Understanding Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Scoliosis in young people between 10 and 18 years old is termed adolescent scoliosis and this condition can be due to many different causes. By far the most common type of scoliosis in the adolescent period is one in which the cause is not known and is called idiopathic or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Although significant ongoing research continues in the area of AIS, including the genetic basis for it, there are no identifiable causes for this condition today. Despite this, there are methods to work out the risk for curve progression of scoliosis and there are good methods of treatment, including Gensingen Braces, as offered by us here at Braced for Scoliosis.

Symptoms

Thankfully, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis generally does not result in pain or neurologic symptoms. The curve of the spine does not put pressure on organs, including the lung or heart, and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in childhood does not include symptoms such as shortness of breath.

Symptoms of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are different from person to person, but they can include a difference in any of the following:

• One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other
• A prominence on one side of the back when bending forward
• One side of the rib cage jutting forward
• One hip higher than the other
• Uneven shoulders
• Uneven waist

You or your child may also notice that their clothes aren’t hanging straight.

Diagnosis

Most of the time, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is found during a physical exam and then confirmed with X-Rays of the spine.

The typical radiographic images that are obtained to define scoliosis include a standing X-ray of the entire spine looking both from the back (PA radiograph), as well as from the side (lateral radiograph).

The earlier scoliosis is diagnosed, the better for the child. Starting treatment as soon as possible offers the best long-term results.

Treatment

Treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis depends on the size of your child’s spinal curve and how severe it is. Treatment is not always required for very young children because their spine may straighten as they grow.

For those a little bit older, there are both surgical and non-surgical options, though surgical treatment is usually only considered if a child’s scoliosis continues to get worse despite trying other treatments first, or if they have severe scoliosis and they’ve stopped growing.

The goals of treatment are:

• Correct the curve
• Prevent related health issues
• To slow the curve’s progression
• Prevent or delay the need for surgery

How We Can Help

At Braced for Scoliosis, we can assist your child with their adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by providing life changing braces. We are a best practice bracing centre for scoliosis braces; provider of ground breaking Gensingen braces designed by world renowned scoliosis treatment expert Dr Hans-Rudolf Weiss™, for the treatment of adolescent or early onset scoliosis and those with natural curvature of the spine.