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Did you know... Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that makes the spine look more like an S or C rather than a straight I.
Causes
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown. Scoliosis can occur in several people within a family.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Uneven shoulders
- One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other
- Uneven waist
- One hip higher than the other
If a scoliosis curve gets worse, the spine will also rotate or twist, in addition to curving side to side.
Treatments
The type of treatment required depends on the kind and degree of the curve, the child's age, and the number of remaining growth years until the child reaches skeletal maturity.
Children who experience mild scoliosis may require regular checkups every four to six months to watch for changes in the curvature of the spine. Children with more severe cases of scoliosis may require a brace or surgery.
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