Scoliosis refers to a curvature in the spine, which can cause discomfort and other symptoms, such as an uneven appearance. Some cases of scoliosis that only involve a mild curvature might not require any treatment. However, a moderate or severe spinal curvature might need to be treated in order to prevent it from getting worse. If your child has severe or moderate scoliosis, learning more about treatment options can help set your mind at ease. The following are some of the treatment options that are available for this spinal condition.
Braces
Bracing is sometimes used as treatment for moderate scoliosis or for children whose bones haven’t stopped growing yet. Wearing a brace is mainly used to reduce the risk of having scoliosis become worse rather than for correcting a spinal curvature. Braces for scoliosis are usually plastic and have a custom fit for comfort. These braces are typically worn for up to 16 hours per day. Wearing a brace for a longer period of time generally improves its effectiveness and does not generally stop children from being able to participate in sports or other physical activities. Children with scoliosis can usually stop wearing a brace once they are done growing. While this can vary, girls often stop growing at an earlier age compared to boys.
Surgical Procedures
Cases of severe scoliosis might require a surgical procedure to stop the spine from becoming more curved. Different types of procedures can be used to treat scoliosis, such as spinal fusion or expansion rods. Spinal fusion involves having more than one vertebra or spinal bone attached, which stops them from being able to move on their own. This procedure helps keep the affected part of the spine as straight as possible. Younger children with severe scoliosis might have an expandable rod placed along their spine to help prevent curvature. This rod can be made longer every few months or more as needed. Vertebral body tethering is another surgical procedure used for treating scoliosis. This type of surgery involves the use of small incisions and a flexible cord that can be adjusted as needed in order to straighten the spine.
Finding the Right Scoliosis Treatment
It’s important to find the most effective treatment for scoliosis in order to lower the risk of severe curvature. Orthopedists can evaluate your child’s condition and recommend treatment based on different factors, such as your child’s age and the severity of spinal curvature. Keep in mind that if your child has mild scoliosis, you might still need to have this condition evaluated from time to time to make sure it’s not getting worse. With proper treatment, your child’s condition can improve, resulting in a more even appearance and less discomfort.
If you’re looking for scoliosis treatment, please contact Huntington Orthopedics to make an appointment. We can help you find an effective treatment to ease symptoms and prevent additional curvature of the spine.