Scoliosis is a prominent curvature of the spine. In most children, the symptoms are little more than a visibly curved back – which can be distressing enough for both a child and their parents. However, more serious cases can lead to some more serious symptoms that can have a profound effect on the sufferer’s quality of life. If you are worried that your own child has the condition, there are some commons symptoms to check for.
The common symptoms of scoliosis in children
The first sign of scoliosis in children is often a noticeable change in the hips, shoulders or chest. For instance, your child’s shoulders might appear higher than the other. Or from behind, one of the shoulder blades may be more prominent than the other. These same differences will often also apply to the hips – often leading to ill-fitting clothes. If you notice any of these symptoms it’s important to seek medical advice straight away. If it is scoliosis, quicker treatment means a greater chance of a permanent solution being found.
Another prominent symptom is back pain, but this will usually only start to occur when the curvature of the spine becomes significantly pronounced. The most intense pain is usually located in the area of the curve itself, but it’s not uncommon for the surrounding muscles to become sore over time too. The pain can pass from the back to the legs, hips and arms, but some sufferers will often find relief by lying on their back or side.
There are also some far less common symptoms to look for, and they usually only apply when the condition is advanced, or where there are underlying conditions involved. For instance, a lack of control in the bladder or bowel can often be a sign of the condition, but only when accompanied by a noticeable curvature of the spine. The limbs can also become weak and numb if the curvature has become particularly pronounced.
What are the possible treatments for infant scoliosis?
If your child has just been diagnosed with scoliosis, it’s important to remember that there are varying severities of the condition. In a great many cases, only observation and regular check-ups are required. The human body has a habit of putting these things right naturally at such an early age. However, if the condition doesn’t improve – or worsens – there are three main treatment options available. Which of them is suitable for your child will depend on the severity of the condition.
Bracing
Where an angle of 20 degrees has been reached in the curvature, doctors will start to entertain the possibility of fixing a brace to your child’s spine. However, this is not a cure for scoliosis – it is a way of preventing the condition from worsening as your child continues to grow. Braces are made to measure, so a cast will be taken of the spine during a series of outpatient visits. Most braces are made from rigid plastic that encourages the spine to grow straight instead of to the side. Unfortunately, they must be worn for up to 23 hours a day, so your child will need to get used to sleeping in it. A brace can be removed for bathing, however.
Surgery for infant scoliosis
If the curvature in your child’s spine is more than 50 degrees there will be little option other than surgery. This will involve the fitting of metal rods and screws by fusing them to the spine with a series of bone grafts. This is a lengthy procedure, and there is usually a very long recuperation period – the first few days of which may be in intensive care. Repeat visits to the hospital in order to have the rods lengthened will also be necessary, as they must be allowed to grow as the child grows. This procedure often requires more invasive surgery, but a new technique has been developed whereby the rods can be lengthened by a series of magnets which are remotely controlled.
Alternative therapies
Some sufferers have reported pain relief and various other benefits after having therapies such as osteopathy, reflexology and acupuncture. While there is no definitive evidence to prove that any of these procedures deliver health benefits for scoliosis sufferers, there are some experts who believe that can be used to stop the condition from getting worse.
Scoliosis can be a distressing condition for very young children to deal with. If the curvature doesn’t right itself naturally, the key to a permanent solution is often quick action. That’s why it’s important for parents and carers to spot the signs of the condition early – and get expert medical advice as quickly as possible.
I wish my doctor had been more aware of this condition when I was younger.I wasn’t officially diagnosed until I was 27 and 6 months pregnant.I’m too old and with 3 young children to have an operation.
goodness Aly what a late age to have it diagnosed 🙁 x