June is Scoliosis Awareness Month

The spine has natural curves that protect the nervous system and allow your body to move normally. Often called the backbone, your spine is made up of many bones — called vertebrae — that run from the base of your skull to your tailbone. Pediatric scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes the spine to curve sideways, either to the left or right.
When the spine’s natural curves become abnormal, it can lead to neck and back pain, headaches and reduced range of motion. The Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children (RMHC) pediatric spine center is home to some of the region’s most experienced physicians who treat pediatric scoliosis.
While some cases of pediatric scoliosis require treatment, children with milder cases may only need regular physician monitoring to ensure normal growth.

Types of Scoliosis in Children
The most common type of scoliosis in children is called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, or scoliosis of unknown cause. Girls are more likely than boys to have this type of scoliosis, and it typically occurs after age 10.
The two scoliosis classifications are:
• Nonstructural – A normal spine that temporarily appears curved caused by an underlying condition, such as varying leg length, muscle spasms or inflammatory conditions like appendicitis. This type of scoliosis is corrected by treating the underlying problem.
• Structural – A fixed curve that may be part of a syndrome, disease or inherited connective tissue disorder. Neuromuscular diseases, birth defects, injury, certain infections, tumors, metabolic diseases, connective tissue disorders, rheumatic diseases or other unknown factors can cause this type of scoliosis.
Pediatric Scoliosis Causes
While doctors don’t always know what causes scoliosis in children, it can be hereditary. Before diagnosing your child with idiopathic scoliosis, your doctor will look for underlying conditions, such as injuries or infections, which could cause an abnormal curve in the spine.

Steps to Diagnose Scoliosis
Your child’s doctor will most likely take the following steps to accurately diagnose pediatric scoliosis:
• Detailed Medical/Family History – This includes reviewing past medical records to look for problems that might be causing the spine to curve, such as birth defects, trauma or other disorders.
• Physical Exam – Your child’s doctor will perform a full physical examination, checking to see if the shoulders and opposing sides of the body are level and the head is centered.
• X-ray –An x-ray can confirm a scoliosis diagnosis by measuring the curve of the spine on the x-ray image.

Pediatric Scoliosis Treatment
Many children have very mild spinal curves that do not require pediatric scoliosis treatment. When treatment is needed, your doctor will consider age, how much more your child is likely to grow, the degree and pattern of the curve and type to best decided treatment. Your doctor may also recommend one of the following:
• Observation – Monitoring progress every few months without any treatment while your child is still growing and the curve is mild.
• Bracing – For a moderate spinal curve, your doctor may recommend a brace to stop the curve from worsening. Braces must be worn as prescribed by your doctor until your child stops growing.
• Alternative Treatments – While not always clinically proven, some patients try other pediatric scoliosis treatment methods, including chiropractic manipulation, electrical stimulation, dietary supplements and exercise.
• Surgery – While your child is still growing, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct a severe curve or stop one from worsening.

Living with Scoliosis
Children with pediatric scoliosis should exercise and play sports to minimize any potential decrease in mobility over time. Additionally, weight-bearing exercises like walking, running, soccer and gymnastics can increase bone density and help prevent osteoporosis later in life. Exercise is especially important for girls, who have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis as they age. If treated properly, children with pediatric scoliosis can go on to live a happy, healthy life.
Contact us at (720) 754-1000 for more information on pediatric spinal disorders and RMHC’s professional scoliosis treatment in Denver, Colorado.