slight but visible spinal curvature.

2. Early Diagnosis is Vital

Early detection of scoliosis in children is vital for two reasons. One is that it can help the doctor track the curvature of the spine and prevent it from worsening. Another vital reason for early diagnosis is, doctors can prescribe physical therapy or casts for young children if the scoliosis angle, or Cobb angle, is under 40 degrees.

Although mild cases of scoliosis may make it difficult for you to detect the condition immediately, you can look for related signs in your children to provide them with timely medical assistance. These signs are as follows:

• Asymmetrical shoulders
• Unusual sticking out of ribs in a specific area
• Differing distance between the arms and the body when in an upright position
• Uneven hips
• Bulging muscles on a particular side

3. Scoliosis is Completely Treatable

Usually, the treatment for scoliosis involves monitoring the growth of the spinal curvature regularly using X-rays. In most cases, the scoliosis is mild, and the curve straightens as the child grows.

While the monitoring treatment works for adolescents, doctors recommend a cast for babies and younger children. This cast acts like a brace to prevent curve progression and cannot be removed unless the doctor changes it. As the child grows, a spine specialist may recommend a back brace to control the progression better.

If none of these methods works in controlling the condition, doctors may suggest surgery.

Watch this video to know "There's a Cure For Childhood Scoliosis or Not" by Dr. Saurabh Rawall

4. Surgery is a Viable Option

Casts, braces and physical therapy are effective only when the Cobb angle of the curvature is under 40 degrees. Surgery remains the only option to deal with scoliosis when it exceeds the limit.

While you might be reluctant to let doctors operate on your child, keep in mind that technological advancements like neuromonitoring have improved scoliosis operations. The surgical process focuses on inserting a rod alongside the child’s spine to help inhibit curvature in the case of children. The rod is constantly changed to account for the child’s growth.

For adolescents, doctors use a process called spinal fusion, where they insert metal rods, hooks, screws, wires and bits of other broken bones to correct the spine. This surgery is advised when the patient has stopped growing and aims to restore the alignment of the spine.

5. Severe Scoliosis is Fatal

Most children start with mild scoliosis, a condition associated with minimal to no pain. Usually, it goes away after adolescence when the child stops growing.

However, some cases may evolve into severe scoliosis, which may impact brain function and lungs. If left untreated and undiagnosed, severe scoliosis may result in the rib cage being pressed against the lungs, leading to difficulty in breathing. It is also known to cause consistent back pain.

Final Thoughts

Children and adolescents impacted with scoliosis can go on to live long and complication-free lives as long as you can detect the warning signs early and seek immediate medical assistance. The spine can be free from curvature through a combination of physical therapy and structures like braces. Additionally, surgery is the best option when all other methods have been exhausted.

Consult a spine specialist immediately if you notice any symptoms that might indicate the onset of scoliosis in your child.

Consult Dr. Saurabh Rawall

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Dhanunjay Reddy B