Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine, sometimes with a twist. The most common type, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, appears during the growth spurt before and during puberty, and its cause isn't known. It isn't caused by bad posture or carrying heavy school bags.

Common signs

• One shoulder or hip higher than the other
• One shoulder blade sticking out more
• A rib "hump" on one side when bending forward
• Clothes hanging unevenly

Mild scoliosis often causes no pain and is spotted by a parent, teacher or doctor.

How bracing can help

Your doctor or orthopaedic surgeon diagnoses scoliosis and measures the curve on X-ray. For a child who is still growing with a moderate curve, often around [20–45 degrees], a custom brace can slow or stop the curve from getting worse. That can mean avoiding or delaying surgery.

• The brace is custom-made from [a 3D scan / cast] of your child's body.
• It is usually worn for [18–23 hours a day]. How consistently it is worn makes the biggest difference.
• We review the fit regularly as your child grows, and your surgeon monitors the curve with X-rays.

We know a brace is a big adjustment for a teenager. We take time over comfort, fit under school clothes, and keeping them active in sport.

When to see a doctor

Scoliosis should always be diagnosed and monitored by a doctor. Seek help sooner if there is:

• back pain with fever, weight loss or night pain
• numbness, weakness or changes in bladder or bowel control
• a curve that seems to be getting worse quickly.