Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve to the side. About 1 out of 100 people in the general population have some type of scoliosis, most of them being mild. Small curves in the spine are normal, but it is important to detect them early and keep an eye on them, according to the National Scoliosis Foundation. Curves can be on any part of the spine but most commonly seen in the chest area and lower section of the back.
The cause of scoliosis is unknown but in some cases, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy play a role. In serious cases of scoliosis, surgery may be needed. The Scoliosis Research Society says if left ignored the disease has a possibility of getting worse and can cause heart and lung problems.
Early diagnosis is key and here are some tips on how to detect it early:
- Notice signs such as uneven hips, shoulders, one leg lengths. Look for clothes that do not hang properly.
- In babies, there could be a bulge on one side of the chest or the baby may consistently lie curved to one side.
- Scoliosis runs in family and is more likely to happen to females
For a home screening:
- Have your child bend forward and examine the back, looking for any signs of asymmetry
- Standing straight look for hints of unevenness
- Look to see if the alignment of eyes and ears are uneven
- Watch your child walk and see if there are any limps or irregularities while walking
You can have your child’s scoliosis diagnosed by a doctor with a physical examination of the spine, ribs, hips, and shoulders. The doctor will use an inclinometer to measure the degree of scoliosis and in some cases get an X-ray to evaluate it. In severe cases, an MRI or CT scan may be ordered.
Most cases of scoliosis will not need treatment. Doctors may recommend regular follow-ups to monitor the curve and see if it worsens. The gender, severity of the curve, curve position, and bone maturity are factors that will help determine what kind of treatment the doctor will want to do.
Options for treatment:
- Casting
- Braces
- Surgery (spinal fusion)
In all its forms, early diagnosis is the primary goal. For more information please visit http://www.scoliosis.org, http://www.srs.org, or http://www.hss.edu