Scoliosis is the unpleasant diagnosis that every twentieth child receives at a certain stage of development, especially during a spike in growth during puberty. However, only 4 children out of 1000 in this case need treatment. Until now, it is not known exactly why scoliosis occurs. One thing is for certain: it is not caused by poor posture. The most common form of idiopathic scoliosis is the curvature of the child's spine to the left or to the right. If in such a case scoliosis is not treated - your child can later get problems with the heart and breathing. Scoliosis or lateral curvature of the spine in children is a problem for thousands and thousands of parents. To be more correct to behave in this situation, you need to first study this disease in more detail. So to say, "to know the enemy in person."
What is scoliosis?
If you look at someone from behind, his spine should ideally "look" up and down. If the spine is pointed to the side - this is the scoliosis. The curvature can be left or right. The very word "scoliosis" comes from the Greek word meaning "crooked." The severity of scoliosis can range from very mild to subtle to severe.
The curvature may be located in the lower part of the spine (lumbar curvature), in the upper part (thoracic curvature) or pass from the upper to the lower part of the spine (thoracolumbar curvature). In some cases, there is a double curvature - as the shape of the letter S.
What is the difference between scoliosis and kyphosis?
If you look at someone from the side, you will notice three small bends of the spine from front to back - one in the cervical region, one in the thoracic, and one in the lower back. Abnormal, more pronounced curvature of the spine in front-back and called "kyphosis".
Types and causes of scoliosis.
Non-structural scoliosis (functional or postural scoliosis).
In this type of scoliosis, the spine has a normal structure, but it looks curved because of other physiological abnormalities. For example, due to differences in the length of the legs, muscle spasms of the back muscles, etc. The curvature, as a rule, is soft and leaves as soon as a person turns or leans forward.
Structural scoliosis.
In these cases, the curvature is fixed and does not disappear when the position of the body changes. There are different types of structural scoliosis:
- Hypertensive. This means that the cause of its occurrence is unknown. More than 8 out of 10 cases are idiopathic scoliosis.
- Neuromuscular. This means that the curvature is caused by a condition that affects the muscles and nerves of the back. For example, it can occur in some cases of muscular dystrophy, poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy or neurofibromatosis. Each of these conditions has other symptoms and problems in addition to scoliosis.
- Osteopathic. This means an abnormality of bone tissue.
- Congenital. This means that the spine is not properly formed when the child develops in the womb.
Who falls ill with idiopathic scoliosis?
Idiopathic scoliosis can develop at any stage of a child's development. It is not known how and why it develops. This is not because of poor posture and you are not able to prevent it.
Scoliosis most often develops during a surge in growth during puberty and early adolescence. This is quite common. About 1 in 20 children aged 9 to 14 years get a certain degree of scoliosis. In most cases, this is a "soft" scoliosis that does not need treatment. But it is necessary to visit the doctor from time to time to see possible deterioration in time. This form of scoliosis affects approximately the same number of boys and girls. However, middle or severe scoliosis is more common in girls.
Idiopathic scoliosis is not just a hereditary disease. However, there are some genetic factors in some cases. In about one-fourth of cases, there is one or more other family members with the same diagnosis.
Symptoms of scoliosis in children.
In most cases, the onset of scoliosis is gradual and usually painless. Sometimes from mild to moderate stage, scoliosis can develop unnoticed for the child or his parents. This is most often due to the fact that it usually develops at an age when children become more independent (from 9 to 14 years). Parents can not often see the naked back of a child and notice the problem in time.
However, a more serious scoliosis can bring the appearance of the child to disfigurement. This is because when the spine is bent to the side, the small bones that form the vertebrae also significantly deform. This pulls aside all the muscles connected to the spine, ligaments and ribs. Consequently:
- If the scoliosis is in the thoracic region, then the ribs and scapulas stick out like a bulge to one side. The heavier the degree of scoliosis, the greater the curvature. In addition, one shoulder may hang lower than the other, and one blade may be higher than the other.
- If the scoliosis in the lumbar region (the lower back), then you can "level" the pelvis, only leaning forward, and one leg may be shorter than the other.
If scoliosis becomes severe and does not heal in any way, it can cause problems later in the child's life. For example, permanent pain in the back can progress, there may be problems with breathing or heart, if the deformation in the chest area is serious.
How to diagnose idiopathic scoliosis?
In some cases, scoliosis is obvious. However, some easy cases are not so obvious. A quick test by a doctor or nurse can be very simple - ask the child to lean forward. The bulge on the back of the chest is more obvious when tilted forward. If the doctor diagnosed scoliosis, the child, as a rule, goes to a specialist.
X-ray images can show a complete picture of the spine. From the photographs, a specialist can estimate the angle of curvature. This gives an idea of the severity of the condition and the probability of its deterioration.
Treatment of scoliosis in children.
Treatment depends on various factors, such as the age of the child, the rate of its growth, the severity of the deformity, the exact location of the scoliosis (for example, the upper or lower back), and the likelihood that it can progress. Treatment includes observation, fixation and surgery.
Observation and analysis.
In most cases, scoliosis is mild and does not require any treatment. The situation may improve over time or worsen as the child grows. Thus, the specialist can arrange regular inspections.
- For adolescent children, reviews can be every 3 to 6 months or so. After the main growth of bones ends after puberty, scoliosis usually does not progress. In most cases, as a rule, there are no restrictions on sports or other activities. In some cases, an expert may recommend certain activities in such a way as to avoid power sports or gymnastics.
- For younger children, the review can be more frequent. In many cases, the condition improves as the child grows. However, in some cases, scoliosis progresses fairly quickly and treatment may be necessary.
Fixing corset.
If the scoliosis is moderate or progressive, a doctor may be asked to wear a corset. The corset does not treat scoliosis! Its purpose is to prevent deterioration as the child grows. Thus, this is most often used when scoliosis is diagnosed before or at an early stage of puberty. The corset is worn, not removing, most of the day and night. A child can lead a normal life during this period. However, using it is controversial and the doctor will advise you on the pros and cons of using the corset.
Surgery.
Surgery on the spine is the only way to correct severe scoliosis. This is a long and complex operation, which is usually prescribed only in extremely difficult cases. Nevertheless, the results of the operation are generally good.
In the case of scoliosis or lateral curvature of the spine in children, the most important thing is to notice the changes in time and consult a doctor. Perhaps, no special treatment is needed. But just ignore this issue in the hope of "maybe" is not worth it. Indeed, with the development of the deformity of the spine, a child may have a number of other problems that will be much more difficult to cope with. Yes, and the appearance of scoliosis can be fairly spoiled. So when stating this diagnosis, you do not need to panic or relax. And you will certainly cope.