Scoliosis in children – how to recognize the first signs in time

Children grow quickly, sometimes so quickly that parents can barely keep up with all the changes. One day you buy new sneakers, and the very next day they are already too small. It is precisely during this period of rapid growth that scoliosis in children can appear, a condition that causes curvature of the spine.

The good news is that in most cases scoliosis can be successfully managed if it is detected in time. But the problem is that the first signs often go unnoticed because children rarely feel pain in the early stage. That is why it is important to know what to look out for.

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a spinal deformity in which the spine does not bend only forward and backward, but also sideways. Instead of a straight line, the spine takes on the shape of the letter S or C.

In most cases, the cause is unknown, which is why it is called idiopathic scoliosis. It most commonly occurs in children and adolescents during periods of rapid growth.

Although the word itself may sound worrying, it is important to know that many cases of scoliosis are successfully monitored and treated without surgery, especially if they are detected in time.

When does scoliosis most commonly appear?

Scoliosis most commonly develops between the ages of 10 and 15, when children go through a growth spurt.

Interestingly, it occurs more often in girls than in boys, although it can appear in any child.

In some families there is also a genetic predisposition, which means that the likelihood of it occurring is higher if someone in the family has already had scoliosis.

Early signs of scoliosis that parents can notice

Parents are often the first to notice changes in a child’s posture. Sometimes these are very subtle signs that can easily be overlooked.

Here are a few things worth paying attention to:

Uneven shoulders
One shoulder may look slightly higher than the other. Sometimes this is only noticed when the child is wearing a T-shirt or dress that does not “sit” evenly.

One shoulder blade is more prominent
If one shoulder blade looks like it sticks out more, this may be a sign of spinal curvature.

Waist asymmetry
One side of the waist may look deeper or more pronounced than the other.

The child leans to one side
Sometimes the child stands as if they are slightly leaning to one side, even when trying to stand straight.

Bending test
One small trick that doctors often use can also be tried at home. Ask the child to bend forward as if trying to touch their toes. If you notice that one side of the back or ribs protrudes more than the other, it is a good idea to have an examination.

Of course, this is not a diagnosis, but it may be a sign that it is time for a professional evaluation.

How is scoliosis diagnosed?

If scoliosis is suspected, the doctor will first perform a clinical examination and assess posture and spinal mobility.

If necessary, an X-ray of the spine is taken to measure the degree of curvature. This angle is called the Cobb angle and helps doctors determine how pronounced the scoliosis is.

Based on the results, the further monitoring or treatment plan is determined.

How is scoliosis in children treated?

The method of treatment depends on several factors:

• the child’s age
• the degree of spinal curvature
• the rate of scoliosis progression

Monitoring
In milder forms, regular monitoring is often enough to see whether the curvature progresses during growth.

Specific exercises
Physical therapy and targeted exercises can help strengthen the back muscles and improve posture.

Orthopedic brace
If scoliosis progresses, the doctor may recommend an orthopedic brace that helps guide spinal growth and prevent the deformity from worsening.

Surgery
Surgical treatment is needed only in more severe cases, and such situations are relatively rare.

Why is early detection so important?

Scoliosis develops gradually and often without pain, which is why it can remain unnoticed for a long time. But it is precisely in the early period that there is the greatest possibility of successful treatment.

In other words, the earlier scoliosis is detected, the greater the chance that the problem can be resolved with simpler methods.

Conclusion

Scoliosis in children is not a rare occurrence and most commonly appears during periods of rapid growth. Uneven shoulders, back asymmetry, or changes in posture can be the first signs of this condition.

Parents are often the first to notice these changes, which is why it is important to react in time and arrange a professional examination.

And if you are wondering whether it is worth checking, in this case it is better to come for an examination once than to think ten times about whether everything is alright.

Book an appointment today and ensure a timely assessment of your child’s spinal health.

Author: Martin Drinković, MD