What All Parents and Caregivers Should Know About Scoliosis

Approximately 2 percent of the population is affected by scoliosis. Although diagnosis can happen at any age, it’s most common in adolescents. Understanding this condition can help ensure your child gets treatment at the earliest warning signs. 

What is pediatric and adolescent scoliosis? 

“Pediatric and adolescent scoliosis is a condition where a child’s spine curves sideways or rotates,” said Barry Berman, M.D., a pediatrician at Inspira Medical Group Pediatrics Salem. “Since scoliosis doesn’t usually cause pain, its symptoms often go unnoticed.” While mild cases of scoliosis may only require routine monitoring, severe cases could call for spinal braces or surgery. 

Types of pediatric and adolescent scoliosis

There are three types of pediatric and adolescent scoliosis: 

• Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form of scoliosis. Although its exact cause is unknown, it has a genetic component. Idiopathic scoliosis typically appears in late childhood or adolescence during a growth spurt and may be stable or progressive. 
• Neuromuscular scoliosis is a spinal curvature resulting from conditions that weaken the muscles and nerves that support the spine. These conditions include cerebral palsy, spina bifida and myopathy. 
• Congenital scoliosis is the least common form of scoliosis, with only 1 in 10,000 newborns affected. It is a spine abnormality caused by a defect at birth where the vertebrate doesn’t form properly. “Although congenital scoliosis is present at birth, spinal problems are sometimes not detected until adolescence,” said Dr. Berman. “Children diagnosed with congenital scoliosis often have a broad set of health and developmental issues.”  

Symptoms of pediatric and adolescent scoliosis 

Because scoliosis is typically pain-free, it can be hard to detect its symptoms. Caregivers should look for the following indicators in their child: 

• Uneven shoulders, leg length, rib cage or waist
• Persistent leaning to one side
• Elevated hips 
• One shoulder blade protruding more than the other 

“If you notice any of these warning signs, reach out to your child’s health care provider immediately to schedule a screening,” said Dr. Berman. “If your child’s doctor determines they have scoliosis, they will refer you to an orthopedic specialist for treatment.” 

Treatment and care

Treatment for pediatric and adolescent scoliosis depends on its severity and whether the spinal curve is growing or stable. Spinal curves are measured in degrees and can be mild, moderate or severe: 

• Mild scoliosis curves measure between 10 and 25 degrees. This condition doesn’t usually require medical intervention other than routine check-ups every four to six months to ensure the curve is not worsening. 
• Moderate scoliosis curves measure between 25 and 45 degrees. Treatment for this type of scoliosis is often a custom brace designed to prevent the curve from progressing. 
• Severe scoliosis curves measure over 45 degrees and can interfere with the functioning of internal organs. Adolescents with this form of scoliosis usually need spinal surgery to treat the condition.  

Early diagnosis of pediatric and adolescent scoliosis can reduce the possibility of surgery. Talk to your child’s health care provider about your questions and concerns. 

Inspira Medical Group offers pediatric services in Salem with personalized care for children from birth to age 18 or high school graduation.

Inspira Health is a high reliability organization (HRO), which means safety is the top priority for patients and staff. To make an appointment, call 1-800-INSPIRA,