Scoliosis is not categorized as a disease, it means that the spine is curved or twisted, and there is normally no weakness of the back. Scoliosis is not infectious or contagious, and is not caused as a result of anything the child or it’s parents did or did not do.

It usually appears during the fast growth period of the early teens, though it can also effect pre-teens. Scoliosis can vary from slight to severe curvature of the spine, and can sometimes remain mild, but up to four children in every thousand, will need treatment.

HOW TO SPOT THE SYMPTOMS

Occasionally, you should check for Scoliosis in children bare-backed. This is best done by getting the child to bend over, whilst keeping their legs and arms straight, and their palms together.

If the child has Scoliosis, from the rear, a rib bulge would be visible, as in figure 2, in the diagram to the left. A common sign of the problem is one shoulder blade being more prominent than the other, with the child tending to lead a little to one side and the hips may also be uneven.

Scoliosis will not disappear on it’s own as the child gets older, so the earlier it is detected, and treated, the better for the child.

Treatment is available for Scoliosis, and if you spot or suspect the symptoms, visit your GP, and if curvature is confirmed, the child will normally be referred to a specialist.