Have you noticed that your child's shoulders don't appear even? Lay them on their stomach, and see if you can detect a small curve in their spine. This is a sign of scoliosis. If treated early, you're child can develop a straighter back. Here is what you need to know about your child's back and how to help them live with this lifelong condition.
A Developmental Disorder
Curvature of the spine occurs in children during their growth years. The bones are still forming, but for unknown reasons, the spinal column doesn't develop uniformly. The vertebrae grow in a wedge shape creating a "C" or "S" curve in the spine from side to side. The bones in the spine may also rotate slightly, twisting the spine and ribs.
The curvature can be mild and barely noticeable or it can be extreme, reducing the open space inside of the child's body for their organs, especially the lungs. It is not life threatening and children can live normal lives with varying degrees of curvature. Those who have a severe curve may need more help to prevent breathing issues.
Diagnosis
Physical examination usually reveals the curve. The following are symptoms of scoliosis:
- their shoulders are uneven
- one of their shoulder blades protrudes more than the other
- the hips are uneven when compared with the shoulders
- one hip sits higher than the other
Your doctor will take x-rays to determine the extent of the wedge shape of the vertebrae.
Treatment of the Curvature
Your child's bones are rapidly growing during their adolescent years. When treatment is done during this time, the spine can be directed to develop straighter and without the twist. The older your child gets before treatment, the more difficult it is to straighten the spine and maintain it without the curves and twists.
Scoliosis treatment varies depending on the age of the child and severity of the curve. The two approaches include non-invasive and surgical treatments. Whenever possible, your doctor will recommend the non-invasive approaches. For severe curvatures or for those children rapidly developing a curve, surgical help may be the best way to stop the curve.
Braces and Back Supports
These non-invasive approaches attempt to hold the spine in a more normal position while the bones develop. Ideally, the braces are worn constantly, only coming off when the child bathes. The brace will need to be worn throughout the years of rapid bone development, prior to puberty. After puberty, the brace may be taken off more often, but still be worn to help maintain the straight spine. The two common types of braces used include:
- Underarm brace - This brace is made of composite materials and is molded to your child's body. It rests on the hips and extends to under the arms. It is usually made in two pieces that secure together with straps on the sides. This is the choice for treating curvatures in the lower and middle portions of the spine.
- Full-torso brace - This brace extends from the hips up to the chin and is necessary to treat scoliosis in the upper back and neck.
Spinal Fusion
When the curvature is severe or developing rapidly, your doctor may recommend fusing a number of vertebrae together to prevent the curve from getting worse. They will use metal rods with hooks on the ends to support the spine as the bones fuse together. Your child may also need to wear a brace while the bones fuse completely.
If you detect any changes in the shape of your child's back, or notice any of the other signs such as uneven shoulders and hips, contact your doctor for an examination. The sooner you start treatment for the curvature, the more successful the attempts will be to encourage your child's spine to grow straight. For more information on scoliosis treatment, contact a professional like Nivens Charles J MD PA.
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