You may have heard scoliosis mentioned at your child’s school, but what exactly is it?
Scoliosis is a condition where the vertebrae (the small bones in the spine) curve or rotate instead of forming a straight line. When the curve is significant, it can lead to pain, arthritis, or even lung problems.
There are multiple types of scoliosis. In some cases, it runs in families or is linked to how a baby’s spine develops before birth. It can also result from long-term medical conditions like muscular dystrophy. However, in many cases, the cause remains unknown.
Scoliosis can progress quickly during growth spurts. That’s why regular screening is essential, especially beginning at age 10 for girls and 13 for boys. Early detection can help prevent more severe problems in the future.
At Manet, our pediatric providers check for scoliosis during your child’s yearly physical exam. Don’t have one scheduled? Call us or book an appointment through the patient portal today!
References:
Nemours KidsHealth. (n.d.). Scoliosis (for parents). Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://kids
health.org/en/parents/scoliosis.html
American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Scoliosis. HealthyChildren.org. Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/co