Scoliosis is a common spinal condition that can cause significant physical and emotional problems if left untreated. Though different forms of scoliosis can appear at any age, the most common form is idiopathic adolescent scoliosis, often diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 15. Here’s what parents need to know.

According to the Scoliosis Research Society, scoliosis is a condition of side-to-side spinal curves that measure greater than 10 degrees. The spine of someone with scoliosis looks more like a letter “S” or “C” than a straight line when viewed on an X-ray. Depending on where the curves are located in the spine, they may cause a person’s shoulders or hips to be uneven.

Scoliosis usually does not have a specific cause. In fact, more than 80% of cases are “idiopathic,” which means “of undetermined cause.” We do know, however, that scoliosis is not caused by carrying heavy bookbags, playing sports, poor sleeping or standing postures or a lack of calcium – all common misconceptions and assumptions.

Some of the conditions that can cause scoliosis, although rare, include congenital spinal column abnormalities, neurological disorders, muscular diseases, genetic conditions and things like infections or fractures involving the spine.

Scoliosis is also considered to be a partially genetic condition. About 30% of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients have a family history. One in three children whose parents have scoliosis will also be diagnosed with it. It is recommended that children of scoliotic parents get screened for scoliosis at their yearly physical exams with special consideration during growth spurts, which tend to occur between 10 and 15 years old.

Additionally, a genetic screening test is now available to determine the risk of progression in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It is called ScoliScore ™ and is currently used in Caucasian patients between the ages of 9 and 13 with a mild scoliotic curve.

The goal of this test is to determine the risk that the curve of the spine will increase to 40 degrees or more. It is not yet known if the test can be used to predict the likelihood of passing scoliosis on to a child.

Here are important signs and symptoms to be aware of, especially for those with a family history of the condition:

• One shoulder, or shoulder blade, may be higher than the other.
  
  
• With the arms hanging loosely at the side, there may be more space between the arm and the body on one side.
  
  
• One hip may appear to be higher or more prominent than the other.
  
  
• The waist may be flattened on one side; skin creases may be present on one side of the waist.

Unfortunately, scoliosis can’t be reversed without surgery. The treatment of scoliosis involves bracing, which is recommended for curves larger than 25 degrees but smaller than 40-50. The goal of wearing braces is to prevent the curves from getting bigger. There are different types of braces that can be worn in order to stop the progression of curves and avoid spinal surgery.

Surgery is usually only recommended for people with curves greater than 45 degrees and at high risk of continued worsening. Curves that grow too large can cause pain, limit body function and cause difficulty or discomfort in breathing. Scoliotic patients should always discuss their treatment options with their physicians.

Source:
Scoliosis Research Society