Scoliosis In Children: Everything You Need To Know
Most of the time, the exact cause of scoliosis in children is unknown. This disease causes the spine to curve naturally. People with this disease have an S or C-shaped spine. In Spain alone, 900,000 children suffer from scoliosis. When the child begins to develop this disease, his back begins to bend to one side.
Scoliosis in children
Scoliosis in children is very common today. This rare disease causes the little one to suffer pain and deformation in the body. In addition, this abnormal curve that runs down the entire back area makes children unable to maintain a completely straight posture.
Scoliosis in children usually has an unknown cause. This type of scoliosis is called idiopathic, it is the most common and is classified according to age.
Types of scoliosis
- In infants 3 years and younger it is called infantile scoliosis.
- In infants from 4 to 10 years old, it is called juvenile scoliosis.
- In adolescents 11 to 18 years old, it is called adolescent scoliosis .
Other classification
- Congenital scoliosis : This type of scoliosis occurs when a child is born. This is because the baby’s ribs are not formed in the correct way and this causes the deformation of other bone tissues.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis : This type of scoliosis occurs due to a problem in the nervous system, which affects the muscles. The problems it can cause are: muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, polio, and spina bifida.
Who is mainly affected by this disease?
This disease usually affects girls. Also, some people are more likely to have the disease. The curve of the spine usually worsens with growth. This disease causes great pain in children, so sometimes the only way to correct it and avoid pain is through surgery.
External causes
Sometimes children’s spines bend to one side, but scoliosis may not be the cause. Generally when this happens it is reflected in the first years of life.
Neuromuscular damage
This type of scoliosis stems from a problem in the central nervous system. In the long run it is capable of causing a great deal of trouble.
- Congenital malformations : This occurs when the child’s vertebrae or ribs do not form properly.
- Damaged static : this happens when the pelvis is decompensated, and its origin is in the legs.
Possible treatments for scoliosis
Some types of scoliosis in children can be cured, it all depends on their severity and the type of disease.
- Mild scoliosis. This type of scoliosis is not so noticeable, the treatment is reduced to physical therapy exercises. The goal of treatment is for the muscles to become stronger and the contracted parts to stretch. With these exercises the body can adopt the correct posture.
- Scoliosis of medium severity. For this type of scoliosis in children , a corset must be used, in this way the spine completes its growth correctly. This treatment requires that it be complemented with therapeutic exercises.
- Severe scoliosis This occurs when the deviation is very evident, in which case the patient must be operated on. The operation is usually carried out between the ages of 10 and 12. After operating the child, rehabilitation should be done through exercises. Physiotherapeutic exercises are necessary for recovery to be complete.
Evolution of scoliosis in children
This depends on several factors. The age at which it is diagnosed and the origin are two fundamental aspects to determine its evolution. On the other hand, idiopathic scoliosis has a more positive prognosis than congenital scoliosis.
Congenital and muscular scoliosis can be overcome depending on its evolution. At the time the diagnosis is made, treatment should begin, in that way the disease can be controlled.
Late diagnosis
When scoliosis in children is diagnosed late, a lot of complications arise. If the spine has been in an incorrect position for a long time, it can cause immobility in other parts of the intervertebral discs, this occurs when the child’s body suffers premature wear, such as wear on the knees and hips.
Periodic spine exam
Scoliosis in children is often very painful. The curvature of the spine causes pressure on the vertebrae and increases pain. For these cases, pain relievers prescribed by a doctor should be used. Some of these diseases are exacerbated by not being diagnosed in time or by poor treatment.
From time to time parents must perform a spinal examination on their children. It is important to rule out any possible disease during the growth stage, since if a deviation is noticed it is essential that a doctor treat it as soon as possible. In this sense, it is essential that parents are very attentive to the postures that their children acquire when they sit down to study or when they walk.
