Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that most obviously appears when you are standing or sitting upright (apparent when the back is bare), and it is usually in an S-shape or C-shape. It can develop in both adults and children, but children who are between the ages of 10 and 15 are at the highest risk of having this spine problem.
Scoliosis does not always cause back pain; however, it is hard to ignore the rest of the symptoms, especially in children who have a curvature of 25 degrees or greater. Having an uneven waist, uneven shoulders, a head that appears off-center, or a noticeable lean to one side are all characteristics of someone with scoliosis.
This back condition will not get better on its own, and a child will not grow out of scoliosis naturally. On the contrary, it usually becomes worse unless a person with this condition receives medical treatment which addresses their particular curvature.
Let’s talk about what can happen if scoliosis is left untreated, and where you can go in Southeast Michigan for an accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment of scoliosis and other back issues.
What Happens If Pediatric Scoliosis Is Left Untreated by a Doctor?
As your child grows, so does the child’s spine. A growth spurt could make scoliosis worse in a child who already has this back condition. This issue can lead to not just physical problems, but also emotional and social problems because it’s just one more thing that gets in the way of being a normal kid.
As the curvature progresses, the spine becomes rigid – and this typically causes back pain to develop. In children with severe curvatures, the heart and lungs can become compressed, which can lead to respiratory issues and heart damage. This is why untreated severe scoliosis could lead to premature death, because of the inward pressure of the spine against the heart and other vital organs.
If your child does have an abnormally curved spine, it’s imperative that you see a spine doctor. Your child’s spine curvature needs to be addressed and monitored by a doctor. The physician may prescribe a back brace, specifically fitted to your child, in order to prevent a worsening of the curve. Back braces are very effective in preventing scoliosis from getting worse and can help avoid the need for back surgery.
Scoliosis Treatment in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Lapeer, Michigan
Here at Ahlgren Spine, Dr. Bradley Ahlgren regularly treats children (and adults) who have scoliosis to help keep their spine and back straight and pain-free. When necessary to address chronic back pain, he performs numerous spinal fusion surgeries every year.
With Dr. Ahlgren’s skill and experience in treating this back condition, your child has a greater chance of growing up normally and with as straight a spine as possible. His specialty is in orthopedic spine treatment, and he can efficiently provide a diagnosis and the least-invasive treatment possible that will work for you or your child.
If you suspect that your child has scoliosis, or if your child is complaining of back pain, make an appointment with Dr. Ahlgren. Call our clinic today at (248) 215-8080 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to providing treatment that will improve your child’s spine!
