How to recognize scoliosis in children

Recent statistics show that over 80% of children entering the first grade have defective posture. Add to this the static load at school desks, carrying heavy school bags and sitting in front of a computer for long periods of time, and the problem may turn into a scoliotic curvature of the spine or even scoliosis. In fact, a scoliotic curve can deteriorate quite quickly in a short period of time. This is why, for example, a paediatrician may not recognize it in a child in time. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your child regularly at home and pay attention to their back. So, how do you recognize if your child has scoliosis? 

The Adam's test to detect scoliosis 

The basic check you can do at home is the Adam's test: the child, back bare, slowly bends forward and you look from behind for unevenness — a difference between the left and right half of the back, shoulder blades, shoulders or buttocks at different heights, a spine deviating to one side. In a non-scoliotic spine you should see no difference; if you see marked differences, the child likely has at least defective posture. The exact procedure, a checklist of what to look for and a video are in a separate article, Adams test for detecting scoliosis.

What to do next?

So, if you have found out that your child has a scoliotic curvature of the spine, there is still no cause for concern. Scoliosis can be treated with rehabilitation treatment, regular exercise and manual techniques. However, it is very important to recognize it early and start dealing with the problem as soon as possible. 

It is not true that if a child has a scoliotic curvature or just a defective posture, there is no need to do anything about it because he or she will eventually grow out of it. As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, a scoliotic curve can deteriorate very quickly! Within a few months, severe spinal damage can occur, which is irreversible. This leads to the need to wear a corset or spinal surgery, which can be prevented with regular exercise. The sooner you start with compensation, rehabilitation treatment, and exercise, the quicker and easier it is to correct the curve. So what to do next? 

1. Find a specialist orthopaedic clinic
2. Have a corset made
3. Start rehabilitation treatment

The Spiral Stabilization Method directly specializes in scoliotic patients and is the only exercise and rehabilitation method that stretches the spine upward. Thus, regular exercise helps build a muscular corset and can stop a scoliotic curve from deteriorating or even improve it significantly. 

1. Orthopaedics 

The first step is to find a specialist orthopaedic clinic. An orthopaedic clinic will take an X-ray to determine the degree of the curve and the extent of the scoliosis. This scan is called a long format of the entire spine and must show the 1st cervical vertebra and both hip joints. A physiotherapist or medical doctor will be able to create a rehabilitation plan only after a long format of the entire spine has been taken. 

2. Corset therapy 

The second step is quality corset therapy. If an X-ray reveals that a child has a scoliotic curve greater than 20 degrees, a customized corset is made for him or her. At this point, it is important to make sure that the corset maker is experienced in creating scoliotic corsets and produces a high-quality corset. 

3. Rehabilitation treatment 

The third and perhaps the most important step is to find a suitable specialist rehabilitation facility that is specifically focused on scoliosis. But it doesn't stop here. At the rehabilitation centre, a physiotherapist or a doctor will draw up a rehabilitation plan for the child and show you how to exercise with him or her properly. In addition to rehabilitation treatment, massages, and manual techniques, you will also have to exercise with your child at home regularly. But we will talk more about this in the next article.