$Unique_ID{PAR00144}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Medical Advice:  Scoliosis}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Chasnoff, Ira J}
$Subject{Scoliosis curving curved spine hip thrust posture curvature vertebral
column S curve idiopathic vertebrae bones infection tumor injury radiation
therapy orthopedist bone specialist back shoulder}
$Log{}

Your Child:  A Medical Guide


Scoliosis


     Quick Reference

     SYMPTOMS
     - Visibly curved spine
     - Standing position with one hip thrust forward

     HOME CARE
     - Check the child's posture periodically.

     PRECAUTION
     - Scoliosis can worsen rapidly.  See your doctor if you suspect
       scoliosis.


     Scoliosis is also known as curvature of the spine, or vertebral column.
In profile (side view), a normal spine has the shape of an S curve from top to
bottom; viewed from the front or the back, the spine is straight from top to
bottom.  In scoliosis, the spine can be seen to curve toward one side or the
other when viewed from the rear.  That curve toward one side produces a
second, compensating curve in the spine to keep the head straight.
     The idiopathic type of scoliosis, which more frequently affects girls
than boys, has no known cause.  It develops during adolescence and stops
getting worse when the child stops growing.  The other types of scoliosis can
develop at any age and can be caused by damage to the vertebrae (bones of the
spine) from infection, a tumor, injury, or radiation therapy; abnormal
development of the vertebrae or ribs; or weakness in the muscles of the trunk.
Scoliosis can also result from a difference in the length of the legs.  Unlike
other forms of the disease, this type of scoliosis does not result in a fixed
curvature of the spine; the vertebral column straightens when the child lies
down.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

     In severe cases of scoliosis, the curvature of the spine can easily be
seen when the child stands up.  Even a slight curvature may be easy to
recognize because the child stands with one hip thrust forward.  Scoliosis in
almost any degree can be observed when the child bends forward at the waist
with the knees straight; in this position, scoliosis causes the chest to
rotate, making one side of the back prominent.

HOME CARE

     The most important aspect of home treatment is to watch for the onset of
the condition by observing your child's posture periodically, particularly
during periods of rapid growth.

PRECAUTION

  -  Any curvature of the spine is abnormal.  Since scoliosis can become
     severe in a matter of months, your child should be checked as soon as you
     notice any abnormality and then reexamined regularly.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

     After confirming the presence of the condition, your doctor will often
refer you to an orthopedist (bone specialist) who is skilled in treating
scoliosis.  X-ray films of the spine will be used to make the diagnosis.
     Idiopathic scoliosis occasionally corrects itself during growth.
However, it must be checked several times a year.  Correction of idiopathic
scoliosis may require the use of a back brace or surgery of the spine.
Differences in leg length will be treated by placing lifts in the child's
shoes or by surgery.
     Exercise and physical therapy are not known to be helpful in treating any
type of scoliosis.