If your child has scoliosis, the treatment they’re offered will depend on their symptoms and severity. One of the treatment for scoliosis in children is bracing.

When it comes to this scoliosis treatment, you might think: how effective is bracing anyway? Can braces solve the issue altogether? 

If you have questions about your child’s case, our pediatric orthopedic doctors in Riverview & Brandon, are experienced in dealing with scoliosis cases and are perfectly positioned to answer all your questions.

But since you’re here, we’ll go through the ins and outs of scoliosis in this blog post. We’ll explore when bracing might be appropriate and if it works… 

Scoliosis in Children and adolescents 

Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve or rotate, so instead of a straight line down the back, the spine takes on more of a ‘C’ shape, or sometimes an ‘S’ shape.

The good news? Most scoliosis curves are mild. These curves usually show up in the middle or upper back, though curves in the lower back are possible. 

The most common type of scoliosis is called ‘idiopathic scoliosis.’ This type of scoliosis can start in children from the age of 10 up to the point they’re fully grown. 

What does idiopathic mean? When a condition is labeled idiopathic, it just means the cause is a bit of a mystery. This means we just don’t know why idiopathic scoliosis happens! 

However, not all cases of scoliosis are idiopathic. In a small number of people, scoliosis can be traced to other medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or Marfan syndrome. 

In very rare cases, babies can be born with scoliosis due to development issues of the spine when in the womb. 

Typical Signs of Scoliosis

• A visibly curved spine

• One shoulder is higher than the other

• One shoulder or hip is more prominent than the other

• Clothes not hanging properly

• A prominent rib cage

• A difference in leg lengths

Treatment of Scoliosis in Children

Treatment depends on age, severity, and if your healthcare provider believes it can worsen over time. 

However, treatment isn’t always necessary – especially in those with small curvatures. In young children, the curvature of the spine could repair itself as they get older. But if treatment is needed, bracing or casting can be used to halt the progression and improve a child’s condition.

The important thing is to seek advice and not leave scoliosis alone. When left untreated, symptoms can worsen and complications can arise, leading to disabling symptoms and a much poorer quality of life.

 So, if you suspect scoliosis in your child, make sure you get them assessed by a pediatric orthopedic doctor as soon as you can. 

What About Severe Cases?

In severe cases, children can need surgery to correct the curvature, especially if bracing hasn’t worked. 

To fix the problem, rods are attached to the spine to straighten it with hooks, wires, or screws. Although success rates are high for surgery, recovery can be difficult, so think of surgery as a last resort. 

When is Bracing Used to Treat Scoliosis? 

Braces are usually used for children who have small curves and are still growing. For example, children who have curves between 20˚ and 40 will probably benefit from bracing. Anyone with higher numbers might need surgery. 

How Long Should a Child Wear Bracing? 

Typically, teenagers wear braces for an average of 26 months, and juvenile patients may wear them for many years. As a loose rule, patients will wear the braces until they’ve stopped growing. 

For the best results, children should wear their braces for most of the day (this can mean 16-24 hours for some children). 

Is Bracing Effective to Treat Scoliosis?

We’re glad you asked! 

Google this question and you’ll come across a mixture of viewpoints. This is because research in the last century has been mixed, with some of the older studies being inconclusive. 

However, the latest high-quality research points to bracing as an effective option. You see, braces have changed over the years, so while old research shouldn’t be discarded, the new studies are based on braces that are modern, lightweight and highly customized – the kind we opt for at POBAR!

The purpose of bracing itself has also changed with time. In the past, braces would just hold up the spine, but now the brace can prevent progression and it might straighten the spine up too. 

Current advice from the Scoliosis Research Society says to wear the brace for long periods each day – to stop the condition from getting worse. Part-time wear can help small curves, but wearing the brace more of the time works better for stopping progression. 

Unfortunately, bracing might not work for large curves of over 40˚, but these curves can be treated with surgery. 

Which Brace is the Best Choice for My Child?

There are three types of braces. These are cast braces (mostly for very young children diagnosed between birth and three years of age), rigid braces and non-rigid braces. 

The best brace for your child will depend on their individual needs. This includes how easy it is for the child to wear the brace and the psychological effects of wearing one. Your doctor will also need to think about your child’s activity levels, the appearance of the brace, as well as which brace they feel most comfortable prescribing. 

What Results Can We Expect With a Brace? 

About 80% of growing patients will have satisfactory results with braces. In other words, their curve will not significantly increase.  There’s no way to know which patient will be in the 80% and which will be in the 20%. 

Other Treatment Options 

Bracing and surgery are the only treatment options available that studies say work. Other treatments that you may see suggested, like exercise, don’t work as treatments and can’t prevent scoliosis from worsening, which is the ultimate goal of treatment. 

Seek Advice on Scoliosis From Leading Orthopedic Pediatric Surgeons in Brandon &Tampa, FL 

If you suspect your child has scoliosis or you’re looking to discuss treatment options, get in touch. Our warm and friendly team is based in Brandon and Tampa, FL, and is ready to support you. 

With our knowledge and breadth of experience in treating scoliosis in children, you can trust us to help your child achieve better health.  Contact us today!