Scoliosis is a debilitating condition that can worsen when left untreated. As soon as you see the side curvature in your child’s spine, that’s the time you should contact your pediatric orthopedic doctor for a consultation. The doctors at POBAR serve the Florida community of Brandon and Tampa and have the best treatments that can intervene and resolve your child’s scoliosis. 

Your child is healthy and loves life but you can’t stop telling them to keep their back straight. You watch them leaning to the side too often and even while they try to correct their postures, they just can’t help it. When that curvature in your child’s back grows to be a concern, visit your child's pediatric orthopedic doctor because it might be scoliosis. 

What is Scoliosis? 

Scoliosis is when the spine is curved to the side. There are different types of scoliosis and in some cases, it can be mild. However, this sideways curvature of the spine can sometimes be found in those with cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. 

If your child was born with this spinal deformity, then this would be called Congenital Scoliosis. The misshapen vertebrae that cause the curvature are often detected in early infancy if symptoms are easily visible. But most are detected later in childhood. 

Unfortunately, as a child grows, scoliosis worsens and the curve becomes conspicuous over time. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Scoliosis? 

The symptoms of scoliosis can range from mild to debilitating. The most glaring sign is a twisted spine that curves to the side. Other symptoms are: 

• Shoulders are uneven

• One Shoulder blade more prominent than the other

• Uneven waist

• One higher hip

• Rib cage pushing forward 

What Are The Causes Of Scoliosis? 

Scoliosis can run in the family. It can also be caused by the following conditions: 

• Cerebral palsy 

• Muscular dystrophy.

• Birth defects can affect the development of the bones of the spine.

• Previous surgery on the chest wall as a baby.

• Injuries to or infections of the spine.

• Spinal cord abnormalities.

What Treatment Options Are There For Scoliosis & What Can You Expected? 

The good news is, most scoliosis is mild. Children who have mild scoliosis are monitored closely to see through X-rays if the curve develops further. Often in mild cases, treatment is not necessary. 

But in some cases, the condition can be highly concerning. With severe scoliosis, disability is a possibility. The doctor may recommend a brace as a treatment for scoliosis for your child to wear and surgery to straighten the curve.

What Will Happen If You Don’t Get Scoliosis Treatment For Your Child? 

If Scoliosis is left untreated in your child, it may limit your child’s quality of life and the deformity may worsen. It’s also possible that Scoliosis could hamper your child’s ability to develop healthy lungs. Especially curved spines can reduce the space in the chest, making it hard for your organs to function effectively. 

Other complications include: 

• Problems with breathing can occur in severe scoliosis as the rib cage may press against the lungs

• Back pain can become chronic for children with scoliosis and worsen as adults - if left untreated

• The appearance of the curve can become more prominent with time from uneven hips and shoulders, and a significant shift of the waist to the side. 

Scoliosis can become a self-esteem issue for your child should you not seek treatment so get your child treated today!

For A Detailed Treatment Plan For Scoliosis, Speak to Our Leading Pediatric Orthopedic Doctors in Brandon and Tampa, Florida.

We’re a friendly pediatric team based in Brandon and Tampa, Florida, and we’re pros at dealing with scoliosis. If your child has a foot deformity and needs to see a medical professional, Get in touch with us.

At POBAR, we take your child’s health seriously and offer an incredibly high standard of care and knowledge. Ready to speak to one of our caring doctors? Book an appointment today!