5 Truths About Scoliosis That Parents Should Know

Posted by abby smiths on August 8th, 2019

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine develops a curvature. There are many side effects of adult scoliosis, therefore taking care at the early stage is important. Every year over 3 million new cases of the condition are diagnosed in the United States, with a majority of them identified as idiopathic scoliosis presents in children between 10 to 12 years old. There are many things that a parent with a child having scoliosis should know:

1. Early Diagnosis should be done

Conditions like scoliosis can be managed easily if diagnosed early. It’s important for parents to make sure their children are receiving regular checkups. Many doctors claim that if scoliosis is diagnosed before the child has a growth spurt, a treatment plan can be applied that prevents a bigger curve from forming during times of growth. Common signs of scoliosis include uneven shoulders or hips.

2. There is no known cause for scoliosis.

There is currently no known cause or prevention method for scoliosis. Parents often ask if bad posture or heavy backpacks could have caused their child’s scoliosis. While these two things may be associated with other spine and back conditions, they do not cause scoliosis.

3. Scoliosis is genetic.

Yes, scoliosis run in families. The only reason that someone went unnoticed is because it was a very mild case. Of course, there are also possibilities where a child is the first in the family to develop the condition which carried forward in the offsprings to come.

4. Only a small percentage of scoliosis patients require treatment.

Only a small percentage about 30 percent require bracing, and an even a corrective surgery for scoliosis. It is a very manageable condition when diagnosed early. For growing children, an external torso brace can be used to prevent further worsening of scoliosis while the child grows. The child can have a normal life with braces and can do everything that a child without braces does.

5. Surgery has good outcomes if necessary.

Having surgery sooner rather than later is better. When done early, the surgery tends to be simpler, as less of the spine needs to be fused. The spine gets better as the child grows which is not the same when done in later stages of life. Parents can opt for minimal invasive procedures that will help the spine gain its normal shape.

Scoliosis is a painless condition that can be treated through invasive as well as non- invasive methods. Consult a doctor that recommends a procedure that works better on your child.

Author’s bio: the author is a blogger and the article is about scoliosis.