Scoliosis In Children

Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve in the spine or backbone of a person. The spine should be straight when seen from the back and a mirror-image letter 'S' from the side. The forward bent in the spine when looked from the side is called ‘Kyphosis’, while the backward bent in the curve when seen from side is termed as ‘Lordosis’. People suffering from scoliosis may develop additional curves to their either sides, with the bones of the spine twisting on each other. Scoliosis is a problem that can occur in people of any age group, but is most common in those over 10 years of age. This problem is 2 times more common in girls than boys. This article will provide you with the causes, symptoms and the treatment of scoliosis in children.

Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Of Scoliosis In Children

Causes Of Scoliosis

Birth defect can cause scoliosis in children. It may so happen that their bones develop differently or incompletely, such that only half of the bone is present. Sometimes the back bones or ribs are abnormally joined together. The spine usually is divided into normal small bones, but in kids with disorder a large block of bone is formed in the spine.
Chances of scoliosis in children are higher if someone in the family has suffered from the same problem. Children having both the parents with scoliosis are at a higher risk of having scoliosis.
A traumatic situation leading to scoliosis might include fractures, radiation or any surgery of the spine in the past.
Other health problems in your kid might also cause scoliosis in them. Diseases like polio, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy that causes problem in muscle control and activity might lead to the problem of scoliosis.

Signs & Symptoms Of Scoliosis

The most common sign of a person suffering from scoliosis is a deformed spine, with the head being off the centre.
The person suffering from scoliosis might have one of their hips or shoulder higher to another.
Walking with a rolling gait is one of the symptoms of being infected with scoliosis.
A person with unleveled opposite sides of the body is suffering from scoliosis.
A person suffering from scoliosis might experience back pain and they might get tired easily in activities that require excessive chest and belly movement.

Treatment Of Scoliosis

In case of a mild curve, watchful waiting is what can help. A child whose bones are just completing the growth process will have to undergo regular checkups to find out whether there is any improvement in the condition.
A back brace or a cast might also be recommended for your child. When the bones of your child have completely grown, braces can be provided to prevent the spine from curving more. Most of the braces are light and small and can be worn under the clothes. The brace can get adjusted depending on the height of your child.
If the condition of the spine of your child is very bad, then surgery might be the only option left with the doctor. A surgery will help join the bones together along the curve; rods, wires and screws can be used to make the spine straight in a surgery.
There are few exercises that may help improve your child’s health, including the heart and the lungs. A biofeedback surgery can also be used to teach your child correct his/her posture.

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