Signs Your Child Should Be Checked For Scoliosis
Posted on: 29 April 2019
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves to one side. It exists in varying degrees. Some cases are so minor that a person can go their whole life without ever realizing anything is amiss. Other cases are so severe that the person walks with a pronounced limp. Scoliosis can be present at birth, or it can develop later in childhood due to an injury or uneven development of the muscles. As such, it is important that you, as a parent, keep an eye out for these signs that your child needs to be checked for scoliosis.
Uneven Shoulders
When your child is standing straight up and looking at you, pay attention to how their shoulders sit. Does one shoulder seem to sit below the other? This could just indicate that one of your child's shoulders is more muscular than another, which is quite common in kids who play sports like baseball and tennis. However, it could also mean that one shoulder is slumping because the spine is bending to that side.
Asymmetrical Back
Every couple of months, have your child bend down in front of you so that you can observe their back. Does one side of their back look wider or longer than the other side? This could be an indication of scoliosis. Some people even describe the backs of scoliosis patients as looking lopsided or triangular.
Uneven Arm Lengths
Pay attention to how your child's shirts fit. Do the sleeves always seem to be too long on one side, but not on the other? Or maybe one sleeve always seems to be too short. This indicates that the arms are different lengths, which may or may not mean your child has scoliosis -- but it's definitely wise to have a doctor check.
Back Pain
Back pain can have any number of explanations in kids. Your child may simply have strained a muscle in gym class, or they might be having growing pains. However, if they complain of back pain or are unable to participate in sports due to back pain, you'll want to have a doctor take a look. Scoliosis often causes an aching sort of back pain that is most severe after a long and active day.
If your child is diagnosed with scoliosis, it's important to realize that there are now very effective treatments to help resolve the condition. Surgery is rarely necessary; most cases can be solved with a brace and some physical therapy. For more information, contact a scoliosis treatment service such as C D Denison.
Share