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Everyone knows that scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. With scoliosis, the spine is deviated away from its natural axis and at the same time rotated around it, that is, not only does it shift, but also twists.
Scoliosis is a fixed curvature of the spine, in contrast to incorrect posture, that is, scoliosis cannot be corrected either with the help of the child’s activity or with the help of passive force from the outside. In no more than 10% of children suffering from scoliosis, the cause is a congenital defect in the structure of the spine; in other cases, the causes of scoliosis are unknown. Scoliosis can appear at any age, but is most often detected during puberty. Scoliosis is much more common in girls than in boys. Due to the deformation of the spinal column, a child may experience aesthetic and psychological problems, but the occurrence of pain in children and adolescents is not observed – therefore, the curvature of the spine often goes unnoticed or is not considered dangerous. Scoliosis progresses during a child’s growth spurt. The prognosis for the development of the disease in children suffering from scoliosis from early childhood is especially disappointing. Severe scoliosis leads to severe pain and limited mobility in adult life. In particularly severe cases, the chest may become so compressed that it leads to serious problems with the lungs and heart.
Typical manifestations of the disease
When looking at a child from the front, when he is standing straight, one shoulder is higher than the other; when looking at a child from behind, when he stands leaning forward, his right and left sides of the chest are located at different levels (rib hump).
When to call a doctor
Consult your doctor within a month if you notice one of the manifestations of scoliosis in your child.
Doctor’s help
If scoliosis is suspected, an x-ray must be taken to confirm the diagnosis and show the degree of curvature of the spine. X-rays should be taken every six months or a year in order to detect the development of the disease as early as possible. For mild curvature of the spine and to avoid worsening the condition, it will be enough to regularly perform special exercises under the supervision of a physical therapy doctor or at home. In severe cases or when the disease progresses, despite regular exercises, a special corset is made for the child, which must be worn almost every day until active growth is complete. In critical cases of scoliosis, surgical treatment may be considered.
Your help to the child
Be attentive to your children and if you notice the asymmetry that we wrote about above, take it seriously, even if the child is still small. Support your child as much as possible in receiving specific treatment if scoliosis is detected. Lead an active and sporty lifestyle with your children, as good muscle mass stabilizes the spinal column and is a measure to prevent the progression of the disease.