Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine.
The curve will need to be watched to check for changes over time. Your child may need a brace or cast. Some children may need surgery.
The goal of treatment is to stop the curve from getting worse.
Your child may need a back brace. Your child should wear it as he or she was taught.
Your child may be given exercises to help reduce the curve and strengthen muscles.
Medicine may be given to ease pain.
If your child is taking medicine:
The curve will need to be watched to check for changes over time. A specialist may be needed. Take your child to all appointments.
Call the doctor if your child is having a hard time managing scoliosis or has:
If you think your child has an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.org
Scoliosis Research Society
http://www.srs.org
Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society
http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/adolescent-idiopathic-scoliosis. Updated July 12, 2019. Accessed July 18, 2019.
Congenital scoliosis and kyphosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/congenital-scoliosis-and-kyphosis. Updated January 19, 2016. Accessed July 18, 2019.
Idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00353. Updated March 2015. Accessed July 18, 2019.
Infantile and juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/infantile-and-juvenile-idiopathic-scoliosis. Updated March 5, 2018. Accessed July 18, 2019.
Pain assessment in children: performing. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at:https://www.ebscohost.com/nursing/products/nursing-reference-center. Updated March 29, 2019. Accessed July 18, 2019.
Last reviewed June 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review BoardKari Kassir, MD