Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that affects about 4% of children between the ages of 9 and 14. If not diagnosed and treated early, it can lead to deformity that is difficult to correct. When detected early, scoliosis can be controlled and its progression frequently halted.
Here’s a home check you can try: have your child remove his or her clothes from the waist up and stand facing away from you (if they are uncomfortable, have them put a bathing suit on). Observe whether the head is tilted, if one shoulder or hip is higher than the other, or if there’s an obvious curve to the spine. These are signs of possible scoliosis. Now, have your child grasp hands in the front and bend down at the waist. Do the ribs appear higher on one side than the other? Have your child turn sideways and bend down again. Is there an excessive curve or angle in the upper back rather than the normal gentle curve?
If you see one or more of these signs, report your findings to a Doctor of Chiropractic and have he or she conduct a thorough examination. Remember that scoliosis, when detected early, can usually be treated quite successfully with conservative methods.
For mild cases, regular check ups are suggested with a program of flexibility exercise and chiropractic adjustments. For moderate cases, chiropractic adjustments are given, along with exercises designed to strengthen the muscles and pull the spine into a straighter position. For more severe cases, a brace is frequently used. Extremely severe cases may require surgery and hospitalisation.
Keep in mind, the earlier the detection is made, and any necessary treatment is begun, the better the results.