Pediatric Scoliosis

Many adults suffer from back pain as a result of pediatric scoliosis, an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. Pediatric scoliosis usually becomes visible but not painful in children 10 to 16 years of age, most often girls. If diagnosed before or during adolescence, it may be effectively controlled or managed. If not diagnosed until maturity, it may progress beyond the realm of simple treatment.

Pediatric scoliosis may or may not be noticed by the sufferer. The spinal curvature is easier for someone else to see at a short distance. The curve may cause one shoulder or hip to be higher than the other, or the neck may tilt at an angle rather than being perpendicular to the shoulders. In addition, the rib cage may rotate to one side. What looks like poor posture at first glance may have its roots in pediatric scoliosis.

Treatment for Pediatric Scoliosis and Adult Back Pain

Physicians use X-rays to determine the angle and rotation of the spine. Only the most acute cases of pediatric scoliosis require surgery. Some need only monitoring, and others find improvement through the wearing of braces. Those children who do need spinal-fusion surgery have the option of a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure that is successful in nearly 95 percent of patients.

Adults who developed scoliosis as children may eventually suffer from spinal degeneration or nerve compression. If nonprescription analgesics or hot/cold therapy fail to suppress stiffness or stabilize pain, patients may need corrective surgery. The Bonati Institute offers the latest arthroscopic surgeries as outpatient procedures.