Scoliosis in Children

Scoliosis, which is a condition in which the spine curves abnormally, is most common among pre-pubescent adolescents. Scoliosis in children frequently occurs during spinal development. Because the body is growing so rapidly during this stage of a child’s life, deformities can become permanent when not treated right away.

While the exact cause of scoliosis is not known, a great deal of research has been done, and medical professionals have developed numerous treatment protocols. In many instances, bracing and chiropractic treatment can be utilized to correct scoliosis curves in the spine before they can fully set in. At Denver South Chiropractic, we specialize in treating cases of idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents using the ScoliBrace.

Pediatric Scoliosis – Facts:

• 2-4% of children will develop some form of scoliosis.
• In children, it can be a more serious condition because it can rapidly progress as the child grows.
• The best results for scoliosis treatment occur when it is detected early and treated correctly.
• Scoliosis ProgressionIf left untreated, scoliosis can progress and may require surgery.

Each year, more than 100,000 American children are diagnosed with scoliosis. Among them, most are between the ages of 10 and 15 and are diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. While early detection is key when it comes to successfully treating this condition, it is rare for it to be diagnosed at birth or during early childhood.

The most common type of scoliosis is known as idiopathic scoliosis. It has no known cause and often occurs on its own without any additional complications. When the condition is detected between birth and the age of 8, it is known as early-onset idiopathic scoliosis and is often accompanied by other issues, such as neuromuscular diseases like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy, chest wall deformities, and/or malignant or benign tumors in the spine. While spinal curvature is, of course, the most common sign of scoliosis, there are several other common symptoms:

• Uneven shoulders with one shoulder blade that protrudes more than the other.
• Uneven waistline.
• Prominent ribs on one side of the body.
• Difference in hip position or height.
• An overall appearance of leaning toward one side.

Idiopathic scoliosis is one of the most common types of spinal deformity among adolescents. At Denver South Chiropractic, we treat cases of severe and mild scoliosis using chiropractic adjustments and bracing using the ScoliBrace. With these treatment options, it is often possible to correct a spinal curve without the need for spinal fusion or any other type of spine surgery.

If you have any reason to suspect that your child may have scoliosis, contact our office right away. We will perform a thorough physical exam and take x-rays to check for abnormal spinal curvative and develop a treatment plan based on our findings and your child’s specific needs.

Scoliosis is a serious condition that will only get worse when left untreated. Seeking prompt treatment is the best way to slow or stop curve prevention. Contact Denver South Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment for your child for non-operative scoliosis treatment.