Scoliosis And Your Children

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curve in the spine that, if not caught early, can become worse with age, cause significant back pain, and lead to arthritis in the spine.

We want your children to grow healthy and strong, which is why it’s important to know the signs of scoliosis and check your kids from around age eight.

Checking Your Kids

Checking your child’s spine for scoliosis is possible at home and in our practice. If you’re opting for the at-home method, do the following:

Have your child bend over at the waist. Stand behind them and check the curve of the spine.

This is called Adam’s test for scoliosis. The back should have a smooth curve. Also take a look at the ribcage on both sides as they bend forward. If you notice the ribcage bulging more on one side than the other, it may be a cause for action.

Next, look at your child’s back while they are standing and check for any of the following:

  • Is one shoulder higher than the other? They should be level.
  • Is one hip higher than the other? They should be level.
  • Does the spine look straight or curved? Curving sideways is a problem. ​

If you think you may be seeing signs of scoliosis in your child, the High Road Chiropractic Centre is here to help. It’s important to remember that discovering scoliosis early can often lead to improved management and excellent outcomes.

Suites 2/3, 206 High Rd, Riverton WA 6148

Frequently Asked Questions

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. This curvature can vary in severity and may cause the spine to resemble an “S” or “C” shape when viewed from the front or back.

Scoliosis can develop at any age, but it most commonly occurs in children during periods of rapid growth, such as just before puberty. Approximately 2-3% of adolescents develop some degree of scoliosis, with girls more likely to be affected than boys.

Signs of scoliosis may include uneven shoulder or hip height, a visibly curved spine, or the appearance of leaning to one side. In some cases, scoliosis may cause back pain, but often there are no noticeable symptoms until the curvature becomes significant.

Scoliosis is typically diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare provider. This may involve observing the child’s posture, measuring any spinal curvature using specialized tools, and assessing for any signs of asymmetry or abnormality.

Treatment for scoliosis depends on the severity and progression of the curvature. Mild cases may only require regular monitoring to check for progression. In more severe cases, treatment may involve wearing a brace to prevent further curvature progression or, in rare cases, surgical intervention to correct the curvature.

Scoliosis cannot always be prevented, as its exact cause is often unknown. However, early detection and monitoring can help manage the condition effectively. Encouraging children to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and good posture habits may help support overall spinal health.