Scoliosis
Scoliosis, the most common spinal deformity, is a lateral curvature of the spine. All of us have spines that curve; we would walk like robots if we didn't. However, it is when the curves get too large that problems may arise. A big curve in your spine can cause problems with your heart, breathing, and circulation. It can develop during infancy or childhood, but it is most common during the growth spurt of early adolescence.Some causes of scoliosis include congenital malformations of the spine, polio, skeletal dysplasias, spastic paralysis, and unequal leg length. Unequal heights of hips and shoulders may be a sign of this condition. Unfortunately in most cases, there is no apparent cause.
Your child will be screened for this condition by his/her school nurse in grades 5 and 7 for girls and grades 7 and 9 for boys.
Please be assured that if your child receives a physician referral letter that it is not indicative that your child has scoliosis. The school-screening program is not a diagnostic service. However, the results have indicated that your child needs further evaluation. Approximately 3 of every 100 people have some degree of curvature in their spine. For most people, it causes no medical problems. But for a small percentage of people, the curve gets worse as they grow and sometimes a brace or even surgery may be needed to correct the curvature. Only a physician has the ability to determine what kind of interventions, if any, are appropriate.
**Early recognition and orthopedic treatment may prevent progression of the curvature. Treatments include braces, casts, exercises, and corrective surgery.
