There are three proven scoliosis treatments — observation, bracing, and surgery. Your doctor will recommend one of these treatments based on the severity of the scoliosis and the physical maturity of your child. These features predict how the scoliosis should behave during your child's growing years and as an adult.
Functional scoliosis is caused by an abnormality elsewhere in the body. This type of scoliosis is treated by treating that abnormality, such as a difference in leg length. A small wedge can be placed in the shoe to help even out the leg length and prevent the spine from curving. There is no direct treatment of the spine because the spine is normal in these people.
Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by an abnormal development of the bones of the spine. These types of scoliosis have the greatest chance for getting worse. Observation and bracing do not normally work well for these people. The majority of these people will eventually need surgery to stop the curve from getting worse. Treatment of idiopathic scoliosis usually is based on the age when it develops.
A scoliosis curve will not get straight on its own. Bracing will help to keep it from getting worse. Surgery a spinal fusion is the only thing that will straighten out the spine, but it will not make it completely straight. Children who have mild curves (less than 20°) will be monitored to make sure the curve is not getting worse. Your doctor will check your child's spine about every 6 months. If your child is fully grown, they may not ever need more x-rays. X-rays are necessary to follow the progression of the curve. There can be small negative effects with frequent x-rays, but these effects are minimized by using protective shields over certain body parts to protect the child from unnecessary exposure.
There are several signs that may indicate the possibility of scoliosis. If one or more of the following signs is noticed, schedule an appointment with a doctor.
Shoulders are uneven – one or both shoulder blades may stick out
Head is not centered directly above the pelvis
One or both hips are raised or unusually high
Rib cages are at different heights
Waist is uneven
The appearance or texture of the skin overlying the spine changes (dimples, hairy patches, color abnormalities)
The entire body leans to one side
In many children with scoliosis, the spinal curve is mild enough to not require treatment. However, if the doctor is worried that the curve may be increasing, he or she may wish to examine the child every four to six months throughout adolescence. In adults with scoliosis, X-rays are usually recommended once every five years, unless symptoms are getting progressively worse.
