By: M. Alejandra Moreno, MD
Pediatrician
More than 100,000 children will be diagnosed with an abnormally curved spine this year. The medical term for this condition is Scoliosis. A normal spine curves inward at the lower back and outward at the shoulders. However, if the spine begins to curve from side to side creating an S or C shape, is consider abnormal and it is called Scoliosis.
Children between the ages of 10 and 16 are the most likely group to develop Scoliosis as it occurs during their growth spurt. Between three and five children out of every 1,000 develop an abnormal curve that requires treatment.
Doctors do not know exactly what causes this form of Scoliosis, but they do know that often it runs in families. A person is 20 percent more likely to develop Scoliosis if a family member has it. Also, girls are more likely to develop Scoliosis than boys, though the reason is unknown. The good news is that Scoliosis can be managed more effectively if it is caught in the early stages of development.
Scoliosis generally develops slowly, and it should not cause pain. For these reasons, parents should make sure their children are checked regularly for this problem. A qualified physician should perform these checks, but parents can also be on the look out for certain warning signs:
- An uneven waist;
- One hip that is higher than the other;
- Uneven shoulders; and
- The appearance of leaning to one side.
Parents should begin to look for these signs when their child is eight or nine years old, and they should pay close attention during times when their child is having a growth spurt.
No surefire method exists to cure Scoliosis. However, researchers and bone specialists have developed several ways to manage the condition and reduce the degree to which Scoliosis affects a person's life. A child who has mild curvature may need only regular check-ups, but braces are often used to treat more significant curves. While a brace cannot permanently correct the curve, a child that wears a brace can often participate in physical activity with few restrictions. The most severe cases of Scoliosis may be treated with surgery.
Early detection of Scoliosis can reduce its impact on a person's daily life. While specialists have not yet found a guaranteed cure, they have made great strides in methods to manage it. Parents' awareness of the warning signs of Scoliosis and their insistence on regular check-ups are great ways to keep their children healthy.
If you have noticed any of the signs of Scoliosis, or if you are not sure whether your child has been checked for the scoliosis, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician. He or she can check your child and give you more information about the causes and treatments of Scoliosis.
Dr. Moreno is now accepting new patients and most insurance. Her offices are located in suite 120 of the Steinle Medical Building at South Texas Regional Medical Center in Jourdanton. Please call (830) 769-1045, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to schedule an appointment.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: orthoinfo.aaos.org
Medtronic: www.medtronic.com