Can children with Scoliosis live a normal life?

Everyone wants to live their best and a healthy life. When we think of a healthy spine, the first word that likely comes to mind is ‘straight’, ‘ Don’t hunch’,‘straighten your back’, and ‘stand up tall’ are just some of the common pieces of advice you might have heard from well-meaning family members as you were growing up.

It might therefore sound intuitive that those with an abnormal curvature of the spine – a condition known as scoliosis cannot have healthy, normal and active lives they would want to live. Scoliosis is a condition that affects the spine’s shape, causing it to twist and bend sideways. It affects approximately 2-3% of teenagers and more prevalent in girls. In majority of cases the cause is not known, but think genes and hormones play a role. You are more likely to have scoliosis if your parent or sibling has it. Scoliosis is generally a painless condition and not always noticeable. As the curve progresses, the child may lean to one side or have uneven shoulders or hips or rib cage and one side might stick out prominently.

Although mild scoliosis does not typically cause problems, but it affects children’s self confidence and self image. In more severe cases, it can impact lung and heart function and disabling pain can affect quality of life. Mild forms may only require regular check-ups from a specialist. Some children and teens may need to wear a brace to keep the curve from getting worse. Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles. In some severe cases, surgery may be needed.

Early diagnosis is important and an appropriate management plan through a specialist can help prevent bigger spinal curves from forming and avoid more complex spine surgeries. While scoliosis can be a debilitating condition that affects the child’s quality of life, it is possible to live a normal lifestyle with scoliosis through guidance of an experienced specialist. Regular exercises, healthy eating habits, compliance to brace therapy and latest less invasive non-fusion surgical techniques all help children to live a full life they want.

Featuring insights from Dr V Muralidharan, Spine Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Lane, Chennai

📞 For appointments, call Apollo Hospitals Chennai at 044 4040 1066