Scoliosis In Children: Everything You Need To Know

Scoliosis is a disease that causes the spine to have an unnatural curve, in the form of an S or C. How the disease develops depends on its cause and whether an early diagnosis has been made. For scoliosis in children, the exact cause is usually unknown.

In Spain alone, 900,000 children suffer from scoliosis. As children begin to develop the disease, their backs begin to lean to the side.

Scoliosis in children

Scoliosis is very common among children today. The disease causes pain and deformation of the body. The abnormal curve also goes down through the entire back and prevents the child from being able to keep the body straight. 

When the disease has no obvious cause, it is called idiopathic. This is the most common type, and it is classified by age.

Types of scoliosis in children

• In children up to 3 years of age, it is called infantile scoliosis.
• In children from 4 to 10 years of age it is called juvenile scoliosis.

• Adolescent scoliosis is called in adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18 years.

Another classification of scoliosis in children

• Congenital scoliosis: This type of scoliosis occurs when a child is born. This is because the baby’s ribs have not been shaped properly and this causes deformation of other bone tissues.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis: This type of scoliosis occurs due to a problem in the nervous system that affects the muscles, such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, polio and spina bifida.

Who is most affected by scoliosis?

The disease affects girls more often than boys. Some are at greater risk of being affected. The curvature of the spine often gets worse as the baby grows.

Scoliosis causes great pain in children. Sometimes surgery is the only way to correct the spine and get rid of pain.

External causes

Sometimes a child’s spine is bent to the side, but without it due to scoliosis. When this happens, it is often during the first years of life.

Neuromuscular damage

This type of scoliosis comes from a problem in the central nervous system. It can cause many problems in the long run.

1. Congenital malformations: This occurs when the baby’s vertebrae or ribs are not formed properly.
2. Static injuries: This occurs when the pelvis becomes unbalanced. It originates in the legs.

Possible treatments for scoliosis in children

Some types of scoliosis can be cured, but it depends on the type of scoliosis you have, and how severe it is.

• Mild scoliosis. This type of scoliosis is not very noticeable, and it is treated with physiotherapy. The goal of the treatment is for the muscles to become stronger and for the compressed parts to be stretched.

• Scoliosis of the middle degree. When children have this type of scoliosis , they must wear a corset. In this way, their spine can grow and develop properly. This treatment also needs to be supplemented with physiotherapy.
• Severe scoliosis. This occurs when the abnormality is very obvious, and when it is necessary to operate on the patient. The operation is usually performed between 10 and 12 years of age. After the operation, rehabilitation needs to take place in the form of physiotherapy.

The development of scoliosis in children

This is due to several factors. The age at which it is diagnosed, and the origin of the disease, are two fundamental aspects in determining its development. However, idiopathic scoliosis has a more positive prognosis than congenital scoliosis.

Congenital and muscular scoliosis can go away, depending on their development. Once the diagnosis has been made, treatment must begin. This way you can keep the disease under control.

Late diagnosis

When scoliosis in children is diagnosed late, a large number of complications arise.

If the spine has been in the wrong position for a long time , it can cause immobility in other parts of the intervertebral discs. This occurs when the child’s body is exposed to premature wear and tear, such as wear and tear on the knees and hips.

Regular spine examination

Scoliosis in children often causes great pain. The flexion of the spine puts the vertebrae under pressure, and then the pain increases.

In these cases, your doctor may prescribe painkillers. Some of these diseases are exacerbated by not being diagnosed early enough or by poor treatment.

From time to time, parents need to examine their children’s backbone. It is important to rule out possible diseases during the growing season.

If you notice anything abnormal, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Therefore, it is important that parents pay attention to their children’s posture when they sit and study or when they walk.