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Scoliosis is an abnormal, and unhealthy, curvature in the spine affecting millions of people, both younger and older, worldwide. The curvature causes rotation of the spinal vertebrae and ribcage and results in abnormal posture. If left untreated, scoliosis can progress and can cause disfigurement, respiratory and digestive issues, and pain. Some sufferers have difficulty breathing and develop neuropathies. Scoliosis is a progressive condition that begins in early childhood. The cause is unknown. Most people are diagnosed with scoliosis between the ages of 12-16 years old. The severity of scoliosis can vary and unfortunately many cases go undetected as most of the early presentation is lacking in symptomatology. It is important to assess your child on a regular basis. A quick and easy assessment can be performed to pick up on abnormalities.

Have your child stand with their back facing you. Start at the head and work your way down the body. Look for the following signs:

Start by checking the tops of the shoulders. Are they even or is one side higher than the other? Move downward and check the bottoms of the shoulder blades. Is one blade higher than the other? Place your hands on your child’s hips with your palms facing the floor. Check to make sure that the hips are level. Have your child bend forward to touch their toes and hang. Observe the mid back. Does one side look higher than the other (”rib humping”)? With the child still bent forward and their hands hanging loosely towards the floor, check the tips of the fingers. Is one hand hanging lower than the other? Have the child straighten up to a stand. Run your fingers down the child’s entire spine, starting shoulder level. Is the spine straight, or does it curve to one side? Check the bottoms of the child’s pants. Does one pant leg appear chorter? Lastly, look at the bottoms of your child’s shoes. Do the shoes wear evenly? Most uneven wear can be most noticable at the heel and indicates the presence of biomechanical gait abnormalities associated with poor arch integrity and hip unleveling.

If you notice any of the above in your child, or have any concerns in regards to your child’s posture, have them evaluated by a Chiropractor. Doctors of Chiropractic are the most skilled professionals to evaluate, treat, and monitor scoliosis.

Sarah Deam, DC