Identifying Scoliosis: Know the Early Warning Signs

Scoliosis Patient Regains Her Stride at East Tennessee Children's Hospital

Healthy 14-year-old Lakota was at school when she experienced excruciating back pain. As her back pain became more severe, Lakota’s mother took her to the doctor, and she was diagnosed with scoliosis...

Read Lakota's Story

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month and since it cannot be prevented, it’s important that caregivers stay vigilant and look for signs early on.

“Because there are different types of scoliosis, diagnosis can come at any age but is most typical between the ages of 10 and 13,” says Dr. Jay Crawford, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Chief of Staff and pediatric orthopaedic surgeon. “The patient usually does not have pain before being diagnosed. Mild scoliosis is very common, whereas progressive scoliosis that requires treatment is rarer.”

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is when the vertebrae (the small bones in the spine) form a curved line instead of being straight and can also rotate (twist), like a corkscrew.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Change in posture
• Uneven shoulders and/or waist
• One hip higher than the other
• One side of the ribcage pushing forward
• One shoulder blade that appears larger than the other

What are the types of scoliosis?

• Idiopathic scoliosis: This is the most common type of scoliosis. Children can get it at any age, but most of the time it happens around puberty when a child goes through a growth spurt. Experts don't know exactly why this type of scoliosis develops, but it runs in some families.
• Congenital scoliosis: This type of scoliosis happens when something goes wrong with the way some vertebrae developed before a baby was born. The problem might not be noticed until a child goes through a growth spurt, usually around age 2 or between 8 and 13.
• Scoliosis caused by a medical condition. Some children develop scoliosis because they have a long-term medical problem that affects the muscles or skeletal system.

How is it diagnosed?

Your child’s doctor will conduct a physical examination to check the back and spine. Depending on the findings, an x-ray might be needed to further diagnosis.

How is it treated?

Scoliosis can be treated with a brace or surgery. The brace can help prevent curves from worsening. If the curves are severe, surgery may be needed.

“Scoliosis outcomes are generally excellent no matter how severe due to advancements over the last 30 years. As a nationally recognized team, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is extremely experienced in supporting patients from diagnosis to treatment to recovery.”

If you think your child may be showing signs of scoliosis, we recommend talking to their pediatrician.