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The spinal abnormality scoliosis, which causes sideways curvature, often starts to appear in adolescence or childhood. How can you help your child after a scoliosis diagnosis? Read to learn more.
No one wants their children to be anything but healthy. However, some children and teens start to show signs of health conditions, such as scoliosis, that can affect their whole adult lives and need to be understood and addressed correctly to minimize disruption and damage.
Regular doctor’s visits and checkups help to ensure that any early signs of physical health conditions in your child get caught by a medical professional as soon as possible. Detecting scoliosis at the first sign means your child receives the best possible support, improving their lifelong health outcomes.
Located in Hinsdale and Woodridge, Illinois, board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Beejal Y. Amin specializes in scoliosis. He can evaluate your child’s spine, help you understand more about this spinal condition, and advise you on the best ways to support your child with their scoliosis.
Understanding your child’s scoliosis diagnosis
The spinal column curves in one way, creating balance from your head to your toes. However, someone with scoliosis has progressive sideways spinal curvature, meaning that the spine curves from side to side, not the way it’s supposed to curve. Also, the amount of curve in the spine worsens over time.
Often, scoliosis becomes visible and gets caught in late childhood or adolescence screenings. Growth spurts frequently occur between ages 10-14, and that’s when abnormal spinal curvature begins to appear. Curvature can form in an “S” or “C” shape.
It’s common for children with scoliosis to experience few, if any, physical limitations after diagnosis. There’s typically no need to disrupt school attendance, although depending on the severity of your child’s spinal difference, a documented educational plan to provide additional support may be beneficial.
Time out of school only becomes necessary if a child with severe symptoms needs surgery, which is a relatively rare occurrence. Dr. Amin helps you understand more about what your child’s diagnosis will mean for education, physical limitations, and more.
Supporting a child with scoliosis
The treatment plan for scoliosis depends on the severity of spinal curvature, as well as the age of the patient. For young patients with mild curvature, conservative treatment options like physical therapy typically make the most sense to pursue. Young scoliosis patients don’t often need surgery immediately, although that may become necessary later.
Bracing may be helpful for young people with scoliosis, supporting the spine and delaying the progression of spinal curvature. Braces can feel embarrassing but can often be worn under clothes discreetly. Dr. Amin provides custom braces with good fit and comfort, making it easier for kids to adapt to bracing.
The condition of scoliosis is lifelong and can eventually become severe and disabling. Symptoms typically mild in young adults can become more serious later in life and can affect the heart and lungs. So, seeking expert care and support for your child is essential.
It’s also critical to help your child with the emotional and mental health toll of receiving this kind of diagnosis. Dr. Amin can recommend additional support for your child in handling the impact of a chronic health condition.
Contact Dr. Amin today for comprehensive pediatric scoliosis support and attention to child and caregiver needs. You can schedule your initial consultation today by calling or booking with our easy-to-use online tool.