What every parent should know about scoliosis

When your child or loved one is diagnosed with scoliosis, it's a stressful and anxious time. I believe that some of the latest information we have on scoliosis will help you to better understand and make informed decisions about possible management.

Here are 4 key points that I think are important to know.

EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS ESSENTIAL

Regular screening of your child's posture is essential. The first indication that scoliosis is developing is the appearance of abnormal posture. An abnormally hunched position or an abnormally flat back between the shoulder blades, one shoulder higher than the other, one hip higher than the other, shoulder blades not at the same height are all signs in favor of scoliosis development.

In children affected by scoliosis, it's very important to recognize these signs as early as possible, as our corrective treatment window closes around puberty, i.e. at the end of their growth cycle. If you are concerned that your child may be at risk of scoliosis, don't hesitate to ask us for a postural assessment and, if necessary, to carry out the investigations that will enable us to advise you. Your child's skeletal age (Risser's sign) and Cobb's angle measurement are important factors in predicting the progression or aggressiveness of scoliosis.

MOST SCOLIOSIS HAS NO KNOWN CAUSE

The parents I see when their child is diagnosed with scoliosis often ask me:

"but what could we have done to avoid this?"

and my answer is "not much".

In fact, research offers no answers as to the possible cause of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, other than to show a direct link with family history. Scoliosis is not an illness like a cold, but a long-term condition that we'll have to manage for the rest of our lives.

Simply put, there's nothing you could have done to prevent your child from developing scoliosis. Don't feel guilty.

HEREDITY CAN PLAY A ROLE

Research has shown that there is a direct link between scoliosis and family heredity.

As scoliosis tends to run in the family, we also recommend screening siblings, especially during their growth spurt (10 to 15 years).

*Understanding genetic factors in idiopathic scoliosis, a complex childhood disease - Carr Genomics. 2008 Mar; 9(1): 51-59 Source

THERE ARE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE

It's important to remember that there are a number of treatment options available.

When scoliosis is diagnosed early, symptoms can be avoided and corrective improvements can be considered while children live a normal life and participate in the same activities as their friends.

Once again, don't hesitate to contact us!

more info

www.scolicare.com

Write your article here...