Diagnosis

The health care team will initially take a detailed medical history and may ask questions about recent growth. During the physical exam, your provider may have your child stand and then bend forward from the waist, with arms hanging loosely, to see if one side of the rib cage is more prominent than the other.

Your provider also may perform a neurological exam to check for:

  • Muscle weakness.
  • Numbness.
  • Reflexes.

Imaging tests

Plain X-rays can confirm the diagnosis of scoliosis and reveal the seriousness of the spinal curvature. Repeated radiation exposure can become a concern because multiple X-rays will be taken over the years to see if the curve is worsening.

To reduce this risk, your health care provider might suggest a type of imaging system that uses lower doses of radiation to create a 3D model of the spine. However, this system isn't available at all medical centers. Ultrasound is another option, although it can be less precise in determining the seriousness of the scoliosis curve.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might be recommended if your health care provider suspects that an underlying condition — such as a spinal cord irregularity — is causing the scoliosis.

Treatment

Scoliosis treatments vary, depending on the size of the curve. Children who have very mild curves usually don't need any treatment at all, although they may need regular checkups to see if the curve is worsening as they grow.

Bracing or surgery may be needed if the spinal curve is moderate or large. Factors to be considered include:

  • Maturity. If a child's bones have stopped growing, the risk of curve progression is low. That also means that braces have the most effect in children whose bones are still growing. Bone maturity can be checked with hand X-rays.
  • Size of curve. Larger curves are more likely to worsen with time.
  • Sex. Girls have a much higher risk of progression than do boys.

Braces

If your child has moderate scoliosis and the bones are still growing, your health care provider may recommend a brace. Wearing a brace won't cure scoliosis or reverse the curve, but it usually prevents the curve from getting worse.

The most common type of brace is made of plastic and is contoured to conform to the body. This brace is almost invisible under the clothes, as it fits under the arms and around the rib cage, lower back and hips.

Most braces are worn between 13 and 16 hours a day. A brace's effectiveness increases with the number of hours a day it's worn. Children who wear braces can usually participate in most activities and have few restrictions. If necessary, a child can take off the brace to participate in sports or other physical activities.

Braces are discontinued when there are no further changes in height. On average, girls complete their growth at age 14, and boys at 16, but this varies greatly by individual.

Surgery

Severe scoliosis typically progresses with time, so your health care provider might suggest scoliosis surgery to help straighten the curve and prevent it from getting worse.

Surgical options include:

  • Spinal fusion. In this procedure, surgeons connect two or more of the bones in the spine, called vertebrae, together so they can't move independently. Pieces of bone or a bonelike material is placed between the vertebrae. Metal rods, hooks, screws or wires typically hold that part of the spine straight and still while the old and new bone material fuses together.
  • Expanding rod. If the scoliosis is progressing rapidly at a young age, surgeons can attach one or two expandable rods along the spine that can adjust in length as the child grows. The rods are lengthened every 3 to 6 months either with surgery or in the clinic using a remote control.
  • Vertebral body tethering. This procedure can be performed through small incisions. Screws are placed along the outside edge of the spinal curve, and a strong, flexible cord is threaded through the screws. When the cord is tightened, the spine straightens. As the child grows, the spine may straighten even more.

Complications of spinal surgery may include bleeding, infection or nerve damage.

Lifestyle and home remedies

There are no specific activities that are known to cause or correct scoliosis. In general, people with scoliosis have no restrictions regarding lifting or activities. General exercise or participating in sports may have the benefit of improving overall health and well-being.

Alternative medicine

Studies indicate that the following treatments for scoliosis don't help correct the curve:

  • Chiropractic manipulation.
  • Soft braces.
  • Electrical stimulation of muscles.
  • Dietary supplements.

Coping and support

Coping with scoliosis can be difficult for a young person in an already complicated stage of life. Teens are bombarded with physical changes and emotional and social challenges. With the added diagnosis of scoliosis, adolescents may feel anger, insecurity and fear.

A strong, supportive peer group can have a significant impact on a child's or teen's acceptance of scoliosis, bracing or surgical treatment. Encourage your child to talk to friends and ask for their support.

Consider joining a support group for parents and kids with scoliosis. Support group members can provide advice, relay real-life experiences and help you connect with others facing similar challenges.

Preparing for your appointment

Your child's health care team may check for scoliosis at a routine well-child visit. Many schools also have screening programs for scoliosis. Physical examinations prior to sports participation often detect scoliosis. If you are informed that your child might have scoliosis, see your health care provider to confirm the condition.

What you can do

Before the appointment, write a list that includes:

  • Detailed descriptions of your child's signs and symptoms, if any are present.
  • Information about medical problems your child has had in the past.
  • Information about the medical problems that tend to run in your family.
  • Questions you want to ask the health care team.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider may ask some of the following questions:

  • When did you first notice the problem in your child?
  • Is it causing your child any pain?
  • Is your child experiencing any breathing difficulties?
  • Has anyone in the family been treated for scoliosis?
  • Has your child grown rapidly during the past six months?
  • Has your child started menstruating? For how long?
By Mayo Clinic Staff