What is Scoliosis?

Question

What is Scoliosis and what does it mean when on your childs school exam it says positive at Scoliosis?

Answer 1

Scoliosis means curvature of the spine. Many people can be diagnosed with Scoliosis; it is far more prevalent in girls than it is in boys. There is no proof quite yet, but it is suggested that it is hereditary. I have quite a few family members with Scoliosis as well.

Your Pediatrician should be able to recommend a specialist to see. Depending upon your income and area you live in, you may be eligible to receive care at Shriners Hospital for Children. Shriners offers free care and bracing up until the age of 18. This is where I received my treatment.

Bracing is one of many options you have, all depending on the severity of the curve. Your next course of action really depends on the recommendations of the doctor and the degree of curvature your child's spine is at.

Based upon the fact that my menstrual period had not started when I diagnosed in the 4th grade and I was still growing, as well as the severity of my double curve, I was placed into a brace. I was in a brace for four years, until my menstrual period became normal and I stopped growing. Halfway into my treatment, my top curve topped out at 48 degrees. Surgery is considered, at least used to be by Shriners, at 50. I had been quite lax about wearing my brace for the required 23 hours a day.

If not treated, and allowed to continue to curve, intestinal and lung problems can occur, as well as physical deformations from the spine curving into the body.

Do not worry, especially until you talk to a specialist. There are many different options and if caught early, the problem can be fixed. Surgery should always be a last resort. While bracing can be uncomfortable, especially for a child/teenager, it taught me quite a bit about myself, my family, and who my friends truly were. Children can be cruel, but with a good support system, I'm sure your child will do fine, if bracing becomes an option.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Scoliosis is an abnormal s -shape to the spine. Have your child take his shirt off and bend over to touch his toes, then examine the spine. Scoliosis can be somewhat corrected with exercises. However, severe cases require surgery and the placement of a Harrington rod to keep the spine in normal alignment. If it was severe, you probably would have noticed it by now.Moderate to severe scoliosis can affect the growth of internal organs such as the kidneys, etc due to lack of room to grow properly. School exams are screenings, definitely follow up with your MD to determine what can be done to help your child!

Answer 3

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Although it usually doesn't cause pain, scoliosis or its treatment can sometimes wound a child's self-esteem. At worst, scoliosis can interfere with the function of organs. Your child should be seen by a doctor ASAP for this condition.

Answer 4

It means there is a curve in the spine that is abnormal. If it says positive, it means the examiner felt scoliosis was present. I would have my child checked by their own doctor to verify, that's pretty much why the school is notifying you of the situation.

Answer 5

Scoliosis is abnormal curvature of the spine. You should make an appointment with your child's doctor for further diagnosis. If chest x-rays are done make sure they are done while standing. Scoliosis always looks better laying down. My first scoliosis x-rays were taken with me laying down and were measured to be a 20 degree curve. I was referred to an orthopedic specialist who specifically asked me how my original x-rays were taken, and had them redone when he found out I had been laying down. Those x-rays with me standing were measured to be about a 40 degree curve. My surgery was done at 58 degrees. With younger patients, doctors usually do a brace.

Answer 6

Scoliosis is when your spine is curved. Don't worry though if its still in its primary stages. I was like at 17% and by going to a chiropractor every week for just a few months I am now at a harmless 7%.

Answer 7

Scoliosis is a mild to severe curvature of the spine if your child is positive he/she will need to have some tests to determine the severity of the defect and after that the doctor will determine the proper treatment.I have this problem and it causes me alot of lower back pain.

Answer 8

a scoliosis is a side ways curvature of the spine.
Positive means that your child has the condition.
Make an appointment to take your child to the doctor.