Not long after scoliosis surgery, Nikki was back to competitive water polo and jumping off the pier as a junior life guard.
Jessica had a 70-degree curve in her spine. After going through spine surgery, she now has advice for other teens with scoliosis.
Ellie was scared when she found out she needed to wear a brace for scoliosis, but she had determination and a few tricks up her sleeve.
A normal spine, when viewed from behind, appears straight. A minor amount of sideways curvature is fairly common. If the spine curves more than 10 degrees, it is considered scoliosis. This condition is most common in late childhood and early teens, when children grow quickly. Girls are more likely to develop scoliosis than boys.
Although scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, most causes of scoliosis are unknown. The following are the most common symptoms of scoliosis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
We treat all forms of scoliosis, including early onset scoliosis (before age 10), adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (age 10 to 18 with no known cause), syndromic scoliosis (caused by another condition), kyphoscoliosis (a combination of forward and side-to-side curvature) and neuromuscular scoliosis.
Early diagnosis of scoliosis is important. Your child’s pediatrician should check for scoliosis at every yearly physical exam. If your child’s spine shows signs of curvature, the doctor may monitor it closely with X-rays every few months. If the curve worsens, or is more than 25 degrees, your doctor may refer you to the CHOC Children’s Spine Center, where our spine specialists have fine-tuned the most innovative and proven scoliosis treatments available.
The goal of treatment is to stop the progression of the curve and prevent deformity. We take a conservative approach to treatment, first observing and then prescribing bracing if necessary. When surgery is necessary, we offer the very latest methods and surgical expertise, all in a setting specially designed to treat kids and teens.
Treatment may include:
Observation and exercise. Observation may be necessary to determine if the spine is continuing to curve as the child grows. Your child’s doctor may take regular measurements or perform X-rays to monitor the spine. Certain exercises may help prevent the spine from curving more. Learn how to do the most effective scoliosis exercises.
Bracing and casting. Bracing may be used when the curve measures more than approximately 25 degrees and your child is still growing. The type of brace and the amount of time spent in the brace will depend on the severity of the condition. We use computer-assisted methods to design custom braces to allow as much movement and flexibility as possible. We also offer an innovative bracing treatment called a Mehta cast for younger patients with scoliosis. Learn more about scoliosis bracing.
Surgery. Surgery may be recommended when the curve measures 40 degrees or more and bracing isn’t successful in slowing down the progression of the curve. We use growing rods for younger children who are still growing, and spinal fusion for teens who are near the end of their growth period.
If left untreated, curves greater than 50 degrees are at risk for worsening and can lead to long-term health problems involving the heart and/or lungs. Many patients and families may also be concerned with how their back looks.
Try these exercises to help minimize back pain or prevent the spine from curving further.
Put your worries to rest with our teen's guide to wearing a scoliosis brace.
Learn what to expect before, during and after scoliosis spinal fusion surgery.
CHOC Children's is affiliated with the
UC Irvine School of Medicine
