Scoliosis In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Scoliosis (sko-le-O-sis) is an abnormal curving of the spine to the side. Normally, the spine is made up of many back bones that are like blocks placed on top of each other. It should be straight when seen from the back and a mirror-image letter 'S' from the side. With scoliosis, the bones are not properly placed on top of the other causing the spine to curve sideways. The abnormal curving in the spine may limit chest movement and cause lung or heart problems. In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. Your child may have a greater chance of having scoliosis if someone in your family also had it. A birth defect on his spine or other health conditions affecting the muscles or bones may cause scoliosis.
  
  
• Your child may lean to one side with his shoulder or waist lower on one side than the other. His shoulder blade, ribs, or hip may stick out more on one side than the other. Other signs include a sunken chest, rounded shoulders, and swayback. A detailed health history of your child and physical exam may help diagnose scoliosis. Tests to look at the spine, such as x-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be done. Treatment of scoliosis in children aims to correct or control the curving of the spine and prevent further problems. This may include watchful waiting, using a cast or back brace, or surgery. With proper treatment and care, your child's scoliosis may be controlled and further problems prevented. Ask your caregiver for more information about these tests and treatments.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your child's medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines your child takes, the amounts, and when and why they are taken. Bring the list of your child's medicines or the medicine bottles when you visit your child's caregivers. Ask your child's caregiver for more information about the medicines. Do not give any medicines to your child without first asking your child's caregiver. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Always give your child's medicine as directed by his caregivers. Call your child's caregiver if you think your child's medicines are not helping. Call if you feel your child is having side effects. Do not quit giving the medicines to your child until you discuss it with your child's caregiver.
  
  
• Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age: Giving aspirin to your child when he is ill may cause a very serious illness called Reye's Syndrome. This could lead to brain and liver damage. Read medicine labels to see if your child's medicine has aspirin in it.

Ask your child's caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you and your child may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your child's next visit.

Help your child to rest. Your child should rest as much as possible and get plenty of sleep.

Wearing a cast or back brace: Your child may need to wear a cast or back brace. This may help keep his spine from curving or stop the curving from getting worse. Most braces are light and small and may be worn under clothes. Sometimes, a cast is used first and replaced with a brace after a few months. The brace may be adjusted as your child grows. It is important that your child uses his brace correctly. Ask your child's caregiver for more information about using a cast or back brace.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your child has a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition, medicines, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your child has back pain that is worse or does not go away.
  
  
• Your child has problems passing urine or having bowel movements.
  
  
• Your child has trouble breathing, coughing, wheezing, or has noisy breathing.
  
  
• Your child has trouble moving his legs.
  
  
• Your child's legs feel numb, become weak, or he cannot feel them.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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