Take Scoliosis Seriously

Scoliosis—an abnormal curve of the spine—is a structural problem that can cause severe back pain if left untreated. Experts don’t know what causes scoliosis, but studies suggest that it does run in families, and it is more common in girls. Some children are born with scoliosis and others develop it during childhood or adolescence.

Some symptoms associated with scoliosis in children include:

 

• An uneven appearance of the shoulders or waist
• Leaning to one side all the time
• One shoulder blade appears more prominent
• One hip appears higher than the other

A specialist can confirm scoliosis with x-rays and offer advice for treatment. Most curves less than 20 degrees require regular checkups to make sure they don’t get worse, but usually no brace or surgery is necessary. If the curve is more severe, a brace may help keep it from getting worse until the skeleton matures. Adults who had scoliosis as children are at greater risk for back pain later in life.

 

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