Curvature of the Spine

Scoliosis Normal View from Back Symptoms  Backache or low back pain Curvature of the Spine Shoulder blades and spine appear straight  Fatigue Scoliosis is an abnormal curving of  Maybe none the spine from side to side often described as an “S” curve. It affects How to Check Your Child’s Spine 2% of Americans mostly  Stand behind the child adolescents.  Ask child to stand with feet together and bend forward to Cause touch the toes.  The cause is unknown in  Check that: the shoulders and most cases. the top of the hips are at the  Girls are affected more often same height, the head is than boys. Abnormal View from Back centered, and the rib cage is  Untreated, severe scoliosis symmetrical. Note that the can lead to lung and heart The spine curves abnormally to the side waist is even, and that the damage, back problems, and body does not lean to one distressing cosmetic changes. side. Normal Spine  It may be helpful to run your Has a slight outward curve in the hands along the spine to upper back and an inward curve at detect any abnormalities. the waist.  Ask the child to stand up, turn around to facing you, and to If scoliosis is detected early, then bend down again. treatment can be started before it  Repeat the assessment. becomes a physical or emotional  If any lateral curvature is disability. Abnormal View Bending Forward noted your child needs further evaluation. Signs Shoulders and/or hips appear uneven  One shoulder higher than the other What should be done if any of the  Scapula (shoulder blade) on signs and symptoms are present: one side of the body is higher or more prominent Contact your primary care physician  One- sided fullness at the for an appointment to have your waist child’s back checked.  One hip higher than the other  Unequal rib prominence