Treatment FAQ

what is treatment for pediatric scoliosis

by Furman Senger Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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In many cases, scoliosis curves are small and do not require treatment. Children with larger curves may need to wear a brace or have surgery to restore normal posture.

What is the best treatment of scoliosis?

1. Regular Exercise...

2. Stretching...

3. Active Self-Correction...

4. Acupuncture...

5. Chiropractic Manipulation...

6. Alternating Hot and Cold Therapy...

7. Biofeedback...

8. Magnesium...

Learn More...

How do medications treat infantile scoliosis?

What's the Treatment for Scoliosis?

  • Observation. Mild curves, like those found in 90% of scoliosis cases, typically don’t require treatment. ...
  • Back Brace. If your child’s curve measures between 20 and 40 degrees, their doctor might recommend that they wear a back brace to help stop its progress as they grow.
  • Surgery. ...

Does scoliosis always require treatment?

Treatment for infantile scoliosis

  • Bracing and therapeutic exercise. ...
  • Surgical interventions. ...
  • Growing rods. ...
  • Vertebral body tethering. ...
  • Vertical expandable titanium ribs (VEPTR) If your child is still growing and the spinal curve is affecting rib and lung development, your child may also be diagnosed with thoracic insufficiency ...
  • Spinal fusion. ...

Can you cure scoliosis without surgery?

Most people with scoliosis do not need surgery, and many do not require any treatment at all. Doctors typically reserve surgery for people with particularly severe scoliosis or those who develop the condition in infancy.

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Can scoliosis correct itself in children?

Your doctor may recommend an observation period before any active treatment is warranted, as sometimes the scoliosis will stabilize and even correct itself as your child grows particularly with very small curves in very young children.

What is the best age for scoliosis surgery?

Children with scoliosis between 3-10 years of age is normally the time when the best long term results can be achieved.

What is the most effective treatment for scoliosis?

Surgery. Severe scoliosis typically progresses with time, so your doctor might suggest scoliosis surgery to help straighten the curve and prevent it from getting worse.

Should I worry if my child has scoliosis?

If your child is diagnosed with scoliosis, Sponseller says not to be scared. “Scoliosis is a very manageable condition when diagnosed early.” For children who are still growing, an external torso brace can be used to prevent further worsening of scoliosis while the child grows.

At what degree is scoliosis surgery necessary?

If your C-curve becomes severe (i.e., more than 40 degrees), or if you develop an S-shaped curve, you need surgery. As an adult, a scoliosis curve is only considered to be severe if it's more than 50 degrees. Even in such a case, you may not need treatment.

Is it worth it to get scoliosis surgery?

Although highly effective in the majority of cases (with national statistics reporting an 85 percent success rate, resulting generally in a reduction of back pain and an increased position and balance of the spine, this brand of scoliosis surgery in adults and kids alike does not come without its drawbacks.

What happens if scoliosis is untreated?

Mild cases of scoliosis may not need treatment. But, moderate to severe scoliosis that is left untreated can lead to pain and increasing deformity, as well as potential heart and lung damage. Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine with rotation. It most often develops during the growth spurt just before puberty.

What is the newest treatment for scoliosis?

There are currently two FDA-approved options for non-fusion correction, both approved in August 2019: The Tether and ApiFix. These procedures offer a more rapid post-surgery recovery, less blood loss, and a faster return to sports and general activities than for fusion.

Can scoliosis be fixed by a chiropractor?

Many adults with scoliosis find non-drug, non-invasive chiropractic treatments can help reduce their pain by decreasing the pressure on their nervous system and strengthening their body's core. Procedures and ideas to stay active without increasing the symptoms.

What are 4 symptoms of scoliosis?

In adults, scoliosis causes symptoms like these:Uneven shoulders and/or hips.Bump in the lower back.Numbness, weakness, or pain in the legs.Trouble walking.Trouble standing up straight.Tired feeling.Shortness of breath.Loss of height.More items...•

Is scoliosis hereditary from Mom or Dad?

Children are more likely to inherit scoliosis from their fathers than their mothers.

At what age is scoliosis usually diagnosed?

More than 100,000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with scoliosis each year. The majority of these children are diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 15 with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Identifying idiopathic scoliosis at birth or in early childhood is rare.

How long does it take for a child to have scoliosis surgery?

