How Early Should My Child Start Scoliosis Treatment?

Children's scoliosis treatment

Here’s what we always tell the parents of children with scoliosis: the sooner we are able to start your child’s scoliosis exercises, the better our chance of preventing further progression and avoiding the need for spinal fusion surgery. However, in order for the exercises to be effective, the patient must be old enough to follow simple instructions and actively work on certain muscle groups. We have successfully treated many young children from the age of 4 upwards. Younger children may benefit from some hands-on manipulation and massage therapy, but they cannot reap all the benefits of our ScolioGold programme because they are less able to follow our therapists’ instructions and carry out all of the necessary exercises.

Keep a close eye on your child’s back as they go through their teenage years

In most cases, the question of whether or not the patient is old enough to undergo scoliosis treatment never arises. Scoliosis normally doesn’t become apparent until a child goes through puberty; the appearance of a spinal curve usually coincides with the major growth spurt that tends to occur at this stage of a person’s life. Still, while it is far less common, scoliosis can also be present from birth. This is known as either congenital scoliosis or neuromuscular scoliosis. In these cases, patients are often braced from a very young age to prevent progression as much as possible.

Key signs and symptoms

Back pain is a common complaint in both children and adults with scoliosis. The NHS outlines several other signs to look out for:

A visibly curved spine
Leaning to one side
Uneven shoulders
One shoulder or hip sticking out
Ribs sticking out on one side
Clothes not fitting well

Compliance is important

The results achieved through our ScolioGold exercises are strongly dependent on the patient’s commitment and compliance. This is something that varies based on the child’s personality; if you’re wondering whether or not your child is old enough for a Scoliosis SOS treatment course, you should also consider whether or not they would be happy to follow our instructions. ScolioGold exercises are repetitive and easy enough for children to follow. Shorter, specially-tailored exercise programmes are available for younger patients based on their maturity level. These programmes aim to turn treatment into play to help engage little ones during their therapy. If you have any concerns regarding your son/daughter’s spine, please contact Scoliosis SOS online or call 0207 488 4428 to arrange a radiation-free spinal scan.

How Early Should My Child Start Scoliosis Treatment?

Keep a close eye on your child’s back as they go through their teenage years

Key signs and symptoms

Compliance is important

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Keep a close eye on your child’s back as they go through their teenage years

Key signs and symptoms

Compliance is important

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