What Every Parent Needs to Know
When a child or loved one is diagnosed with scoliosis it can be a stressful time. It is important that you are fully informed about the condition. Below are some key points that you should keep in mind when it comes to scoliosis.
Early Diagnosis is Key
It’s important for children to be regularly checked for scoliosis, as early detection improves treatment outcomes. Early signs may include changes in posture, such as uneven shoulders, hips, or shoulder blades.
Recognising these signs early allows for timely assessment by a health professional, who can measure the curve and monitor the risk of progression.
Family History Can Play a Part
Research shows there is a link between scoliosis and family history, although it can often go unnoticed. In some cases, a child may be the first in the family to develop the condition.
As scoliosis can run in families, it’s recommended that siblings are also checked, particularly during growth spurts (10–15 years).
Most Scoliosis Cases Have no Known Cause
Parents often ask what they could have done to prevent their child from having scoliosis. The answer is not a lot. Unfortunately research has not uncovered a known cause for scoliosis, other than showing a direct link to family history. Scoliosis is not a condition which can be caught from someone else, like a cold. There is nothing you could have done to prevent it.
Early Diagnosis is Key
- It is important to have children regularly checked for scoliosis. If detected early enough, there is greater scope for treatment. The first hint that a scoliosis may be developing is the appearance of abnormal posture. Slouching, one shoulder higher than the other, one hip higher than the other, or uneven shoulder blades are all signs that a person might have a scoliosis.
- In children, it is important to recognise the signs of scoliosis early, as much can be done to help correct the scoliosis as they grow. If you are concerned you or your child may be at risk of scoliosis, it is important to contact a qualified health professional for an assessment and where necessary accurately measure the degree of curve and predict the likelihood of progression.
Family History Can Play a Part
- Research* has shown there is a direct link of scoliosis in family history. People often comment that they are unaware of any family history with scoliosis. It can be the case though that someone did or does have scoliosis but it has gone unnoticed. Of course, there are also instances where a child is the first in the family to develop the condition. As scoliosis tends to run in families, it is good to have siblings checked regularly, especially during their growth spurts (10 to 15 years old)
- * Understanding Genetic Factors in Idiopathic Scoliosis, a Complex Disease of Childhood – Curr Genomics. 2008 Mar; 9(1): 51–59 Source
There are Treatments Available
Types of Scoliosis
Infantile
Juvenile
Adolescent
Adult
Neuromuscular
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