When surgery is needed, it is a complex, multi-step procedures that take between two and three hours. When a child needs scoliosis surgery ...

What is Southwest Scoliosis Institute?

“What’s unique about the Southwest Scoliosis Institute is that we treat both children and adults ,” explains Dr. Kishan. “What we provide here is a continuum of care, and our commitment to care for our patients throughout their life.”

How long do you have to be screened for scoliosis?

Most often, we can assure parents that we either need to observe their child for four to six months or that their child’s risk is so low that they don’t need to come back.

Can scoliosis be treated quickly?

In addition, we have found that quickly treating children with scoliosis can have a very positive effect. For instance, school health screening programs are often helpful in identifying scoliosis, and we want to see those patients as soon as possible.

Is radiation safe for children?

Also, reducing the dose of radiation is very beneficial for children who require frequent imaging . In this case, we are very aware of the fact that children are more sensitive to the cumulative effects of radiation.

How often should a child go to a scoliosis doctor?

However, because of the very real risk of rapid progression, it is vital to keep a close eye on the child! This means taking the child to a scoliosis professional every 3 months to be evaluated for progression. The chart above shows the extremely high rate of growth in young children.

When does scoliosis develop in children?

Infantile scoliosis develops before the child is 3 years old. Juvenile scoliosis develops when the child is 3 – 10 years old. Adolescent scoliosis develops when the child is older than 10, but before the onset of puberty.

What is a curved spine in a child?

Scoliosis in children, also referred to as Pediatric Scoliosis or Juvenile Scoliosis , is a condition in which a child’s spine is curved sideways. The Scoliosis Research Society defines pediatric scoliosis as a curved spine in a child measuring 10 degrees or greater. Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis is a spinal curvature that is first diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 10. The word “Idiopathic” is a medical term, which means the exact cause is unknown.

How long does it take for scoliosis to get worse?

The physician will first wait up to 6 months to determine if the curvature is progressing—or getting worse. While a small percentage of children will have a curvature of the spine that is stable and unchanging, the large majority of children with a curve size above 20 degrees will have a curve that rapidly gets worse.

What causes the spine to twist?

Scoliosis causes the bones of the spine to twist or rotate. Instead of a straight line down the middle of the back, the spine looks more like the letter “C” or “S.” Scoliosis curves can occur only in the upper and middle back (thoracic scoliosis ). They can also develop only in the lower back (lumbar scoliosis ). Many times the curvature will occur in both the upper and lower parts of the spine known as a double major scoliosis . Scoliosis that involves both the middle and lower back can also be called thoracolumbar scoliosis in children.

What percentage of scoliosis is idiopathic?

Causes of Scoliosis in Children. Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis comprises about 10% to 15% of all idiopathic scoliosis in children. At the younger end of the age range, boys are affected slightly more than girls and the curve is often angled to the left. This shape of scoliosis is referred to as “levoscoliosis”.

What is considered a mild scoliosis curve?

Mild Scoliosis in Children. A curve size of less than 20 degrees is considered a mild scoliosis in a child. The typical medical approach to treating a mild scoliosis is to be under doctor supervision until the curves progresses further. The chart below shows why the younger the child is when the scoliosis is first diagnosed, ...

What is the most common type of scoliosis surgery?

The most common type of scoliosis surgery is called spinal fusion. In spinal fusion , surgeons connect two or more of the bones in the spine (vertebrae) together, so they can't move independently. Pieces of bone or a bone-like material are placed between the vertebrae.

How often should a scoliosis rod be lengthened?

This growing rod is attached to the top and bottom sections of the spinal curvature, and is usually lengthened every six months.

What is a low profile brace for scoliosis?

Scoliosis brace. This low-profile brace is made of plastic materials and is contoured to conform to the body. If your child's bones are still growing and he or she has moderate scoliosis, your doctor may recommend a brace.

What tests can be done to diagnose scoliosis?

Imaging tests. Plain X-rays can confirm the diagnosis of scoliosis and reveal the severity of the spinal curvature. If a doctor suspects that an underlying condition — such as a tumor — is causing the scoliosis, he or she may recommend additional imaging tests, such as an MRI.

What factors are considered when treating curves?

Factors to be considered include: Sex. Girls have a much higher risk of progression than do boys. Severity of curve.

How to help a child with scoliosis?

