Scoliosis — a sideways curve of the spine — most often develops during the growth spurts of childhood and adolescence. Because it is usually painless in the early stages, it can be easy to miss. Knowing the early signs helps you catch it when it is most treatable.
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal side-to-side curve of the spine. In most children the cause is unknown (called idiopathic scoliosis), and it tends to become noticeable between the ages of 10 and 15 as a child grows quickly.
Early signs parents can look for
- One shoulder appears higher than the other
- One shoulder blade sticks out more than the other
- The waist looks uneven, or the hips appear tilted
- Clothes hang unevenly, or a hemline sits crooked
- The body leans slightly to one side
- When the child bends forward, one side of the back looks higher than the other
A simple check at home
Ask your child to stand straight, then bend forward from the waist with arms hanging down (the “forward bend test”). Looking from behind, if one side of the back or ribcage is more prominent, it is worth having a specialist take a look.
Why early detection matters
Many mild curves simply need monitoring as the child grows. Detecting a curve early gives the best chance to guide it with observation or bracing, and to plan carefully if a curve is progressing — before it becomes severe.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the size of the curve and how much growing your child has left. Options range from regular monitoring and bracing for moderate curves to carefully planned surgery for larger, progressing curves, using modern techniques and monitoring for safety.
The bottom line
Scoliosis is very manageable, especially when caught early. If you notice any of the signs above, a quick specialist check is the best next step.
If you are concerned about your child’s back or posture, Dr. S. Sivaraj assesses and treats paediatric and adult scoliosis in Salem. Call or WhatsApp +91 98940 98701 to book.
This article is general information and not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
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