Diagnosis 

Before anything else, our physicians will conduct a thorough medical history and could inquire about recent development. In order to check if one side of your child's rib cage is larger than the other during the physical examination, our doctors may ask them to stand and then bend forward from the waist while leaving their arms hanging loosely. 

Our physician could also do a neurological examination to look for: 

- Weakness in the muscles 

- Numbness 

- Unusual responses

Imaging exams 

Simple X-rays can show the degree of the spine curvature and confirm the diagnosis of scoliosis. Because more X-rays will be taken over the years to see if the curve is becoming worse, repeated radiation exposure might become an issue. 

Our doctor could recommend a sort of imaging technology that employs lower radiation doses to produce a 3D representation of the spine in order to lessen this danger. However, not all medical facilities have access to this technology. Another choice is ultrasound, albeit it may not be as accurate in assessing the degree of the scoliosis curve. 

If your doctor believes that an underlying disease, such as a spinal cord anomaly, is what's causing the scoliosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be advised.

Treatment 

Treatments for scoliosis differ depending on how severe the curvature is. Children with extremely mild curves typically don't require any therapy at all, although they may require periodic exams to see whether the curve is getting worse as they age. 

In cases when the spinal curvature is moderate or severe, bracing or surgery may be required. Factors to take into account include: 

Maturity:  The danger of curve progression is reduced if a child's bones have finished growing. Additionally, it implies that youngsters whose bones are still growing benefit the most from braces. Hand X-rays can be used to determine the bone's maturity. 

Curve severity: Larger curves have a higher chance of getting worse over time. 

Sex: Compared to males, girls have a substantially greater chance of advancement.

Braces 

Your doctor may suggest a brace if your child's bones are still developing and he or she has mild scoliosis. Wearing a brace will not cure or correct scoliosis, but it will typically keep the curvature from worsening. 

The most often used brace is constructed of plastic and shaped to fit the body. Because it goes under the arms and around the rib cage, lower back, and hips, this brace is nearly undetectable under clothing. 

The majority of braces are worn between 13 and 16 hours per day. The efficacy of a brace rises with the amount of hours it is worn every day. Children who wear braces are typically able to participate in most activities with little limitations. Children can remove the brace to participate in sports or other strenuous activities if necessary. 

When there are no further height fluctuations, braces are removed. Girls finish their development at 14, and males at 16, on average, but this varies substantially by person.

Surgery 

Severe scoliosis usually worsens over time, therefore your doctor may recommend scoliosis surgery to help correct the curvature and keep it from worsening. 

Surgical alternatives include: 

Fusion of the spine: During this operation, doctors join two or more vertebrae in the spine so they can't move independently. Between the vertebrae, bone or bone-like material is inserted. Metal rods, hooks, screws, or wires are commonly used to keep that region of the spine straight and motionless while the old and new bone material fuses.

Expanding rod: If the scoliosis is growing fast at a young age, surgeons can place one or two expandable rods along the spine that can be adjusted in length as the kid develops. The rods are extended every 3 to 6 months, either surgically or in the clinic with a remote control. 

Tethering of the vertebral body (VBT): This treatment can be carried out through tiny incisions. Screws are inserted along the outside border of the aberrant spinal curvature, and a strong, flexible cable is threaded through the screws. When the cord is tightened, the spine straightens. As the youngster develops, the spine may straighten even more.

Home cures and way of life 

Scoliosis is not caused or corrected by any specific activities. Lifting and activities are often not restricted for persons with scoliosis. Participating in sports or general exercise may have the advantage of boosting overall health and well-being. 

Alternative therapy 

According to research, the following scoliosis therapies do not help straighten the curve: 

- Chiropractic adjustments 

- Braces that are soft 

- Muscle electrical stimulation 

- Supplements for the diet

Coping and assistance 

Coping with scoliosis may be challenging for a young person at an already stressful period of life. Teens face bodily changes as well as mental and social issues. Adolescents who have scoliosis may experience feelings of rage, uncertainty, and dread. 

Acceptance of scoliosis, bracing, or surgical therapy can be greatly influenced by a strong, supportive peer group. Encourage your youngster to approach his or her peers and solicit their assistance. 

Consider joining a scoliosis support group for parents and children. Members of a support group may offer advise, recount real-life experiences, and link you with others facing similar issues.

By Recmed Medical - Spine Health and Spine Surgery Doctors