Encourage your child to talk to his or her friends and ask for their support. Consider joining a support group for parents and kids with scoliosis.

Is scoliosis a difficult diagnosis?

Coping with scoliosis is difficult for a young person in an already complicated stage of life. Teens are bombarded with physical changes and emotional and social challenges. With the added diagnosis of scoliosis, anger, insecurity and fear may occur. A strong, supportive peer group can have a significant impact on a child's or teen's acceptance ...

What is halo gravity traction?

Learn how our Scoliosis Traction Program administers halo-gravity traction, a form of treatment that can help to gradually straighten your child's spine over time and decrease their curve prior to spinal fusion surgery.

What does a child with scoliosis look like?

A child with scoliosis has a spine with an S or C shape. The child may look like he or she is leaning to one side. Scoliosis can cause a difference in shoulder or hip height. X-rays can measure the curve of a child’s spine. Depending on how bad the scoliosis is, your child may need a brace or surgery.

What are the symptoms of scoliosis in children?

Key points about scoliosis in children 1 Scoliosis is a deformity of the backbone (spine). It’s when the spine has a side-to-side curve. 2 A child with scoliosis has a spine with an S or C shape. The child may look like he or she is leaning to one side. 3 Scoliosis can cause a difference in shoulder or hip height. 4 X-rays can measure the curve of a child’s spine. 5 Depending on how bad the scoliosis is, your child may need a brace or surgery.

What does it mean when your spine curves?

It’s when the spine has a side-to-side curve. The curve of the spine measures 10° or more. A normal spine appears straight when looked at from behind. But a child with scoliosis has a spine with an S or C shape. The child may look like he or she is leaning to one side. The curve can happen on the right or left side of the spin.

How to treat scoliosis in children?

Treatment may include:#N#Observation and repeated exams . Your child will need to see his or her health care provider often to check on the curve of his or her spine. Whether the curve gets worse depends on the amount of skeletal growth, or how skeletally mature your child is. Curving of the spine often slows down or stops after a child reaches puberty.#N#Bracing. If your child is still growing, he or she may need a brace for some time.#N#Surgery. Your child may need surgery when the curve measures 45° or more on an X-ray and bracing has not slowed down the progression of the curve.

Why is it important to find scoliosis early?

Finding scoliosis early is important for treatment. If left untreated, scoliosis can cause problems with heart and lung function. Health care providers, and even some school programs, routinely look for signs of scoliosis in children.

What to do if your curve is 45°?

Bracing. If your child is still growing, he or she may need a brace for some time. Surgery. Your child may need surgery when the curve measures 45° or more on an X-ray and bracing has not slowed down the progression of the curve.

How to tell if you have scoliosis?

Scoliosis is often first diagnosed in children, but treatment and monitoring may be lifelong. Early intervention yields the best results when treating scoliosis. Common signs of scoliosis include a difference in shoulder height when viewed from the back, a head that is not centered with the rest of the body, or a difference in hip height ...

What is the name of the condition where the spine curves side to side?

Scoliosis Treatment. Scoliosis is sometimes referred to as “curvature of the spine.”. In scoliosis, the spine makes an abnormal, side-to-side curve. Often, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. But what we do know is that poor posture does not cause scoliosis.

Who led the study on Dysport?

This study, led by Dr. Paul Sponseller, aims to evaluate the combined effect of botulinum toxin A (administered as Dysport®) and bracing in children aged 10-16 years with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Participants in this study will be compensated.

What is the goal of scoliosis treatment?

The goal of pediatric scoliosis treatment is to stop the curve and prevent deformity. Observation and repeated examinations may be necessary to determine if the spine is continuing to curve.

Can a brace help with scoliosis?

Wearing a brace won’t cure scoliosis or reverse the curve, but it usually prevents further progression of the curve. The most common type of brace is made of plastic and is designed to conform to the body. This brace is almost invisible under clothes, as it fits under the arms and around the rib cage, lower back, and hips.

What is a child with scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a deformity of the backbone (spine). It’s when the spine has a side-to-side curve. A child with scoliosis has a spine with an S or C shape. The child may look like he or she is leaning to one side. Scoliosis can cause a difference in shoulder or hip height. X-rays can measure the curve of a child’s spine.

When is scoliosis most common in children?

A child may be born with it. Or he or she can develop it later in life. It’s most often seen in children between the ages of 10 and 18. It tends to affect more girls than boys.

