Symptoms of scoliosis in children

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1. Scoliosis

Scoliosis in children is a condition in which the spine curves to one side, possibly to the right or to the left. Scoliosis can range from moderate to severe. Scoliosis mainly affects the chest or lower back.
The normal human spine has a natural curvature to evenly distribute the force and weight of the body. However, in scoliosis, the spine is completely curved to the sides of the body axis and the vertebral bodies are crooked along the axis of the horizontal plane, which is different from the curvature or kyphosis, which is the deformation of the spine along the axis. before after.
Currently, according to statistics of school health experts, the number of cases of scoliosis in teenagers is on the rise. About 1 in 25 teenage girls will have scoliosis, for teenage boys the rate is 1 in 2000. However, many cases of scoliosis go away without treatment and it is completely possible to live a normal life as the child grows up.

2. Risk factors

There are many risk factors leading to scoliosis symptoms in children such as:
Age: scoliosis symptoms often appear at a time of sudden growth in children, often occurring just before puberty. Gender: Younger children are more likely to have severe scoliosis symptoms than boys. Genes: If a parent had scoliosis in their teens, their children will also have a higher risk of developing scoliosis symptoms.

3. Signs of scoliosis in children

Symptoms of scoliosis appear signs include:
The shoulders are misaligned, not equal in height The child's head is not in the center but slightly tilted to one side One of the shoulder blades can see better than the side the rest The child doesn't fit the right clothes The child is usually thinner on one side of the body The legs are unequal in length One of the hips may protrude higher than the other The ribs are long unequal

4. Diagnosis of scoliosis in children

To diagnose scoliosis in children, the first step is a clinical examination. Scoliosis can be clearly seen when the child leans forward and the child's spine appears to be leaning to the right or to the left. The way to determine the type and curvature of the scoliosis of a young child can use a spine measure.
Then, an X-ray helps the doctor see the exact deformity. Once the problem is identified, the patient will be given a treatment by a spine specialist to avoid more severe deformity later on.
In addition, the chiropractor may order a contrast-enhanced bone scan. A radioactive substance is injected into the bloodstream, travels to the bones, and so can detect which part of the body is affected. This technique will help the doctor accurately diagnose the child's scoliosis.

5. Treatment of scoliosis in young children

Scoliosis in young children does not require surgery. However, the curvature can progress and cause more serious problems, if not corrected. Depending on the condition of the child, the doctor will recommend appropriate treatment measures. There are cases that are not severe enough to require treatment, so your doctor will schedule a spine exam every 6 months from the age of 15 until the age of 20.
In the majority, all children with moderate symptoms of scoliosis will be instructed to correct posture when studying, walking, and carrying heavy objects. Rehabilitation exercises will be essential in some children, and consideration will be given to wearing a brace to correct the spine for certain hours of the day or all day as needed. In the early stages of exercise or posture correction. Children will be guided and assisted by rehabilitation technicians. After that, children can practice on their own at home with the supervision and support of the family.

5.1 Double-brace orthopedic For scoliosis curvature over 25 degrees will require a double-brace orthotic. There are two types of double-brace orthotics:
Milwaukee method: using a stiff neck brace to correct the normal curvature of the spine in any position. Method of using thoracic-lumbar fixation bracket: to correct deformities related to thoracic and lower vertebrae. The device is placed under the arm and surrounds the ribs, hips and lower back. Patients will be required to use these brace devices for at least a few hours a day until the bones of the spine stop growing, which is around 17-18 years old for women and 18-19 years old for women. male. This fixed brace is usually not exposed and can be covered with clothing, so it doesn't affect the aesthetics too much. Wearing a brace only slightly affects daily activities, so it is advisable to limit playing interactive sports during treatment.
5.2 Surgery Surgery is the second option for correction in cases of severe scoliosis beyond 50 degrees that cannot be corrected with correct posture or a brace. Laparoscopic thoracotomy or spondyloarthroplasty can be performed with the help of devices. It usually takes about 12 months for the spine to stabilize. Although those undergoing surgery will have some difficulty with physical activity, they will not need to wear a brace.
The outcome of treatment depends mainly on the degree of curvature of the spine. The doctor and technician will support the child through this process, by explaining treatment options and helping the child adjust to this uncomfortable condition.

5.3 Parental Support Scoliosis is not a serious disease but can affect a child's appearance as well as psychologically. If the child has to wear a brace to correct the spine, parents need to support the child a lot, because the child may feel insecure with his appearance and may leave the treatment process unfinished.
So parents can join groups to discuss their child's scoliosis with other parents. This is also a good way for parents to learn and know more about spinal deformities. In addition, special attention should be paid to calcium and vitamin D supplementation for young children and ensure that children's bones always develop strong. Proper exercise and diet are essential for children to develop normally and avoid obesity.
In summary, the symptom of scoliosis in children is a condition in which the spine curves to one side, the cause is currently unknown, but according to some studies, it may be genetic. Scoliosis can be controlled with early diagnosis and timely and appropriate treatment measures.
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