Did you know that scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity in children? In fact, around 2-3% of all children will suffer from scoliosis at some point in their lives. While there are many myths and misconceptions about scoliosis, it is important for parents to be aware of the facts so they can seek treatment if necessary. In this article, we will dispel some of the myths about scoliosis and discuss the facts that every parent should know.
It’s not an emergency
Many parents worry that if their child is diagnosed with scoliosis, it’s an emergency situation and they need to panic. However, this is not the case. Scoliosis is not an emergency diagnosis and there is no reason to get alarmed. While it’s important to seek treatment if your child has scoliosis, there is no need to rush into anything. Scoliosis treatment options like surgery should only be considered if the scoliosis is causing problems for your child or if it is getting worse over time.
There are many myths and misconceptions about scoliosis once a diagnosis is made, and parents should understand the condition so they can seek appropriate treatment for their children.
Scoliosis can be hereditary
While the cause of scoliosis is often unknown, it can sometimes be hereditary. If you have a family history of scoliosis, your child is more likely to develop the condition. It’s important to be aware of this and to seek treatment if your child is diagnosed with scoliosis.
There are many different types of scoliosis, and some forms are hereditary. Some of the most common types of hereditary scoliosis include:
- Congenital scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is present at birth and is caused by abnormal development of the spine.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is caused by problems with the muscles and nerves that control the spine. It can be caused by conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
- Syndromic scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is caused by a genetic disorder or syndrome. Some examples include Down syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and Turner syndrome.
If you have a family history of any type of scoliosis, it’s important to seek treatment if your child is diagnosed with the condition. Often, only stretches and postures are needed to correct the issue. Treatment options like surgery may be necessary in extreme cases to correct the curvature of the spine.
Most cases don’t require surgery
A common worry among parents is whether or not their child will need surgery if they are diagnosed with scoliosis. However, this is not an absolute must. In fact, most cases of scoliosis do not require surgery to correct them. There are a number of effective scoliosis treatments available for children, and surgery should only be considered if the curvature of the spine is causing serious problems for your child or if it’s exacerbating.
There are a number of different types of surgery available for children with scoliosis, and the type of surgery that is recommended will vary depending on the severity of the curvature. Some of the most common surgeries used to correct scoliosis include:
- Spinal fusion: This surgery involves fusing two or more vertebrae together to correct the curve in the spine.
- Spinal bracing: This surgery involves wearing a brace to correct the curve in the spine.
- Vertebral column resection: This surgery is used to remove part of a vertebrae to correct the curve in the spine.
Mild cases don’t affect daily life
While some parents may panic upon receiving a scoliosis diagnosis for their child, it is important to remember that most cases are mild and will not require any type of treatment.
Mild cases of scoliosis usually do not cause any problems such as back pain or affect daily life significantly. Most children with mild scoliosis do not need to wear a brace or have surgery. While the curvature of the spine may be noticeable, it does not usually cause any pain or other problems.
Physical activity and normal activities like playing sports or going to school are usually no different for children with mild scoliosis than for other children. Mild scoliosis does not limit what a child can do.
Conclusion
Scoliosis is a condition that can be hereditary and there are many different types. Surgery is usually only necessary for severe cases, and most children with scoliosis will not need any treatment at all. If your child is diagnosed with scoliosis, you should talk to their doctor about the best course of treatment.
