Scoliosis in children is a spinal curvature that can be successfully treated when diagnosed early. Imbalances between the shoulders, asymmetry in the shoulder blades, and differences in the abdominal area during growth periods may be the initial signs of scoliosis. Regularly observing your child's spine is crucial for preventing the progression of scoliosis and starting appropriate treatment early. In this article, you will find detailed information about the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for scoliosis.
CONTENTS
- Observe Your Child Closely During Growth Periods
- The Most Common Signs of Scoliosis
- Heavy Bags Cause Pain, Not Scoliosis
- Scoliosis Treatment Is Determined According to the Child and the Curvature
- Pay Attention to Your Child’s Sitting Posture
- Sunlight and Nutrition Are Important for Bone Health
- Tethered Scoliosis Surgery Comes to the Fore for Children Who Play Sports
- Scoliosis and Exercise
- In Summary
Don't Forget to Observe Your Child's Spine!
During periods of rapid growth, children can experience curvatures in the spine. In these times, imbalances between the shoulders, asymmetries in the shoulder blades, and the abdominal region can be early signs of scoliosis. While scoliosis is more easily noticeable in thin children, it can go unnoticed in overweight children. For children with excess weight, checking for asymmetry between the folds in the abdominal area can provide parents with clues about scoliosis. In scoliosis treatment, the degree of curvature and the child's age are significant factors, while tethered scoliosis surgery is a prominent option for children involved in sports.
Closely Observe Your Child During Growth Periods
When viewed from the front, the spine should be straight. Any curvature to the right or left forming a C or S shape is defined as scoliosis. Additionally, when viewed from the side, the natural curves of the spine can be lost in cases of scoliosis. Curvatures less than 10 degrees are not typically classified as scoliosis but are considered normal variations.
Especially during growth spurts, children may experience curvatures in their spines due to rapid height increase. It is crucial for parents to closely observe their children during this period for early diagnosis of scoliosis. Growth spurts generally occur between the ages of 10-14 for girls and 10-18 for boys.
Most Common Signs of Scoliosis
- Shoulder Height Difference: When viewed from the front or back, there may be a difference in the height of the child's shoulders.
- Asymmetry in the Abdominal Area: When viewed from the front, asymmetry can be seen in the abdominal area. One side may appear flatter, while the other side may seem more indented.
- Asymmetry Between the Nipples: In girls, there may be a difference in height or size between the nipples.
- Difference Between the Shoulder Blades: When viewed from the back, a difference in height between the shoulder blades may be noticeable.
- Uneven Hip Level: One of the pelvic bones may appear higher than the other.
- Asymmetry in Overweight Children: Detecting low-degree scoliosis can be more challenging in overweight children. Attention should be paid to the asymmetry between the folds in the abdominal area caused by excess weight.
Note: Scoliosis typically does not lead to walking disorders unless it is at an advanced stage. However, it should be noted that a height difference between the legs can contribute to the development of scoliosis.
Heavy Bags Cause Pain, Not Scoliosis
One of the common questions parents ask is whether carrying a heavy bag can cause scoliosis in children. Carrying a bag on one side does not cause scoliosis. However, carrying heavy bags on one side for extended periods can put constant pressure on one side of the body, leading to spinal pain. Therefore, it is recommended that children carry their backpacks on both shoulders and avoid carrying heavy bags for long periods.
Scoliosis Treatment Depends on the Child and the Degree of Curvature
There are established criteria for scoliosis treatment. The child's age, the degree of curvature, and the location of the curvature are significant factors in planning scoliosis treatment. Generally, scoliosis surgery is considered necessary when the curvature exceeds 40-45 degrees. For lower degrees of scoliosis, different treatment methods can be applied.
Curvatures Under 20 Degrees
- Observation and Monitoring: These curvatures should be observed and checked with X-rays at regular intervals.
- Monitoring Periods: For children who have not yet completed their growth, it is important to take control X-rays every 6 months.
- Radiation Exposure: If the curvature does not show significant progression, X-ray intervals can be extended to 1 year to reduce radiation exposure.
- Physical Therapy: If the child is at an appropriate age for physical therapy, Schroth exercises can be applied as part of the treatment.
Curvatures Between 20-40 Degrees
- Brace Treatment: If the curvature exceeds 20 degrees in growing children, brace treatment is applied.
- Custom Fit: Specially designed braces tailored to the child's body to ensure comfort and not interfere with daily activities are used.
- Usage Duration: It is recommended to wear these braces for 23 hours a day.
- Physical Therapy Support: Physical therapy can also be applied if deemed appropriate for these children.
Pay Attention to Your Child's Posture
Children with scoliosis do not need to avoid exercises or sports. On the contrary, physical activity is beneficial for spinal health. However, it is important for children to maintain the correct sitting posture while studying, using a computer, or spending time on a tablet. Sitting in a way that keeps the spine straight can help prevent posture disorders.
Sunlight and Nutrition Are Important for Bone Health
In addition to paying attention to posture, nutrition is also important for children undergoing scoliosis treatment. To improve bone quality:
- Sunlight: They should benefit from sunlight as much as possible.
- Calcium and Protein: A diet rich in calcium and protein should not be neglected to strengthen the bones.
- Vitamin D Supplement: Vitamin D supplements can be used if deemed necessary.
Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) Surgery Stands Out for Children Who Play Sports
Scoliosis surgeries are generally evaluated under two main categories: fusion and non-fusion scoliosis surgeries.
Fusion Scoliosis Surgery
- Method: An open incision is made from the back of the spine, and screws are placed between the vertebrae with curvature.
- Correction Process: The process of straightening the spine is done with rigid rods placed between these screws.
- Movement Limitation: The movement of the vertebrae where screws are placed is lost in these surgeries.
Non-Fusion (Vertebral Body Tethering) Scoliosis Surgery
- Reason for Preference: It is more prominent, especially for children involved in sports.
- Method: In VBT surgery performed with small incisions, a special cord is placed between the screws.
- Mobility: Thanks to these cords, there is no loss of mobility for the child.
- Return to Sports: Children can return to their sports activities at an early stage.
- Cosmetic Advantage: VBT surgery is noteworthy not only for preserving spinal flexibility but also for being a more cosmetically favorable option.
Scoliosis and Exercise
Children with scoliosis should be encouraged to exercise. Sports such as swimming, pilates, and yoga are beneficial for spinal health. However, activities that involve heavy lifting and place excessive strain on the spine should be avoided.