Scoliosis is a complicated condition that involves lateral and rotational deformity and/or curvature of the spinal column. This condition is usually congenital, that is, one which is present at birth. The condition of scoliosis presents itself spontaneously during any point in a person’s lifetime, either showing itself directly or indirectly through some other symptom. Some of the secondary symptoms of scoliosis include spinal muscular atrophy or cerebral palsy. Dextroscoliosis is when the condition results in the right side convexity of the spine, whereas in Levoscoliosis, the spine’s curvature is to the left.

Causes of scoliosis

The actual cause of scoliosis isn’t properly known yet. Researchers have come out with various explanations for this condition, but none of them have been established as the actual reason for it. Some children are born with what is known as congenital vertebral anomaly. But very rarely, one gets to see teenagers being affected by this condition during adolescence. Scoliosis might worsen during the teenager’s growth spurts. This is when the condition causes the maximum discomfort in him.

Generally, scoliosis is seen to affect more females than males. Girls are found to be almost seven times more likely than boys to suffer from this worsening condition. This happens, as females tend to develop more progressive curves as they continue to grow.

Symptoms of scoliosis

The symptoms of this condition very rarely show up as pain in adolescents. But scoliosis can cause a lot of trouble during adulthood, if left unattended to during the early years. The most common early symptom reported by parents of children suffering from scoliosis is general cosmetic deformity.

Listed below are some common scoliosis symptoms to watch out for, in your child:

•Uneven muscle formation on one side of the spine.
•Uneven shoulder and/or hip levels on both sides.
•Unusual leaning to one side.
•Unusually asymmetric location of breasts in females.
•A sort of hump or an extraordinarily prominent shoulder blade on one side of the spine, caused by the rotation of the ribcage.
•Abnormally big distance between arms and body.

Examination for scoliosis

Patients or parents of the young patient complaining of sighting scoliosis symptoms will have to be first tested to confirm the same. Tests are undertaken in order to know the exact source of the deformity. Examination for scoliosis includes a check for the following:

•Neurofibromatosis, or the incidence of small clusters of tumors growing along nerves or elsewhere in the body, thereby impeding normal development of the body.
•Level of muscle tone and muscle reflexes.
•Level and intensity of abdominal reflexes.
•Cavovarus deformity of the feet.
•General gait of the patient.

Treatment for scoliosis

If your child is found to suffer from scoliosis, you should take an appointment with the pediatrician and find out ways for treating the condition. Scoliosis is corrected with braces or with surgery. Whatever the method of treatment, you will have to faithfully adhere to the follow-up schedule and act as per the doctor’s advice.

With proper treatment and counseling in certain extreme cases, the child can be completely cured of his scoliosis. The earlier you act, the faster he will be able to recover from his condition.