What Is the Treatment for Scoliosis? A Guide for Parents

As a parent, discovering your child has scoliosis can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, the majority of the roughly three million new scoliosis cases diagnosed in the US each year are present in children. This guide aims to demystify scoliosis treatment, offering practical insights to help you navigate this journey with confidence.

What is Scoliosis?

First, let's understand what scoliosis is. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that often develops during the growth spurt just before puberty. While some cases are mild and require minimal intervention, others can be severe, affecting a child's quality of life and potentially leading to complications if left untreated.

Diagnosing Scoliosis

Early detection of scoliosis is crucial. Pediatricians typically screen for scoliosis during routine check-ups, but parents should be aware of warning signs, such as:

- Uneven shoulders or hips
- One shoulder blade protruding more than the other
- A visible curve in the spine
- Clothes that hang unevenly

If you notice these signs, consult a doctor promptly. They'll likely perform a physical exam and may order X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and measure the curve's severity.

Treatment Options

Can scoliosis be treated? Yes. The appropriate treatment depends on several factors, including the child's age, the curve's severity, and its likelihood of progression. Let's explore the main treatment approaches:

Observation
For mild curves (less than 25 degrees) in growing children, doctors often recommend watchful waiting. It involves regular check-ups every 4-6 months to monitor the curve's progression.

Bracing
However, for curves between 25-40 degrees in children who are still growing, bracing is often the go-to treatment. Modern braces are designed to be worn under clothing and are typically used 16-23 hours daily.

Types of braces include:
- Thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO): A plastic brace worn from under the armpits to the hips.
- Charleston bending brace: This brace type is worn only at night. What it does is bend the spine in the opposite direction of the curve.

Example scenario: 12-year-old Michael has a 30-degree curve. His doctor prescribes a TLSO brace to be worn 18 hours daily, removing it only for sports and bathing.

Physical Therapy and Exercise

While not a standalone treatment, specific exercises can complement other treatments and help improve posture, flexibility, and core strength. A very good example is the Schroth method. It's a physiotherapeutic approach that uses customized exercises to elongate the trunk and correct imbalances.

Example scenario: 14-year-old Emma, wearing a brace for her 35-degree curve, also attends weekly Schroth therapy sessions to enhance her treatment's effectiveness.

Surgery

For severe scoliosis (over 45-50 degrees), surgery may be necessary. The most common procedure is spinal fusion. During spinal fusion, expect the following:

- Curved vertebrae are realigned
- Metal rods are attached to hold the spine in place
- Bone grafts are added to fuse the vertebrae

It's important to note that surgery is typically only considered after exhausting other treatment options, such as bracing and rehabilitation. However, minimally invasive techniques for spinal surgery for scoliosis Singapore and other countries are becoming increasingly available. They can offer faster recovery times and potentially less scarring. If you're considering one, be sure to discuss all your options with a qualified orthopedic surgeon.

Living with Scoliosis Treatment

Adapting to scoliosis treatment can be challenging. Here are some tips to support your child:
Encourage open communication
Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings about the diagnosis and treatment. Supportthem all throughout.
Build a support network
Consider connecting with other families dealing with scoliosis, too. It's possible through support groups or online forums.
Maintain normalcy
Don't hesitate to also encourage your child to continue their regular activities as much as possible, adapting where necessary.
Advocate for your child
Don't forget to work closely with teachers and coaches to ensure your child's needs are met at school and during extracurricular activities.

Focus on compliance
If bracing is prescribed, help your child stick to the wearing schedule. If necessary, consider using a compliance monitor to track brace wear.

Boost self-esteem
Finally, ensure to help your child focus on their strengths and interests beyond their diagnosis.

Potential Complications

While most scoliosis cases are manageable with proper treatment, severe untreated cases can lead to:

- Chronic back pain
- Breathing difficulties due to reduced lung capacity
- Heart problems in extremely severe cases
- Self-esteem issues

These underscore the importance of early detection and appropriate treatment.

Looking Ahead: New Developments

Research into scoliosis treatment is ongoing. Some promising areas include:

- Genetic testing to predict curve progression
- Novel bracing technologies using 3D printing for better fit and compliance
- Growth modulation techniques to correct curves without fusion in young patients

While these aren't yet standard treatments, they offer hope for even more effective management in the future.

Conclusion

Navigating scoliosis treatment can feel daunting, but with the right information and support, you can help your child thrive. Remember, each case is unique, and what works best for one child may not be ideal for another. Work closely with your healthcare team to develop a tailored treatment plan, and don't hesitate to seek second opinions when needed.

By staying informed and maintaining open communication with your child and their healthcare providers, as well as focusing on overall well-being, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and resilience.

Nanny to Mommy