15 Mar 🤨 Have you noticed that your child seem uneven in their shoulders when they are standing Or perhaps you have noticed that your child’s spine appears curved
Scoliosis refers to the a 3 dimension curvature of the spine that includes a shift sideways, rotation and a tilt invovling a series of vertebrae along the length of the spine. The age of scoliosis onset can vary significantly, depending on the type of scoliosis.
1. Infantile Scoliosis occurs in children aged 0-3 years. This type of scoliosis occurs in infants. It is relatively rare and can sometimes improve or resolve on its own as the child grows.
2. Juvenile Scoliosis occurs in children aged 4-10 years. Juvenile scoliosis is less common than adolescent scoliosis but can be more likely to worsen as the child grows.
3. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS occurs in children aged 11-18 years. This is the most common type of scoliosis and occurs during the growth spurts of puberty. Idiopathic means the exact cause is unknown. AIS can affect children from any level of health, activity, or socioeconomic background.
4. Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis refers to adults over 18 years old. This is essentially AIS that has progressed into adulthood. Individuals may have been diagnosed as adolescents, or the condition was mild enough not to be detected until adulthood.
5. Degenerative (De Novo) Scoliosis develops in adulthood, typically after the age of 40, as a result of degenerative changes in the spine such as disk degeneration, arthritis, or osteoporosis. Unlike idiopathic scoliosis, degenerative scoliosis is associated with aging and wear and tear on the spine.
Scoliosis that develops before puberty may have a higher risk of worsening due to the rapid growth that occurs during this period. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial in preventing progression and minimizing the impact of scoliosis on an individual’s health and quality of life.
If you noticed your child’s spine appears curved, ring My Favourite Physio on (02) 9790 4233 or DM us @myfavouritephysio to book an appointment with one of our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists today!