Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine that in the early stages of the disease isn’t always easy to spot. It usually occurs in children, but can affect adults too. June is designated Scoliosis Awareness Month to spread awareness about the importance of early detection to successfully treat scoliosis. Here are some of the early signs of scoliosis to watch out for in children:
- The child’s head appears to be off center in relation to the body
- One shoulder seems to higher than the other
- The body tends to lean towards one side
- Shirts don’t seem to fit correctly
- One pant leg seems shorter than the other
- One hip tends to stick up higher than the other
- The ribcage appears uneven
- Fatigue, back pain, leg pain.
Adults can experience similar symptoms as children with added degenerative elements. There may be damage to the spinal discs, lower back pain, and nerve impingement resulting in shooting pains down the leg, numbness sensation, and muscle fatigue.
Signs of symptoms of scoliosis may appear subtle at first, but if left untreated can interfere with routine activities and destroy self-esteem. The good news is, treatments are available such as bracing or surgery that can help improve quality of life.
Visit your spine specialist for a thorough evaluation and prompt treatment if you suspect you or your child is showing early signs of scoliosis.
At North Central Surgical Center, our mission is to treat each and every one of our patients, and their families, as if they were our own family member. Each patient, each family, each and every time.
