By Dr. Anthony Pivonka D.C. – Head Scoliosis Clinician, ScoliCare East Phoenix Arizona
Summer is the perfect time to check your kids for Scoliosis. Warm weather usually means kids are playing in the pool more or running through the sprinklers with their swim gear on. This gives a better view of their overall posture and Scoliosis can often be more easily detected.
Things to Look For
Scoliosis involves 3D structural changes to the spine and posture, you will often notice asymmetries in the shoulders, shoulder blades and waist contours. When casually looking at your kids in the summer, check to see if their shoulders are level or if one of their shoulder blades looks like it is positioned differently to the other side. Check their waist contours to note any asymmetry. Bend over and note any asymmetries between the contour of the ribs or muscular changes in the lower back area. The rotation of the spine will rotate the trunk and this will be more obvious when the child bends over.
What do I do if I Suspect Scoliosis in My Child?
If you see something unusual with your child’s posture you can do a simple at home Scoliosis evaluation. ScoliCare has also developed a web based app called ScoliScreen , it’s available in the app store. It will give you some guidance to determine if a doctor’s visit is needed. Children with scoliosis are most at risk of progression of the curve during periods of fast growth but that doesn’t mean curves cannot progress at other times. Early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes because there are non-surgical options for treatment. Confirming a diagnosis will ensure that you have achieved the first step towards being informed.
In-Office Scoliosis Evaluation
A doctor specifically trained in scoliosis management will conduct a thorough assessment to confirm the diagnosis but also look for the causes of Scoliosis that may not be easily detectable. Most scoliosis evolves from an unknown cause and those types are labeled idiopathic scoliosis. In an adolescent for example it would be called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis or AIS. The doctor will conduct a series of tests to determine if there is indeed a known cause, such as an underlying neurological condition. This may involve further tests. Scoliosis diagnosis is confirmed on X-ray but any further exploration into causes may require an MRI or other tests. Idiopathic Scoliosis is a diagnosis of exclusion so doctors have to rule out other more serious causes.
ScoliCare East Phoenix Can Help
If you have noticed a change in your child’s posture the team at ScoliCare will be able to:
- conduct a thorough initial examination
- determine the need for X-rays, and if so take in-office X-rays
- evaluate all X-rays and other assessments, or determine if there is need for further evaluation
- provide you with a diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
If scoliosis is determined then the team at ScoliCare can provide non-surgical treatment options all under one roof. For some patients, a scoliosis specific exercise program known as ScoliBalance, which specifically targets the 3D nature of scoliosis, is custom designed for each patient. In some instances ScoliBalance will be combined with the ScoliBrace, which is a 3D custom-made brace, to help create a scaffolding of the spine from the outside. We work with the patient and family to ensure that the goals of the patient are the main focus of the treatment. You can contact us through our website at scolicare.com/east-phoenix-arizona.
