Scoliosis is a side-to-side curvature of the spine that measures over 10 degrees and exhibits rotation, typically worse at the apex of the curve. The most common type of Scoliosis is termed idiopathic, meaning, of unknown cause. Idiopathic scoliosis will affect about 2-4% of children in the US with the large majority occurring in females. Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis is seen in children 4-9 years of age and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis coming on between the ages of 10-18. Regular check ups for children should start around age 9 for girls and age 11 for boys. Most cases are caught by parents who notice these early signs of scoliosis.
Postural Changes
One of the earliest signs of scoliosis are postural changes.
- Unlevel Shoulders
- Shoulder blade (usually the right one) popping out
- Waist looking flat on one side
- Upper body shifted left or right on the hips
These are all early signs of scoliosis.
Noticeable Hump on the Back
Many cases of scoliosis are discovered in the summer months when kids are outside with their shirts off or swimming at the pool and they bend over revealing noticeable humps on their back. Commonly the right side if the middle back will display a rib hump from the scoliosis bending the ribs. Also, the left side of the lower back will have muscle’s that stick up further that the right, again from the twist of the spine due to scoliosis.
What to Do If You See These Early Signs
If you see these early signs of scoliosis, it is important that you take action and find a Scoliosis doctor that can diagnose the curvature and what stage it’s at. Early intervention can mean the difference between a straight spine and a spine that needs surgery. ScoliCare East Phoenix is an excellent place to take your child for a scoliosis diagnosis.
ScoliCare East Phoenix is the Place to Go for Scoliosis Diagnosis and Non-Operative Scoliosis Treatment
At ScoliCare East Phoenix our Doctors are specially trained to diagnose scoliosis and determine what type and how severe it is. If a scoliosis is too severe or is due to some other reason other than idiopathic, we will send your child to the proper provider to treat them. If their scoliosis is idiopathic then our Providers are the best in Arizona at providing non-operative scoliosis treatment with bracing (ScoliBrace) and scoliosis specific exercises (ScoliBalance). ScoliCare has tremendous success with treating young children with Scoliosis and keeping them away from scoliosis surgery. If your son or daughter may have Scoliosis give us a call at (480) 892-0022 and arrange a new patient appointment today!
