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Understanding Scoliosis in Children

    We usually think that our spine is one long bone, but it is not It is entirely true it’s not just one bone, it’s a chain of multiple smaller bones. That’s when we understand what scoliosis is. scoliosis is when the vertebrae (the small bones in the spine) form a curved line instead of being straight, it measures up to 10 degrees or more. The most severe scoliosis results in curvature to bend more than 40 degrees.
    when we observe a human spine it appears to be straight but when diagnosed with scoliosis it forms an S or C shape which can be clearly visible. The body of a person looks tilted from one side or from both side depending on the type of scoliosis. scoliosis is a conspicuous condition that majorly affects
    children and adolescents.

    Why early detection is important

    scoliosis results in chronic pain, difficulty in breathing, due to pressure on the lungs, heart problems, and limited range of movement hence when detected in the early stage reduces the risk of complications. it halts the curvature from bending or might even improve before it causes further damage physically causing pain and stiffness.

    How common is scoliosis in kids

    The widespread presence of scoliosis present in children globally is 0.11% – 5.2% with an average of 3.1% cases. Germany has recorded the highest number of scoliosis cases in children to date. Types
    There are three types of scoliosis found in children Idiopathic Congenital scoliosis Neuromuscular scoliosis Scoliosis can also be classified on the basis of the Location of the curve in the spine The direction of the curve Severity of the curve

    Causes of scoliosis in children

    Most cases of scoliosis have no major reasons but there are certain factors that can be considered:-
    1. Scoliosis may happen genetically when there are changes happening in one or more genes.
    2. C congenital abnormalities happening such as a  curve in the spine when the foetus is still in its evolving stage.
    3. Neuromuscular disease that affects the nerves that send messages to muscles, leading to muscle
    weakness and loss.

    Signs or symptoms to watch for

    Backpain In its early stage you will start feeling back pain or lower back pain that might go down to legs that will even cause the feeling of tiredness. Posture You can visibly see the curvature of the spine, one shoulder or a hip that is higher than the other or ahead that is not centred over the pelvis. Breathing You will start to feel difficulty breathing, this happens when the scoliosis is severe the curvature is progressing. However one should always keep in mind that there will be no symptoms in the initial stage when scoliosis is developing.

    Diagnosis of scoliosis in children

    The process of diagnosing scoliosis can be started by:- Taking a medical history is to rectify whether there were no cases of scoliosis in the family history. Performing a physical examination which includes looking for asymmetry in the shoulders or trunk, or if one side of the rib cage is higher than the other when the child bends forward or looks for any other uneven body parts. By taking various tests like x-rays , MRI scans, CT scans, these tests it show clear in in-depth image of the human anatomy which helps in identifying the issue.

    Treatment options for scoliosis

    1. Non-surgical approaches such as observing the child whether the curvature is mild and the skeleton is still growing.
    2. Bracing can help keep the curvature from worsening, it can be customized according to the child and can be worn as fitted. they are usually worn for a maximum of 16 hours a day and can be removed while doing any sort of physical activities.
    3.Bracing can be then followed by physical therapy as it helps strengthen the muscles
    4. Then we can proceed to surgery if necessary. Usually, surgeries are recommended when the curve has gotten too severe and fails to respond to bracing method. Surgery is necessary to correct the curve while maintaining the correct mobility of the spine At most times babies and toddlers are exempted from getting surgeries as their spine may improve over time.
    Illustration of scoliosis in children showing spinal curvature

    Living with scoliosis :- An advice for parents and children

    Be present with them emotionally:- parents should talk it out and support their kid by being emotionally strong and hearing out the child’s feelings and further encouraging them to talk about how they feel. Your child will become both physically and mentally strong when parents show their immense support by being present with the child emotionally. Encouraging physical activities:- Regular exercise and checkups will keep your child physically fit, strengthen their muscles and also help you track the progress of the child’s recovering state.

    The importance of regular checkup

    Regular checkups help in managing the severity of the condition at its earliest stage, this further reduces the chance of major complications for a lifetime. Because when scoliosis is left untreated it causes chronic pain on a regular basis and refrains child from doing any of the physical activity for longer period of time as scoliosis causes tiredness. These were just some of the factors, other physical problems consist of difficulty in breathing, heart problems, pressure on the lungs.

    Prevention and awareness

    As such there are no ways to prevent scoliosis from happening as it is not caused by unhealthy habits like bad posture, diet or exercise. We still haven’t found a way to prevent this disease from happening but when happens it is advised to take action as earliest as possible to avoid the severity of it. Awareness in schools and communities As mentioned earlier this disease is likely to affect children in the age group of 12-15 or even younger, we should start spreading awareness as it’s not talked much about that’s why when a child is affected with such disease parents fail to notice the root cause and ignores it which results in its major effect We can make people aware of such diseases through graphic posters which show the seriousness of it , conducting campaigns in the community or societies, conducting a special guest lecture in every schools, organizing a street play, creating a page specially for this on every social media platform and sharing it everywhere possible.

    Conclusion

    To empathize with the child parents should take initiative to know more about the disease like any other symptoms that the child has not shown yet, the treatment, the different types of scoliosis, the surgery process, different methods of physical therapy. Parents should keep calm in such cases and understand the emotional state of a child about whether he feels vulnerable or if he is feeling like an outcast or different from other children, parents should be available emotionally and shall make sure that their child does not slip into depression They can take the initiative to ask their doctor queries if they are concerned or are confused about the disease. Advancement in the surgery for scoliosis In the period of AI the advancement in the treatment has skyrocketed , there are various ways to perform surgery with precise identification of a human anatomy with the help of technology, robots etc. There are various ways to perform a surgery such as spinal fusion, decompression fusion, surgical stabilization and osteotomy. Although these surgeries are done after considering the factors like severity of the curve, patient age and so with the help of technology and AI it has become easier.

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