Adolescent Scoliosis

What causes adolescent scoliosis?

Most cases of adolescent scoliosis are idiopathic, meaning they aren’t related to a specific issue, activity, or behavior. But your child may have a higher risk of developing scoliosis due to:

• Family history of scoliosis
• Neuromuscular conditions, including muscular dystrophy
• Congenital issues, where spinal bones don’t fully form or fuse together

Usually, scoliosis, particularly idiopathic scoliosis, affects children after the age of 10 at some point before they’re fully grown. 

Are there signs of adolescent scoliosis?

Yes, although the early signs of scoliosis often go unnoticed until your child has a pediatric exam. Scoliosis is rarely painful or uncomfortable. 

When your child has scoliosis, rather than going in a straight line, the bones of their spine (vertebrae) twist or rotate. You may notice that their spine resembles the letter “C” or “S.” Scoliosis can also lead to:

• Uneven waistline
• One hip that’s higher 
• Tilted or uneven shoulders
• Rib prominence on one side

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, or if your pediatrician recommended an adolescent scoliosis evaluation, you can expect expert care at OrthoHouston.

How is adolescent scoliosis treated?

Our Doctors are established leaders in modern adolescent scoliosis treatment. If your child’s spinal curve is less than 25°, or if they’re nearly completed growing, we may recommend observation. We schedule your child for exams two to three times per year and gather X-rays — The Doctors specialize in reduced radiation exposure for children — to check spinal development until your child is fully grown.

If your child’s spinal curve is between 25° and 45°, they may need custom bracing to prevent the curve from getting any worse. The doctors even provide physical therapy with the Schroth Method, which involves using customized exercises to return your child’s spine to a more natural and straight alignment. 

Surgery for adolescent scoliosis is typically recommended if your child’s spine curve is over 45°-50°, or if bracing or physical therapy did not prevent scoliosis from worsening. the Doctors can realign vertebrae and fuse them together, which helps them heal into a solid bone structure to resolve the abnormal curvature.

No matter how minor or how severe your child’s case of scoliosis may be, you can expect personalized care at the practice.

Find out more about modern adolescent scoliosis treatments by booking an exam at OrthoHouston.