Bodies change quickly during adolescence, and that\u2019s when doctors usually notice scoliosis \u2014 a curved spine \u2014 in patients. Catch it early, and most cases can be managed simply and effectively. Let it go, and scoliosis might lead to back surgery or lifelong challenges.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s crucial that parents and physicians notice, and address, scoliosis symptoms rapidly. To dodge unnecessary problems, bypass the misinformation often found online and instead follow the common-sense tips provided after each error.<\/p>\n
Yes, your daughter carries her backpack on only one shoulder, so she leans right. Sure, your son slouches to the left on the sofa while watching TV. Both are probably no problem. But pay attention. An odd stance, uneven shoulders or hips, or a difference between the left and right flank areas in the love- handles region could be scoliosis. Studies show that four out of 10 teens have adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the most common type.<\/p>\n
Ask your chiropractor about it during the next visit. Chiropractor see curved spines more than anyone, and your child\u2019s doctor will know if it\u2019s time to consult with a specialist. Your doctor also may notice a curved spine during a teen\u2019s annual check-up. School nurses, too, might pick up on a curvature during schoolwide screenings. Don\u2019t count on either. Be proactive.<\/p>\n
Act immediately. Timing makes all the difference. Scoliosis starts to be obvious at about ages 10 through 18. The bones are still soft then, so the spine is still malleable \u2014 and easier to move back into place, or at least stop from curving more. The medical community has many ways to keep scoliosis from getting worse \u2026 until the bones mature. After that, surgery might be the only option.<\/p>\n
Pain is an issue, too. Scoliosis may cause no discomfort, especially early on. That can change. It\u2019s vital to start treatment before physical sensations set in.<\/p>\n
The spine has three major parts, and scoliosis can take place in any of them:
\n\u2022\tcervical, in the neck area
\n\u2022\tthoracic, along the ribs
\n\u2022\tlumbar, indicating the lower back region<\/p>\n
Physical therapy alone, or an alternative, might be enough to keep scoliosis from progressing. Two or more, though, may work better together. Here are options to discuss with your doctor:
\nPhysical therapy exercises, which might align the spine or at least strengthen the abdomen, therefore keeping the spine straighter.<\/p>\n
The Schroth method, a specific physical therapy program involving exercise and a mirror. This option is only for teenagers, not younger children who need to understand what they\u2019re seeing.
\nSwapping out over-the-shoulder book bags with two-strap backpacks, or handheld or wheeled satchels, so as not to drag down the body in one direction
\nYoga, since it strengthens the core, which helps keep the spine straighter. Look for age-appropriate videos online.<\/p>\n
Sports won\u2019t cure scoliosis, yet many strengthen the core muscles, so that\u2019s a plus. Cycling and swimming are especially good, yet any athletic activity builds strength.<\/p>\n
Losing weight. Obesity can worsen scoliosis, although more for adults than teenagers. If weight is a problem, take efforts to lead your child to healthier food choices.
\nBracing \u2014 wearing a body brace for several hours a day<\/p>\n
You might hesitate before agreeing to have your adolescent wear a body brace. Hundreds of options are available, and they\u2019re better than ever, but your child might lobby against this option. Braces can be bulky or uncomfortable, and they certainly won\u2019t project the cool image most teens want.<\/p>\n
Braces work, though. They can undo or slow down the curve\u2019s progression. Yes, your child will have to wear one 12 to 18 hours a day for a period of time, and yes, you\u2019ll likely deal with compliance issues \u2014 getting your kid to put and keep the brace on daily. Do it. Each brace is custom-made depending on the curve and its location. Most deformities in children are malleable, so the brace can move, push and straighten the spine as necessary.<\/p>\n
Respect the hesitation. Let your child know you\u2019re seeking the least offensive brace that\u2019s effective. Explain why it\u2019s vitally important to wear it regularly, with details, and share insights about how the brace will help the spine long-term. Be clear that, without compliance, the scoliosis may ultimately require surgery.<\/p>\n
Then make the experience as pleasant as possible: Offer the supplies for painting a brace, playing games it with, even dressing it like a Marvel character. Whatever works.<\/p>\n
Once your adolescent is diagnosed with scoliosis, you should likely visit a specialist. Finding someone who specializes in scoliosis and is trained to manage scoliosis is crucial. Most are chiropractors and physiotherapists are not trained in pediatric scoliosis in depth and wont be able to guide you knowledgeably.<\/p>\n
At times, another type of specialist may be needed such as a surgeon. <\/p>\n
Since scoliosis doesn\u2019t go away, you\u2019ll need to monitor your teen\u2019s spine. And that teen, as an adult, should take on that responsibility over the years.<\/p>\n
Generally the scoliosis stops increasing once the bones stop growing, and the situation will remain static until age 35 to 40. Still, you never outgrow scoliosis. As the body ages, parts wear out, like car parts do. It\u2019s critical to have surveillance. A curved spine is officially scoliosis when it curves 10 degrees or more. If the curvature changes by 5 degrees a year or more after that, it needs to be addressed.<\/p>\n
Even if you have no symptoms and minimal pain, get an X-ray every three years, at the least, to see how much your spine is changing. A curve that progresses might require intervention so it doesn\u2019t get worse.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Bodies change quickly during adolescence, and that\u2019s when doctors usually notice scoliosis \u2014 a curved spine \u2014 in patients. Catch it early, and most cases can be managed simply and effectively. Let it go, and scoliosis might lead to back surgery or lifelong challenges. It\u2019s crucial that parents and physicians notice, and address, scoliosis symptoms […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":612755,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/scoliolife.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/612754"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/scoliolife.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/scoliolife.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scoliolife.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scoliolife.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=612754"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/scoliolife.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/612754\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":617362,"href":"https:\/\/scoliolife.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/612754\/revisions\/617362"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scoliolife.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/612755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/scoliolife.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=612754"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scoliolife.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=612754"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scoliolife.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=612754"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}