Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some curves worsen as children grow. Severe scoliosis can be disabling. An especially severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly.
Children who have mild scoliosis are monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. Some children will need to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening. Others may need surgery to straighten severe curves. With most scoliosis cases, the spine will rotate or twist in addition to curving side to side.
This causes the ribs or muscles on one side of the body to stick out farther than those on the other side. Go to your doctor if you notice signs of scoliosis in your child.
Mild curves can develop without you or your child knowing it because they appear gradually and usually don't cause pain. Occasionally, teachers, friends and sports teammates are the first to notice a child's scoliosis. Doctors don't know what causes the most common type of scoliosis — although it appears to involve hereditary factors, because the disorder sometimes runs in families.
Less common types of scoliosis may be caused by:. While most people with scoliosis have a mild form of the disorder, scoliosis may sometimes cause complications, including:.
Scoliosis care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Scoliosis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Scoliosis Viewed from the side, the normal spine takes the form of an elongated S, the upper back bowing outward and the lower back curving slightly inward.
A physical exam of your spine is the first step your doctor takes to see if you have scoliosis. Your doctor may also order some imaging tests to get a closer look at your spine. Your doctor will observe your back while you stand with your arms at your sides. Next, your doctor will ask you to bend forward, looking for any curvature in your upper and lower back.
Treatment depends on numerous factors — the degree of spine curvature being a major one. Your doctor will also take into consideration:. This method of treatment is more effective for cases that are detected early. Those requiring a brace need to wear it 16 to 23 hours a day until they stop growing.
Doctors usually recommend that children wear their braces until they reach adolescence and are no longer growing. Surgery is usually reserved for people with curves greater than 40 degrees. Spinal fusion is the standard scoliosis surgery.
In this procedure, the doctor fuses your vertebrae together using a bone graft, rods, and screws. The bone graft consists of bone or a material like it. The rods keep your spine in a straight position, and the screws hold them in place. Eventually, the bone graft and vertebrae fuse into a single bone. Rods can be adjusted in children as they grow. Some techniques need more research but may be recommended by your doctor, such as hydrotherapy , massage , electrical stimulation , and back braces.
Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations for exercise and stretches to help keep your muscles strong and supportive. Pain medications like acetaminophen Tylenol and ibuprofen Advil can help to reduce pain.
Talk to your doctor about options for pain and inflammation reduction. An older study suggested that chiropractic treatment may aid in alleviating pain and increase flexibility while living with scoliosis.
Look for a chiropractor who specializes in scoliosis to avoid making the condition worse. Various exercises may help with scoliosis, and experts propose a range of strategies. However, they all aim to realign the spine, rib cage, shoulders, and pelvis to achieve a typical posture.
The authors of a study stated that there is growing evidence to suggest that exercises can help treat scoliosis. However, they noted that researchers need to do more studies to work out which exercises are most effective. In severe cases, scoliosis can progress over time. In these cases, a doctor may recommend spinal fusion. This surgery reduces the curvature of the spine and prevents scoliosis from getting worse. A surgeon may use metal rods, hooks, screws, or wires to hold a part of the spine straight while the bone heals.
They may also use bone grafts to help the bone heal. Children can usually go back to school after 4—6 weeks and can take part in sports after between 3 and 6 months.
They should avoid sports that jar the back, such as horse riding and contact sports, for a year. In some cases, they may need to wear a back brace for about 6 months to support the spine. A doctor will only recommend spinal fusion if they expect the benefits to outweigh the risks. The risks include:. Scoliosis usually becomes apparent from infancy or adolescence. The most common form of scoliosis appears in adolescence and is known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
It can affect people between 10 and 18 years of age. Some types of scoliosis can cause back pain, but it is not usually very painful. This symptom is more common in older adults. If an infant does not receive treatment for scoliosis, they will be more at risk of problems later in life, such as impaired heart and lung function.
The Scoliosis Association in the United Kingdom describe seven main types of scoliosis:. A doctor will carry out a physical examination of the spine, ribs, hips, and shoulders. With the aid of a tool called an inclinometer, or scoliometer, the doctor can measure the degree of scoliosis. An angle greater than 10 degrees indicates scoliosis. Imaging scans such as X-rays , CT scans , and MRI scans can help the doctor assess the shape, direction, location, and angle of the curve.
Scoliosis refers to an abnormally curved spine. It tends to arise in childhood or adolescence, and the cause is usually unknown. Treatments, such as back bracing and surgery, can often help. A person should speak to a doctor if they suspect scoliosis, as early treatment can help prevent future complications.
Dextroscoliosis refers to an abnormal, right-leaning curvature of the spine. It is a type of scoliosis.
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