Almost everyone has heard of Scoliosis, it's a very common disorder. The sideways curvature of the spine, which usually happens during a growth spurt before puberty. Scoliosis also can be caused by cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, but the cause of most cases are unknown.
Symptoms
The causes of scoliosis are unknown but symptoms are similar in most cases.
- Uneven Shoulders
- One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other
- Uneven waist
- One hip higher than the other
In worse cases the spine will rotate or twists causing the ribs on one side of the body to stick out. If you see any signs in your child, even mild ones, take a trip to your doctor. Some mild cases of scoliosis will straighten as the child gets older, but it's still good to see a doctor and do regular checkups.
Detecting scoliosis early is key, undetected scoliosis can cause back pain, and interfere with heart and lung function.
These check ups will monitor the curving of the spine with x-rays. If no treatment is done there is a chance that the curve will get worse. Your doctor might recommend your child wearing a brace to help contain the curve and keep it from getting larger. This can minimize the need for surgery.
For more information on the brace: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/nonsurgical-treatment-options-for-scoliosis/
Unknown Facts about Scoliosis
There is a lot of myths floating around about scoliosis along with some unknown facts and statistics!
- Scoliosis is not caused due to bad posture
- There is a 30% chance that you might have scoliosis if someone in your family has it.
- Girls are more at risk for developing scoliosis
- Most cases are mild and don't require treatment with braces or surgery
- It appears during the ages of 8-12 and 60
- Scoliosis dates back to 400 BC and researched by Hippocrates
Sources and more information about Scoliosis:
https://www.carrellclinic.com/blog/5-interesting-facts-about-scoliosis-scoliosis-awareness-month-11783.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scoliosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350716
