How to Spot Scoliosis in Teens? Essential Signs You Need to Know!

Scoliosis, a deviation of the spine, affects 2 to 4% of the French population and 1% of children aged 8-15. Girls are eight times more likely to be affected than boys, according to the Health Insurance data. To raise awareness among teenagers, an orthopedic device manufacturer, Proteor, organized a Scolio’Z tour from April 10 to 24 across France, focusing on this spinal condition.

How to Spot Signs of Scoliosis?

Parents can identify potential scoliosis through two quick visual tests that should be conducted regularly, especially before and during puberty. The first test involves observing any unusual hump by looking at the level of the back of a bending forward teenager. In the second test, the child should stand straight with feet flat on the ground and arms at their sides. From behind the child, the parent should check the alignment of the head, shoulders, and hips. If the head is not aligned with the body, the shoulders are uneven, and the hips are off balance, scoliosis might be present, and a doctor’s visit for further examination is necessary.

What Causes It?

In most cases, scoliosis develops without a known cause. However, it can also be associated with muscular, neuromuscular diseases, malformations, or severe trauma.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Scoliosis progresses slowly during childhood but speeds up during puberty and is generally stabilized in adulthood. Early detection is crucial for timely and effective treatment. To prevent worsening or to reduce the deformity before growth ends, various treatments are available. Physical therapy sessions are prescribed to improve posture, strengthen muscles, and maintain spinal and respiratory function. These are often accompanied by orthopedic or surgical treatments for scoliosis. Orthopedic treatment typically involves wearing a custom-made brace, which the child or teenager must wear continuously until their skeleton has finished growing. In cases where this fails and the scoliosis is severe, surgical treatment may be recommended.