Causes and treatment of scoliosis in children
Author Dr. Gergely Holnapy PhD | 2019.10.26.
Maintaining good posture is important at all ages. However, children require special attention because scoliosis often develops from negligent posture in youth, which can lead to premature cartilage wear or disc herniation. In the following article, Dr. Gergely Holnapy PhD, our orthopaedic specialist, draws parents' attention to the risk factors, solutions and the importance of prevention.
Symptoms of scoliosis
The most important thing as a parent is to watch your child's posture when sitting and walking. Asymmetry of the shoulders and hips may already be a symptom of scoliosis, so if you notice this, be sure to contact a paediatric orthopaedic specialist for a screening test.
What is scoliosis?
A scoliosis (scoliosis) means a curvature of the spine and, at the same time, a horizontal twisting of the vertebrae and a reduction in the arcuate curvature. In this case, a hump appears after the curvature, which is caused by the ribs in the thoracic region and the twisted hip muscles in the lumbar region. If the patient leans forward, it can be seen and examined by eye. Often, in addition to the deformity of the spine, the shape of the chest is also altered.
It is recommended that X-rays of the spine are taken in both directions in the standing position.
Another common type of scoliosis is Scheuermann's disease: can change the shape of the arrow curves, it can occur anywhere on the ridge, the change is caused by structural variations. The disease is very common, with various statistics showing a prevalence of between 5 and 15 %. It is a transient ossification disorder of unknown origin, resulting in a weakening of the vertebral structure and a forward deformation of the vertebrae in a wedge shape. The edges of the vertebral bodies become uneven, sclerosis (calcification) appears at the edges and the gaps between the vertebrae narrow, and Schmorl-shaped (pea-like) impressions are often seen in the vertebral bodies.
What are the causes of scoliosis in children?
Nowadays, 60% of preschoolers and 80% of secondary school students have some kind of postural problem. According to our expert, this is the result of due to sudden growth, because muscle development cannot keep up with bone growth.
Treatment of scoliosis
There is a solution for the upset muscle balance! With movement therapy and exercise, the deep muscles responsible for posture can be developed from a very early age and later musculoskeletal problems can be avoided.
Physical education, body awareness, daily movement and sport all contribute to the proper musculoskeletal development of the child. If a problem develops, it is advisable to consult a physiotherapist as soon as possible, as specialised pediatric exercise can reverse the problem.
- Early stageswimming, exercise, physiotherapy.
- Late stage: daily physical exercise is recommended.
In severe, neglected cases, surgical correction of the disease is possible.
I try to approach patients with maximum knowledge and maximum courtesy.
Dr. Gergely Holnapy PhD
Orthopaedic-traumatologist, university assistant professor