“Can you correct scoliosis in kids?”
My daughter has scoliosis. Is it serious? Can you correct scoliosis in kids?
6 Answers
Depends on how big the curve is. Small curves can be controlled by bracing and exercise.
There is a whole spectrum from simple observation, to bracing, to definitive surgery. It all depends. Your daughter needs to be evaluated by the appropriate expert. Should be a spine surgeon who specializes in scoliosis. Also make sure they do pediatrics. Go to the Scoliosis Research Society, and find a provider.
Bracing may slow down the progression of the curve of scoliosis. I would recommend that you see an Orthopaedic Surgeon who is a spine specialist. The curve can be measured and monitored over time. He may recommend a brace or perhaps even surgery. Don't delay, because the earlier you start treatment, the better your chance of success. Hope it helps!!
Scoliosis is treatable I recommend seeing a pediatric surgeon.
Robert D. Swift, DO, FAOAO
Orthopedic Surgeon, Board Certified
Sent from my iPhone, please excuse typos.
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”
Robert D. Swift, DO, FAOAO
Orthopedic Surgeon, Board Certified
Sent from my iPhone, please excuse typos.
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”
Yes. A lot of times we start with bracing. The need for surgery depends on their age and how severe the scoliosis is. You should consult with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to get x-rays and an exam.
Nate Faulkner
Nate Faulkner
There is no "fix" for scoliosis. Some people who have it are in severe pain because of the stress added to other joints and ligaments, and others do not even notice it. The amount of pain and discomfort depends on the emotional stress, severity of the curve(s), how active the person is, and the weather (barometric pressure). Chronic pain will most likely be a part of a person's life who has a significant curve.
Many doctors and specialists believe that scoliosis should not cause pain, and it is just not true.
Current options for treatment are a surgery that fuses the spine creating immobility in that area of the curve and any other associated physiology with that region. Steroid shots to numb the pain or discomfort temporarily (1 month- multiple years). A brace can be placed on a child if they are young enough but is painful; it is similar to braces on your teeth but your spine and there is no guarantee. The child must wear it for years. (I do not recommend this.) The holistic approaches are PT, Chiropractic, and massage therapy, for life.
Usually, surgery will be required later in life in surrounding joints that compensate for the curve.
New understandings have emerged in why scoliosis develops, which may lead to a cure for it. It is called the "Schroth Method," which focuses on breathing.
Suppose lung development is not focused on during the developmental stages of a body with scoliosis. In that case, the child will develop nonsymmetrical lung shape and strength, which can cause severe anxiety from not getting enough oxygen regularly. This leads to many other emotional and mental problems like difficulty learning, mental fogginess, regulating hormones, digestion, difficulty connecting with others, and being present. It can place the child in fight or flight.
I would encourage you to find a PT/ practitioner that is well trained in the Schroth method, yoga and strength building (done together), and a support group for possible chronic pain if it gets that far.
As a side note, as the child's body develops, more pain or stress can impact an area because of the curve. This will hopefully subside as the body enters adulthood. Please do your research on what works best for your child. Short-term pain solutions like steroid shots have fewer long-term effects than pain medication.
Support groups on Facebook for parents: "Mothers of children with scoliosis."
For the child: "scoliosis support group," "Curvey girls scoliosis"
Many doctors and specialists believe that scoliosis should not cause pain, and it is just not true.
Current options for treatment are a surgery that fuses the spine creating immobility in that area of the curve and any other associated physiology with that region. Steroid shots to numb the pain or discomfort temporarily (1 month- multiple years). A brace can be placed on a child if they are young enough but is painful; it is similar to braces on your teeth but your spine and there is no guarantee. The child must wear it for years. (I do not recommend this.) The holistic approaches are PT, Chiropractic, and massage therapy, for life.
Usually, surgery will be required later in life in surrounding joints that compensate for the curve.
New understandings have emerged in why scoliosis develops, which may lead to a cure for it. It is called the "Schroth Method," which focuses on breathing.
Suppose lung development is not focused on during the developmental stages of a body with scoliosis. In that case, the child will develop nonsymmetrical lung shape and strength, which can cause severe anxiety from not getting enough oxygen regularly. This leads to many other emotional and mental problems like difficulty learning, mental fogginess, regulating hormones, digestion, difficulty connecting with others, and being present. It can place the child in fight or flight.
I would encourage you to find a PT/ practitioner that is well trained in the Schroth method, yoga and strength building (done together), and a support group for possible chronic pain if it gets that far.
As a side note, as the child's body develops, more pain or stress can impact an area because of the curve. This will hopefully subside as the body enters adulthood. Please do your research on what works best for your child. Short-term pain solutions like steroid shots have fewer long-term effects than pain medication.
Support groups on Facebook for parents: "Mothers of children with scoliosis."
For the child: "scoliosis support group," "Curvey girls scoliosis"
