Can I Self-Diagnose Scoliosis in My Child?

September 15, 2022

Scoliosis in My Child

As your child grows, he or she will go through many well-child checks to ensure healthy development and growth. If you start to notice a change in his or her spine after a growth spurt between appointments, you may wonder if scoliosis is to blame.

If your child has scoliosis, it means that his or her spine has grown into an “S” or “C” shape instead of the normal vertical line. It may be visible to the naked eye, but it is always important to get evaluated by a doctor for a proper diagnosis. We have a great staff at AFC Urgent Care Sevierville that can get you started with an X-ray and evaluation today!

Is Scoliosis Progressive?

The majority of scoliosis cases are mild and don’t require any sort of intervention. If the case is severe enough, though, it may cause back pain around the site of the curve or cause mild nerve pain if it is compressing on a nerve.

Scoliosis is a result of a skeletal growth issue, so keep in mind that your child is not done growing! As he or she grows, the curve might fix itself, or it may get worse. Keep an eye out for posture changes that may indicate a more severe case.

Posture Issues From Scoliosis

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

What Does a Scoliosis Exam Look Like for a Child?

In almost all cases, an office visit will be required in order to obtain a family history and do an initial exam. An X-ray will typically be ordered to get a better picture of the spine, and all of this data is compiled to decide whether it is consistent with a scoliosis diagnosis.

If it is, a “watch and wait” approach may be the best course of action if your child is still growing. Sometimes in severe-enough cases, a back brace or surgery will be suggested. Support your child’s spine and back health as he or she grows to help minimize any symptoms!