Every single year, there are thousands of teenagers and children who will be diagnosed with a curvature of the spine, or Scoliosis. This curvature can cause difficulty in walking and, in some cases, even a difficulty in breathing. Our spines are the foundation of our being, they are the reason we can walk and stand upright, and keeping the spine aligned is an absolute necessity. When the spine becomes curved because of a case of scoliosis, hips can become uneven, shoulders are uneven, one shoulder blade could protrude out further than the other, and a general feeling of fatigue can become overwhelming to a child.

Since the symptoms caused by scoliosis can affect a child emotionally, as well as physically, most parents are wondering if there is any way to prevent this condition from happening at all. Unfortunately, the causes of scoliosis are mostly unknown. Many of the things we might look at as a cause, such as constantly wearing a heavy backpack on just one shoulder, or playing an instrument like the violin that requires an offset stance, are actually tasks that only aggravate the condition or bring it to light. Scientists are constantly searching for a definite cause. At this point, we only know that if someone in the family already has scoliosis, your child has a higher risk of developing the condition.

Therefore, the best prevention is simply to keep an eye on your children. Watch the way they walk and how their back moves when they walk. If you notice any signs such as uneven shoulders or hips or a leaning to one side, then it is of the utmost importance that you have your child checked out by your family healthcare provider as quickly as possible. This will ensure proper diagnosis and will also prevent further progression of the condition. There are several treatment options available as well, including just keeping a close eye out for any changes and your child wearing a specially designed brace to keep the spine from curving any further. There is also the surgical correction of the spine’s curvatures.

What is Scoliosis? ¦ Scoliosis Symptoms ¦ Scoliosis Treatment