Detection of Idiopathic Scoliosis in Children
Children Should be Checked Yearly from Age 8 Through the Teen Years
May 25, 2009 Deanna Lynn Sletten
Idiopathic scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that only occurs in approximately 2% of children in the United States. Although it is rare, it is important for parents and doctors to detect it early so observation and treatment can begin. Without proper treatment this type of scoliosis can cause serious health problems for the patient later in life, such as inhibiting the function of the lungs and heart. It is important for parents to be aware of how to detect scoliosis so they can contact their child’s primary care physician if they think their child is affected by this condition.
What is Idiopathic Scoliosis?
Idiopathic scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that can occur in the upper spine, the lower spine, or both. In scoliosis, each vertebra of the spine can also twist, causing a corkscrew effect and causing the spine to twist inward and harm vital organs. Scoliosis can begin in children between the ages of 8 to 12 and occurs in girls twice as often as it does in boys. There is no known cause of this type of scoliosis, although researchers have found it can be hereditary in families.
Early detection of scoliosis is important because as a child ages, the spine hardens and is no longer flexible enough to treat. Treatment for scoliosis is best done before a child finishes growing, generally by age 17 in girls and 18 in boys.
Detection of Scoliosis
In most cases there are no warning symptoms of scoliosis such as back pain or lack of flexibility. The best way to detect scoliosis is looking at the child in one of two positions. With her shirt off, have the child stand and bend forward as if to touch her toes. If one shoulder blade is higher than the other, or an obvious curve can be seen in the child’s spine, then it may be possible the child has scoliosis.
Another way to detect scoliosis is to have the child sit on the floor with her back straight and then look at her back. If one shoulder is higher than the other, or one shoulder blade is more prominent than the other then the child may be at risk of having scoliosis. Other signs of curvature of the spine are if the child’s head is off center when she is standing straight, if one hip is higher than the other or if she has an uneven step to her walk. If any of these signs are noted, it is important to make an appointment with the child’s physician for further evaluation.
The physician will also examine the child and possibly take x-rays to estimate the extent of the curve of the child’s spine. Whether the curve is small or significant, it is best to have the doctor suggest a specialist who is familiar with the treatment of scoliosis. A specialist will know best how to determine the proper treatment for the child’s condition.
Scoliosis Treatment
Treatment for scoliosis is different in each case and is dependent upon the severity of the curve, location of the curve and the age of the child. In 90% of the cases the only treatment necessary is having the doctor monitor the child’s curve as she is growing. In more severe cases, bracing or surgery may be required.
Early detection of scoliosis helps to make treating the condition much more effective. The earlier scoliosis is identified, the better the treatment the child can receive and the healthier she will be later in life.
Idiopathic Scoliosis in Children
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