Early diagnosis of scoliosis is important for protecting your child's growing spine and preventing curve progression. At All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute, our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for children with scoliosis. Serving Houston, Clear Lake, Lake Jackson, and Kingwood, we offer advanced non-surgical and surgical care designed to improve spinal alignment, support healthy growth, and help children stay active and healthy.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal, sideways curvature of the spine. It is often diagnosed between infancy and early adolescence.
Key facts
- Your child may be born with scoliosis or can develop it later in life
- Typically, the primary age of onset for scoliosis is 10-15 years old
- The curve can happen on one or both sides of the spine
- The curve is usually C-shaped, and can also be S-shaped
- The angle of the curve can be up to 45 degrees
- It is seen more commonly in girls
Spine Anatomy
Your child’s spine comprises three main parts: the neck (cervical spine), the chest and mid-back (thoracic spine), and the lower back (lumbar spine). The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae which are stacked one upon the other like blocks forming a vertical line in the back.
In scoliosis, the vertebrae curve to one side and rotate or twist, making your child appear to lean to one side.
Types of Scoliosis
- Idiopathic: Scoliosis caused by unknown factors
- Congenital: This tends to run in families. It occurs when the spine does not develop properly in the womb.
- Neuromuscular: Certain disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and muscular system can result in scoliosis (for example, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy)
Also injuries, infections or tumors (rare) of the spine can cause scoliosis.
Symptoms
Most cases of scoliosis are mild and do not affect your child’s appearance or health and does not cause any pain or interfere with their everyday activities.
However, in some children the condition may become worse as they grow leading to more severe scoliosis which can be painful and disabling. This may result in back pain, physical limitations and other health problems.
Other noticeable symptoms can be:
- Your child’s spine curving side to side
- Uneven hips, waist and shoulders
- A shift of the waist and trunk to the side
- Head not centered directly above the pelvis
- Muscle spasms, prominent ribs of the chest
- Trouble walking/standing up straight
- Fatigue, shortness of breath
- Numbness, weakness, or pain in the legs
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is key for the treatment of scoliosis. The doctor will initially take a detailed growth and medical history of your child.
This is followed by a physical examination where the doctor may have your child stand and then bend over to assess their spinal column. The examination also involves looking at the curve of the spine from the sides, front, and back. A neurological exam may also be conducted to check for muscle weakness.
Additionally, imaging tests such as an X-ray, an MRI scan or a CT scan can be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the spinal curvature.
Treatment
The decision to treat the scoliosis considers factors such as the following:
- The severity of the curve
- The curve pattern
- Location of the curve
- Progress of the curve
- Age of your child
Usually, no treatment is necessary if the scoliosis is very mild as it often improves with time. However, moderate to severe scoliosis may be treated by back bracing or surgery.
Observation
Children who have mild scoliosis (spinal curve of less than 20 degrees) may need regular check-ups to assess for changes in the curvature of their spine as they grow. The doctor may recommend X-rays to monitor the condition and to decide if further treatment is needed.
Back bracing
If your child is still growing and there is moderate scoliosis (a curve ranging between 20 to 40 degrees), the doctor will recommend a back brace to prevent further progression of the curve. Most braces fit under the clothes and are not visible. Children who wear braces can participate in most activities and daily functions.
Surgery
Severe scoliosis (curve of more than 45 degrees) typically progresses with time. In such cases where the condition worsens despite conservative treatments, the doctor might suggest surgery to halt the condition’s progress. The most common type of scoliosis surgery is spinal fusion. Scoliosis surgery repairs the abnormal curvature and safely straightens your child's spine.
If Scoliosis is Left Untreated
If left untreated, scoliosis can interfere with heart and lung function leading to more health complications.
Why Choose All American Orthopedic Surgeons for Scoliosis Treatment in Children in Houston, Lake Jackson & Kingwood?
A scoliosis diagnosis can be overwhelming for both children and parents, but early evaluation and individualized care can help manage the condition and support healthy spinal development. At All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute, our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons provide comprehensive care for children and adolescents with scoliosis, offering treatment plans tailored to your child's age, stage of growth, spinal curvature, and activity level.
Patients choose our orthopedic team because we offer:
- Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons experienced in pediatric spine conditions
- Comprehensive evaluations with advanced diagnostic imaging when appropriate
- Personalized treatment plans based on your child's spinal curvature and skeletal maturity
- Ongoing monitoring for mild scoliosis to identify curve progression early
- Non-surgical treatment options, including observation, bracing, and rehabilitation when appropriate
- Advanced surgical treatment for severe or progressive spinal curves when necessary
- Compassionate, family-centered care with education and support throughout treatment
- Convenient office locations in Houston (Clear Lake), Lake Jackson, and Kingwood
Our goal is to help children maintain healthy spinal growth, improve posture and function, and safely participate in school, sports, and everyday activities.
Scoliosis in Children FAQs
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves sideways, often forming an "S" or "C" shape. It most commonly develops during periods of rapid growth in late childhood or adolescence, although it can occur in younger children as well.
What causes scoliosis in children?
Most children are diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis, meaning the exact cause is unknown. Other forms of scoliosis may be related to congenital spinal abnormalities, neuromuscular conditions, or other underlying medical disorders.
What are the signs of scoliosis?
Parents may notice uneven shoulders, one shoulder blade appearing more prominent, uneven hips or waistline, leaning to one side, or clothing that fits unevenly. Many children have no pain, making routine screening and evaluation important.
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
Your orthopedic surgeon will perform a physical examination and typically obtain standing X-rays to measure the degree of spinal curvature and evaluate your child's skeletal growth. These findings help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Will my child need surgery?
Most children with scoliosis do not require surgery. Mild curves are often monitored with periodic examinations, while moderate curves may be treated with bracing. Surgery is generally reserved for severe or progressive curves that continue to worsen despite conservative treatment.
Can my child continue playing sports?
In many cases, yes. Most children with scoliosis can continue participating in sports and physical activities unless otherwise advised by their orthopedic surgeon. Your child's treatment plan will include guidance on safe activity levels throughout treatment.
How often will my child need follow-up visits?
Follow-up appointments depend on your child's age, growth stage, and the severity of the spinal curve. Children who are still growing are typically monitored periodically to detect any progression and determine whether treatment adjustments are needed.
Expert Pediatric Scoliosis Care Close to Home
If your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis or you have concerns about their posture or spinal alignment, early evaluation can make a meaningful difference. The experienced orthopedic team at All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute provides comprehensive scoliosis care for children, from early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring to advanced bracing and surgical treatment when necessary.
With convenient locations in Houston (Clear Lake), Lake Jackson, and Kingwood, expert pediatric orthopedic care is always nearby. Contact All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute today to schedule your child's consultation and learn more about personalized scoliosis treatment options.
