New Scoliosis Treatment

When curvature of the spine is abnormal, it is referred to as scoliosis. The disorder occurs normally in childhood and afflicts more girls than boys. Most cases of scoliosis do not get worse, but in some cases the spine continues to curve abnormally.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of scoliosis include uneven shoulders and waist, one hip higher than the other, head tilted to one side or off center, walking with a rolling gait, a leaning to one side, fatigue and back pain. Severe scoliosis can cause the spine to rotate or twist causing the ribs on one side to stick out. It can also cause difficulties in breathing.

Diagnosis

• Your doctor will perform a physical examination of the spine to look for curvature abnormalities. To confirm diagnosis, an x-ray of the spine is taken. X-rays are taken from time to time to monitor the progress of the curvature.

Braces

• Your doctor will recommend treatment based on the degree of the curvature of the spine. Mild scoliosis will normally not need treatment, but periodic visits to the doctor are recommended to make sure the curve does not worsen. These visits should be every four to six months. When your child has a more pronounced curvature, a brace may be the recommended treatment. The brace does not reverse the curve, but should prevent progression. The brace is worn constantly, but can be taken off for certain physical activities. It should not limit your child's normal functioning in school or at home. But the brace needs to be worn as directed for success. There are two types of braces. The first is called the underarm brace. This brace fits under the arms and around the rib cage and waist down to the hips. It hides easily under clothes as it conforms to the body. The Milwaukee brace is a full torso brace with a neck ring and a flat bar in front and two flat bars in back. This brace is not used very frequently today.

Surgery

• Surgery of the spine will be recommended if the scoliosis is severe and could get worse during your child's lifetime. The surgery involves fusing or joining the vertebrae along the curve. This procedure will help stop the progression of the curve. Metal rods, hooks and screws are attached to the spine to hold the vertebrae together. These implants are not taken out, but can't be seen or felt and eventually helps to straighten the curve. Other treatments that have been used, but do not have evidence of stopping the curvature of the spine, include chiropractic manipulation, electrical stimulation of muscles, and exercise.