Scoliosis

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is when spine bone abnormalities make it bend sideways. A child with scoliosis may have a spine shaped like an “S” or a “C.” The condition can range from mild to severe. This can cause:

• Pain
• Trouble breathing
• Problems with normal development and growth

Types of Scoliosis

There are three main types of scoliosis:

Idiopathic Scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type. It happens for no known reason. Idiopathic scoliosis most often develops around puberty, but some children develop the condition earlier. Girls are more likely to have scoliosis than boys. 

Congenital Scoliosis

Congenital scoliosis occurs when the small bones of the spine (vertebrae) do not grow correctly during pregnancy. The baby’s bones may not be fully formed or may be fused. It is the least common type of scoliosis.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Neuromuscular scoliosis occurs when the child has another condition that affects the spine or the muscles around the spine. These include spina bifida, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.    

What are the signs and symptoms of scoliosis?

Scoliosis symptoms can vary from child to child. Some common symptoms in children include:

• Shoulders are not level
• Shoulder blades are not level, or one sticks out more
• Hips are not level
• Head is not centered over body
• One arm looks longer than the other when standing

What causes scoliosis?

The cause of scoliosis varies depending on the type your child has.

• Experts do not know what causes idiopathic scoliosis, but it can run in families.
• Congenital scoliosis occurs when the spine doesn’t develop correctly in early pregnancy. Experts don’t know why this happens to some babies.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis can occur when a child has a condition that affects the muscles around the spine, such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
• Other medical conditions can also cause scoliosis, such as spine tumors and connective tissue disorders.

How is scoliosis treated?

Your child’s treatment for scoliosis will depend on which type they have, their age and how severe their symptoms are. Your care team at Arkansas Children’s is experienced in treating scoliosis and will work with you to create the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment options may include:

Observation. If your child has a mild curve, your doctor may opt to have regular visits to ensure it does not worsen.

Bracing. If your child’s scoliosis is moderate or getting worse, the doctor may recommend a brace to help straighten the spine and keep the curve from worsening.

Surgery. If the scoliosis is severe or other treatments don’t work, your child may need surgery to help straighten the spine. The most common type is spinal fusion surgery.