What is Scoliosis?

Curvature of the spine (also known as scoliosis) is the most common spine deformity. Your pediatrician, or even your child’s school nurse, may perform a scoliosis screening. It is important to ask your pediatrician about scoliosis early.

Your child’s school may provide free scoliosis screenings.

Worsening curvature during adolescent growth is a major concern. While in most cases scoliosis is painless, severe cases can cause other serious health complications. You may be at higher risk if someone in your family has scoliosis. If your pediatrician tells your child has scoliosis, you should ask your doctor to refer your family to a specialist called an orthopedist. Follow up with your doctor every 4-6 months.

Some of the most common signs of scoliosis are:

· Uneven shoulders and waist line

· Leaning to one side

· Shoulder blades that stick out

· Chronic back pain

· Poor self-image

While there is no cure for scoliosis, there are several treatment options including exercise, bracing, and in severe cases, surgery.

LaRusso, Laurie, MS, ELS. (2014). Scoliosis—Child. Conditions & procedures in brief. http://library.neit.edu:2216/chc/detail?sid=3f4801e3-aa63-4269-a632-75458403ace6%40sessionmgr4009&vid=7&hid=4201&bdata=JnNpdGU9Y2hjLWxpdmU%3d#AN=HL11573&db=cmh. Retrieved October 20, 2016

Massage and bodywork specialist, Erik Dalton reviews one way to treat someone with scoliosis.

The most common treatments for scoliosis is exercise and bracing. A brace can aid in preventing the spine from curving more, especially during adolescent growth. When coupled with bracing, the right exercises can help to lengthen, strengthen, and ultimately straighten your spine. Research shows the benefits of bracing, and how the right exercises will help to straighten your spine and decrease pain that may be associated with more severe cases of scoliosis.

JWA JUN, K., GUI BIN, S., & EUN CHO, P. (2015). Effects of Swiss ball exercise and resistance exercise on respiratory function and trunk control ability in patients with scoliosis. Journal Of Physical Therapy Science, 27(6), 1775-1778. Permalink: http://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=108276345&site=ehost-live Retrieved Oct 12, 2016

WEISS, H; MORAMARCO, K; MORAMARCO, M. Scoliosis bracing and exercise for pain management in adults–a case report. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 28, 8, 2404-2407, Aug. 2016. ISSN: 0915-5287. Permalink: http://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=117888487&site=ehost-live Retrieved Oct 12, 2016

Confused about what types of exercises could improve your scoliosis? Check out this informative video.

See your child’s pediatrician and have your child screened for scoliosis. Ask your pediatrician to refer you to an orthopedist and follow up with them every 4-6 months.