Scoliosis is a fairly common condition of the spine that is usually found in childhood. Roughly three million cases of scoliosis are diagnosed each year, and many of them appear around the ages of 10 to 12.

Scoliosis is usually mild to moderate, but there can be severe cases that cause disability and immobility. Fortunately, medical science has come a long way over the past decades, and treatment for scoliosis has become more effective.

Here’s what parents need to know about childhood scoliosis and scoliosis treatment.

It’s Important to Get Diagnosed Early

The best chance to treat scoliosis is to diagnose it early. If you can identify the condition before your child hits a major growth spurt, you can begin corrective procedures that can mitigate the spinal curvature as much as possible.

Your children should attend regular checkups. If they exhibit any symptoms of scoliosis, such as uneven shoulders and hips, one shoulder blade being more prominent than the other, or an uneven waist, seeing the doctor becomes even more important.

Scoliosis Can Be Hereditary

Did you know that scoliosis can run in the family? Many people aren’t aware of the often hereditary nature of scoliosis. If someone in your family has had it, chances are your children are vulnerable to it as well.

A lot of times, parents don’t expect scoliosis because they think no one in their family had it. But there’s a good chance that it was a mild case or went undiagnosed.

Treatment Is Available

Only about a third of all cases require treatment, and only a tenth of cases require surgery to correct the curvature, and this is in cases of deformity or immobility.

In those cases that require intervention, bracing is usually the go-to method. Orthotic braces specifically designed to correct curvature can be created custom to your child’s body. They’ll need regular adjustment as the child grows, especially from the age of 10 to adolescence, which means you’ll need to develop a relationship with a good orthotist who understands your child’s needs.

If your child does require surgery, good news: surgeries often are successful and have good outcomes! The usual procedure is a fusion of the spine to correct the curvature, and recovery time is typically one to two months.

Scoliosis can sound scary, but it’s very manageable, and with the right help, your child can experience a full and healthy life.

BioTech designs and creates custom orthotic braces for scoliosis patients and children with other conditions. Contact us if you have questions or want to pursue treatment for your child.

Scoliosis, a medical condition in which the spine takes on a sideways curvature, most often occurs during a child’s growth spurt just before they enter puberty. While some causes of scoliosis can be attributed to cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, most causes are unknown.

Read on for more information about this condition, plus treatment options in the form of scoliosis braces for children.

What Are the Risks?

While most scoliosis is mild, it is possible for some children to develop spinal curvature that worsens with time. In fact, it can even become disabling. If the abnormality becomes severe, it can decrease the amount of space inside the chest cavity and make normal lung function difficult.

A child with scoliosis should be closely monitored through the use of X-rays to check the status of the curvature. In some cases, the child may not need treatment at all. But other children may require the use of a back brace or even surgery.

No matter when a child is diagnosed with scoliosis, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Early intervention can allow the child to live a full, normal life. Fortunately, scoliosis braces for children are available -- and BioTech can help you walk through the process of choosing the correct brace and getting the very best results possible.

When Should You Get a Brace?

Typically, unless there are extenuating circumstances, doctors will only recommend scoliosis braces for children if the spine curvature is greater than 25 degrees. If the curvature is less than this, but is progressing to a higher degree, then a brace may be recommended as well.

If the scoliosis is discovered early and the child begins treatment as soon as possible, a brace can be a very effective way to stop the curvature from getting worse.

Types of Scoliosis Braces for Children

Two options of bracing treatments offered here at BioTech are the underarm (or low profile) brace and the Providence Nocturnal Scoliosis System.

An underarm brace is custom-fitted and molded for the child’s specific measurements so that curvature progression is restricted as much as possible. Most underarm braces can be worn under clothing. Typically, they are worn for 20-23 hours per day.

The Providence Nocturnal Scoliosis System is designed to be worn at night. As a hyper-corrective orthosis, this brace can treat scoliosis without interfering in daytime activities -- a major plus for older kids.

Questions? Contact BioTech Today!

If you’re ready to learn more about scoliosis braces for children, contact BioTech today. We are ready and willing to help!