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Discharge Instructions for Scoliosis—Child

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.

Steps to Take

Home Care

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.

Physical Activity

Your child may be given exercises to help reduce the curve and strengthen muscles.

Medications

Medicine may be given to ease pain.

If your child is taking medicine:

  • Give your child the medicine as advised. Do not change the amount or schedule.
  • Use the measuring device that came with the medicine. If you need to use a spoon, cup, or syringe, make sure it has the units that match your child’s prescription. For example, if the medicine is given in mL (milliliters), the device should have mL on it.
  • Be aware of the side effects of your child's medicine. Let the doctor know if any happen.
  • Medicine can be harmful when mixed. Talk to your child's doctor or pharmacist if your child is taking more than 1, including over the counter products and supplements.

Follow-up

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 Your Child's Doctor If Any of the Following Occur

Call the doctor if your child is having a hard time managing scoliosis or has:

  • New or worsening back pain
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Pain in the calf or leg muscles
  • Problems standing or walking
  • Problems breathing

If you think your child has an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.org

Scoliosis Research Society
http://www.srs.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society
http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

REFERENCES:

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