Scoliosis In Children: Everything You Need To Know – You Are Parent

Most of the time, the exact cause of scoliosis in children is not known. This disease causes abnormal curvature of the spine in children. People with this disease have an S-shaped or C-shaped spine.

In Spain alone, 900,000 children suffer from scoliosis. When the child begins to develop this disease, his back begins to bend to one side.

Scoliosis in children

Scoliosis in children is very common today. This rare disease causes pain and deformity throughout the body in children. In addition, the abnormal curvature of the entire lower back prevents children from standing upright.

Scoliosis in children usually has an unknown origin. This type of idiopathic scoliosis is called. To be precise, it is the most common and is generally classified according to age.

The different types of scoliosis

• In infants 3 years of age or younger, it is called infantile scoliosis.
• In children aged 4 to 10 years, juvenile scoliosis is discussed .
• For adolescents aged 11 to 18, it is referred to as adolescent scoliosis.

Another possible classification

Congenital scoliosis : This type of scoliosis occurs when a child is born. This is because the baby’s ribs are not formed properly, which leads to the deformation of other bone tissue.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is caused due to a problem with the nervous system that affects the muscles. The problems that can result are: muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, polio and spina bifida.

Who is mainly affected by this disease?

This disease usually affects girls. This is because some people are more likely than others to suffer from the disease. The curvature of the spine usually gets worse with growth.

The disease causes a lot of pain in children. In addition, sometimes the only way to correct it and avoid the pain is to have surgery.

External causes

Sometimes a child’s spine bends on one side only, but this may not be due to scoliosis. Usually, when this happens, it shows up in the early years of a child’s life.

Neuro-muscular lesions

A problem with the central nervous system can cause this type of scoliosis. In the long run, it is capable of causing a lot of problems.

1. Birth defects: This happens when a child’s vertebrae or ribs do not form properly.
2. Damaged statics: this happens when the pelvis becomes unbalanced. Its origin is located in the legs.

Possible treatments for scoliosis

Some types of scoliosis in children can be cured, it all depends on the severity and type of disease.

• Mild scoliosis. This type of scoliosis is less visible, the treatment is reduced to physiotherapy exercises. The treatment is aimed at strengthening the muscles and stretching the contracted parts. Indeed, with these exercises, the body can adopt a correct posture.
• Scoliosis of moderate severity. For this type of scoliosis in children, the little one should wear a corset. In this way the column correctly completes its growth. This treatment should be combined with therapeutic exercises.
• Severe scoliosis. This happens when the deviation is very obvious. In such a case it is necessary to operate on the patient. The operation is generally scheduled between 10 and 12 years old. After having operated on the child, he is given rehabilitation. In addition, physiotherapy exercises are necessary for the recovery to be complete.

The evolution of scoliosis in children

It depends on several factors. The age at which it is diagnosed and its origin are two fundamental aspects in determining its course. In contrast, idiopathic scoliosis has a more favorable prognosis than congenital scoliosis.

Congenital and muscular scoliosis can be overcome depending on its course. When the diagnosis is made, the doctor must start treatment quickly to be able to control the disease.

Late diagnosis

When scoliosis in children is diagnosed late, a large number of complications can arise. If the spine has been in the wrong position for a long time, it can cause immobility of the intervertebral discs.

It happens when a child’s body is subjected to premature wear and tear for their age. Indeed, this is particularly the case of the knees and hips.

Periodic examination of the spine

Scoliosis in children usually causes a lot of pain. The curvature of the spine causes too much pressure on the vertebrae and an increase in pain.

For these cases, the doctor may prescribe pain relievers. Some of these illnesses are exacerbated by not being diagnosed early or by improper treatment.

From time to time, parents need to perform a spinal examination on their children. It is important to rule out any such disease during the growth phase. Indeed, if the spine is affected by a deviation, it is essential that the doctor treat it as soon as possible.

In this sense, it is essential that parents pay close attention to the positions their children acquire when sitting down to study or when walking.