What should I do if my child is found to have scoliosis during a physical examination?

Scoliosis not only affects the child's physical appearance, but may also have many adverse effects on the child's health. So, what should parents do when their children are found to have scoliosis during a physical examination?

1. Understanding Scoliosis

Scoliosis refers to a three-dimensional spinal deformity in which one or more segments of the spine bend sideways, accompanied by vertebral rotation. Depending on the degree of scoliosis, it can be divided into mild, moderate and severe scoliosis. Mild scoliosis is usually not easy to detect, while moderate and severe scoliosis may cause obvious changes in body appearance, such as uneven shoulders, chest deformity, pelvic tilt, etc.

2. Seek medical treatment promptly

Once a child is found to have scoliosis during a physical examination, parents should take the child to a regular hospital's orthopedic or spinal surgery department as soon as possible. The doctor will conduct a detailed examination and evaluation based on the child's specific situation, including physical appearance examination, spinal X-rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other examinations to determine the degree, type and cause of scoliosis.

During the consultation, parents should provide the doctor with detailed information about their child's daily posture, exercise, family medical history, etc., so that the doctor can better understand their child's condition. At the same time, parents can also consult the doctor about the treatment and prognosis of scoliosis to understand their child's condition and treatment plan.

3. Treatment Methods

1. Observation and follow-up

For children with mild scoliosis (scoliosis angle less than 20 degrees), doctors usually recommend observation and follow-up. Parents should take their children to the hospital for regular check-ups to observe the progress of scoliosis. During the observation and follow-up period, parents can urge their children to maintain good posture habits, such as sitting and standing straight, sleeping on a hard bed, etc. At the same time, they can encourage their children to do appropriate physical exercises, such as swimming, yoga, etc., to enhance the flexibility of the spine and muscle strength.

2. Bracing treatment

For children with moderate scoliosis (curvature angle between 20 and 45 degrees), doctors usually recommend brace treatment. A brace is a special orthosis that can correct the scoliotic spine by applying external force to the spine. Brace treatment requires a suitable brace to be customized according to the child's specific situation and worn correctly under the guidance of a doctor. Brace treatment usually takes a long time and requires sufficient patience and perseverance from the child and the parents.

During the brace treatment, parents should pay close attention to their children's physical changes and psychological state. The brace may cause some discomfort to the child, such as pain, skin allergies, etc. Parents should promptly report the situation to the doctor so that the doctor can adjust the design and wearing method of the brace. At the same time, parents should also pay attention to the child's psychological state, encourage the child to face the treatment positively, and avoid negative emotions such as inferiority and anxiety caused by wearing the brace.

3. Surgery

For children with severe scoliosis (a scoliosis angle greater than 45 degrees), doctors usually recommend surgical treatment. Surgery is a more complex treatment method that needs to be performed under the guidance of a professional spine surgeon. The purpose of the surgery is to correct the scoliotic spine, restore the normal physiological curvature of the spine, and prevent further deterioration of the condition.

Surgical treatment has certain risks and complications, such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, etc. Therefore, before deciding to undergo surgical treatment, parents should fully communicate with the doctor, understand the risks and prognosis of the operation, and make a decision after weighing the pros and cons.

IV. Rehabilitation Training

In addition to the above treatments, rehabilitation training is also an important part of scoliosis treatment. Rehabilitation training can help children enhance the flexibility of the spine and muscle strength, improve body balance and coordination, and promote recovery from the disease.

1. Posture correction training

Posture correction training is the basis of rehabilitation training. Parents can urge their children to maintain good posture habits, such as sitting and standing straight, sleeping on a hard bed, etc. At the same time, parents can also buy some posture correction devices for their children, such as sitting correctors, Beibeijia, etc., to help their children correct bad postures.

2. Muscle strengthening training

Muscle strengthening training can help children strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve the stability of the spine. Common muscle strengthening training methods include sit-ups, push-ups, plank support, etc. Parents can choose the training method suitable for their children according to their age and physical condition, and conduct training under the guidance of a doctor.

3. Balance and coordination training

Balance and coordination training can help children improve their balance and coordination and reduce the risk of imbalance and falls caused by scoliosis. Common balance and coordination training methods include standing on one leg, walking on a balance beam, skipping rope, etc. Parents can encourage their children to participate in more sports activities, such as swimming, yoga, dancing, etc., to improve their balance and coordination.

V. Preventive measures

To prevent your child from developing scoliosis, you can take the following preventive measures:

1. Develop good posture habits

Parents should cultivate good posture habits for their children from an early age, such as sitting and standing straight, sleeping on a hard bed, etc. At the same time, parents should also pay attention to the weight of their children's school bags to avoid their children carrying too heavy school bags.

2. Increase physical exercise

Parents should encourage their children to participate in more physical exercise, such as swimming, yoga, dancing, etc., to enhance the flexibility of the spine and muscle strength. At the same time, parents should also pay attention to their children's sports safety to avoid injuries during sports.

3. Get regular medical checkups

Parents should take their children for regular physical examinations to detect physical problems in their children in a timely manner. If a child is found to have a tendency to scoliosis during a physical examination, parents should take the child to the hospital for further examination and treatment in a timely manner.

In short, when a child is found to have scoliosis during a physical examination, parents should not panic or worry. They should take their children to see a doctor in time, choose appropriate treatment methods according to the doctor's advice, and cooperate with rehabilitation training and psychological support. At the same time, parents should also take effective preventive measures to prevent their children from having scoliosis. As long as parents and children work together, they will be able to overcome scoliosis and let their children have a healthy body and a bright future.

Author: An Yonghui, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University