Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine combined with rotation. It is usually noticed in adolescence; noticing it early makes follow-up and treatment easier.
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional change in which the spine not only curves sideways but the vertebrae also rotate around their own axis. In about 80% of cases no specific cause is found; this is called idiopathic scoliosis. It is most often noticed during adolescence, in the years when a child is growing quickly, and occurs in about 2–3 in every 100 children in this age group.
What signs should you look out for?
Scoliosis is often not painful. This is why it is usually noticed by the family, at a school screening or during an examination for another reason. Look out for:
- One shoulder sitting higher than the other
- One shoulder blade sticking out more
- The waist curves looking different on each side
- One side of the back looking more raised when bending forward
The last point is the at-home equivalent of the forward bend test that doctors use during an examination. If you notice any of these signs, have your child seen by a doctor.
How are diagnosis and follow-up done?
A definitive diagnosis is made by measuring the angle of the curve (the Cobb angle) on a standing X-ray of the spine; a curve of 10 degrees or more is considered scoliosis. The same X-ray also gives information about how long the child's growth will continue. As long as growth continues, the curve may still increase; progression is more common in girls.
Check-up intervals range from a few months to a few years, depending on the degree of the curve and the child's age. An X-ray is not needed at every check-up; the doctor decides based on the examination findings.
Treatment options
The aim of treatment is to stop the curve progressing and to prevent the need for surgery. The options are determined by the degree of the curve, growth status and symptoms:
- Observation: Regular check-ups for mild curves.
- Scoliosis-specific exercises: In methods such as Schroth, posture and breathing are worked on through individually tailored exercises. The programme is learned with a physiotherapist and continued regularly at home.
- Bracing: May be used in children who are still growing and whose curve is above a certain degree, until growth is complete.
- Surgery: Usually considered for progressive curves above 45–50 degrees.
Scoliosis treatment is a long-term process. Having the orthopaedic specialist and the physiotherapist work on the same follow-up plan helps ensure that check-ups are not missed.
Treatment at our clinic: Scoliosis treatment
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