When your child is in the preteen to teenage years, he or she is growing like a weed! It seems like you are constantly buying new clothes or shoes.

If you start to notice some posture changes in your child after a recent growth spurt, you may begin to wonder if he or she is developing scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a developmental growth issue that affects the way the spine is stacked. Instead of in a traditional vertical line, the vertebrae grow in an “S” or “C” shape.

This can affect your child in a variety of ways during puberty. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Mooresville gives all the details below.

Does Scoliosis Cause Pain?

Thankfully, the majority of scoliosis cases are mild and don’t need any sort of complicated intervention. Sometimes if the curve is severe enough or progressively gets worse, it may cause back pain around the curve or muscular issues as the back muscles overcompensate for the curve.

Scoliosis is a developmental issue, so it is important to remember that your child is most likely not done growing yet. As he or she gets older, the curve might not get any worse, or it may get more severe as time goes on. It is important to monitor your child for additional symptoms as well:

Other Scoliosis Symptoms

• Difference in shoulder height
• Asymmetry in ribs
• Discrepancy in hip/shoulder blade height
• Muscle bulge on one side of the back when bending over

How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed?

Most exams will start with a family history to detect whether there is a genetic component, and an X-ray will most likely be offered to get a clear visual of the curve.

If your child does receive a scoliosis diagnosis, do your best to support him or her through this time. The teenage years are hard enough! Mild cases won’t require intervention, but more frequent doctor’s visits will be encouraged to monitor the progression.

Supporting Your Child’s Diagnosis

• Consistent exercise to keep back muscles strong
• Anti-inflammatories to manage pain
• Yoga and stretching to help alleviate pressure or pinch points

Scoliosis can be frustrating and overwhelming to deal with, but it is manageable. Need a diagnosis? Come see us for an X-ray at AFC Urgent Care Mooresville!