Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a problem with the curve in the spine. It happens when the spine makes a large curve from side to side in the shape of the letter "S" or the letter "C." If this curve is severe, it can cause pain and make breathing difficult. Most cases of scoliosis are mild.

In children and teens, scoliosis typically doesn't cause symptoms and isn't obvious until the curve of the spine becomes moderate or severe. It may first become noticeable to a parent who sees that the child's clothes don't fit right or that hems hang unevenly. The child's spine may look crooked, or the ribs may stick out.

In a child who has scoliosis:

• One shoulder may look higher than the other.
• One hip may look higher than the other.
• The child's head isn't centered over their body.
• One shoulder blade may stick out more than the other.
• The ribs are higher on one side when the child bends forward from the waist.
• The waistline may be flat on one side.

Scoliosis testing usually starts with questions about the child's past health, plus a physical exam. The exam includes a simple test to see if the child's back or ribs are even. The child bends forward at the waist, arms hanging loosely and palms touching. If one side is higher than the other, an X-ray of the spine may be done. A scoliometer can be used to measure and estimate the rotation of the spinal curve.

Skeletal age is also a helpful measure to find out the risk that the curve will get worse.

If someone in your family has scoliosis, your children should be checked regularly.

Neurological testing may be done on children who have scoliosis. These tests look for certain disorders that are often linked with scoliosis, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

Mild cases of scoliosis usually don't need treatment.

Some people may use over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen to treat back pain. While these medicines may relieve symptoms of back pain for a short time, they don't heal scoliosis or back injuries. And they don't stop the pain from coming back.

Along with medicine, there are other ways to maintain or promote good health that may help relieve back pain for some adults. These include regular exercise and proper back care.

Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help you learn:

• Ways to move and rest that will help relieve pain.
• Strength exercises. These can help support your joints and decrease fatigue.
• Flexibility exercises. These include deep breathing to help expand your chest.
• Ways to stay active without making your symptoms worse.

If the pain makes it hard to do your daily activities, your doctor may recommend surgery.

• Keep follow-up visits with your child's doctor.
• If your child has a brace, follow instructions for wearing it.
• Offer your child lots of hugs and emotional support. A child, especially a teen, may feel bad about wearing a brace. If your child seems very sad or depressed for a long time, have your child talk to a counselor.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Ask your doctor about what type of daily activity is safe for your child.