Frequently Asked Questions
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Scoliosis typically does not cause back pain, although if the patient has a larger curve, that may occasionally cause discomfort.
A truly structural curve will not improve on its own. If the child’s spine is still growing, it is more likely that the curve will worsen.
Yes, approximately 30% of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients have a family history of scoliosis.
Heavy backpacks do not cause scoliosis or make a curve worse. Heavy backpacks can be related to back pain. It is advisable for children to carry less than 10% of their body weight in the backpacks with the straps over both shoulders.
Because scoliosis tends to run in families, it is a good idea to have siblings checked if any aligning changes are present, especially during their growth spurts (10 to 15 years old). Early detection is extremely important and parents can help. Look at your child’s back with a bathing suit on, if you see one shoulder appearing higher than the other, or one side of the ribcage sticking out more than the other side, call your pediatrician to be evaluated.
Being diagnosed at a young age translates into a higher chance of scoliotic curve progression during growth spurts. The location of the curve also plays a role in the chance of scoliotic progression.
Generally, scoliosis affects almost three times as many women as men.
- One shoulder may be higher than the other.
- One shoulder blade may be higher or more prominent than the other.
- With the arms hanging loosely at the side, there may be more space between the arm and the body on one side.
- One hip may appear to be higher or more prominent than the other.
- The head may not be exactly centered over the pelvis.