What does it mean when your spine curves?

It’s when the spine has a side-to-side curve. The curve of the spine measures 10 degrees or more. A normal spine appears straight when looked at from behind. But a child with scoliosis has a spine with an S or C shape. The child may look like he or she is leaning to one side.

Why is it important to find scoliosis early?

Finding scoliosis early is important for treatment. If left untreated, scoliosis can cause problems with heart and lung function. Healthcare providers, and even some school programs, routinely look for signs of scoliosis in children.

What is the best test for scoliosis?

Your child may also need these tests: X-rays. This test makes images of internal tissues, bones, and organs. It is the primary tool for diagnosing scoliosis.

Why does my child bend forward?

These symptoms may seem like other back problems. Or they may be a result of an injury or infection. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Can a child develop scoliosis later in life?

In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is not known. A child may be born with it. Or he or she can develop it later in life. It’s most often seen in children between the ages of 10 and 18. It tends to affect more girls than boys. Possible causes of scoliosis include:

Who should evaluate a child for early onset scoliosis?

But if curves are observed by a parent, teacher, school nurse, or physician, the child should receive a an evaluation by a specialist for early onset scoliosis. Children and adolescents who are noted to have any curvature in their spines require medical attention.

Why do children with scoliosis need an MRI?

Children with congenital scoliosis should be assessed for the presence of any cardiac or kidney problems associated with their condition.

Why do children have curves in their spine?

It’s important for a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to monitor the condition closely, because in some cases the curvature may eventually need to be treated.

What are the different types of scoliosis?

Pediatric scoliosis is diagnosed as one of several types: 1 Idiopathic scoliosis is a curvature of unknown origin. 2 Congenital scoliosis is present at birth. A congenital scoliosis curve is where bones are asymmetrical at birth and the spinal vertebrae may be partially formed (hemivertebra) or wedge-shaped. 3 Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by an underlying systemic condition such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord tumors, or paralysis. 4 Syndromic scoliosis is a term for a unique group of spine conditions. Diseases such as Marfan’s Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, neurofibromatosis, Prader-Willi Syndrome, arthrogryposis, and Riley-Day Syndrome are some of the common syndromic causes of this type of scoliosis.

What is syndromic scoliosis?

Syndromic scoliosis is a term for a unique group of spine conditions. Diseases such as Marfan’s Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, neurofibromatosis, Prader-Willi Syndrome, arthrogryposis, and Riley-Day Syndrome are some of the common syndromic causes of this type of scoliosis.

What is a congenital scoliosis curve?

A congenital scoliosis curve is where bones are asymmetrical at birth and the spinal vertebrae may be partially formed (hemivertebra) or wedge-shaped. Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by an underlying systemic condition such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord tumors, or paralysis.

How old is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

adolescent idiopathic scoliosis − from 10 to 18 years. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is seen more frequently in girls than in boys. Although it is thought to be genetic, its true cause is unknown and thought to be a combination of many factors.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

  • Scoliosis treatments vary, depending on the severity of the curve. Children who have very mild curves usually don't need any treatment at all, although they may need regular checkups to see if the curve is worsening as they grow. Bracing or surgery may be needed if the spinal curve is moderate or severe. Factors to be considered include: 1. Maturit...
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Clinical Trials

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
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Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • There are no specific activities that are known to cause or correct scoliosis. In general, people with scoliosis have no restrictions regarding lifting or activities. General exercise or participating in sports may have the benefit of improving overall health and well-being.
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Alternative Medicine

  • Studies indicate that the following treatments for scoliosis don't help correct the curve: 1. Chiropractic manipulation 2. Soft braces 3. Electrical stimulation of muscles 4. Dietary supplements
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Coping and Support

  • Coping with scoliosis can be difficult for a young person in an already complicated stage of life. Teens are bombarded with physical changes and emotional and social challenges. With the added diagnosis of scoliosis, adolescents may feel anger, insecurity and fear. A strong, supportive peer group can have a significant impact on a child's or teen's acceptance of scoliosis, bracing or surgical treatment. Encourage your child to talk to his or he…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Your child's doctor may check for scoliosis at a routine well-child visit. Many schools also have screening programs for scoliosis. Physical examinations prior to sports participation often detect scoliosis. If you are informed that your child might have scoliosis, see your doctor to confirm the condition.
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