Scoliosis has frequently been treated successfully with specific AIS exercises to stretch muscles of the trunk, neck, hips and pelvis. Stretching alone will not change the curvature and stabilize the structure. Specific isolated strength exercises for the back, hip, neck and abdominal regions are an important part of the treatment plan. The use of seat belts for stabilization has been a great assistance.

Everyone's spine has a natural front-to-back curve -- that's what produces the normal rounding of the shoulders and the sway of the lower back. However, some people suffer from "Scoliosis" -- an abnormal curvature of the spine, especially one characterized by a rotational side-to-side deformity. In simple terms, what this means is that the spine is twisted side-to-side, often taking on an "S" shaped appearance and even resembling a corkscrew in some cases.

The most common form of scoliosis is called idiopathic scoliosis, which basically means that the cause is unknown. Anyone can suffer from scoliosis; the condition usually begins in childhood, although too often it is not identified until the teenage years or later. Scoliosis tends to run in families, and it affects many more girls than boys.

Sometimes curvature of the spine is visible (the body tilts to the left or the right, or one shoulder blade is raised higher than the other. Some of the actual physical symptoms of scoliosis can include back pain, fatigue (especially postural fatigue -- feeling tired when standing, sitting, etc.), and in more severe cases, problems with circulation and breathing.

Doctors of chiropractic are trained to identify and manage problems relating to the spine and the back. An initial visit to the chiropractor will include a thorough physical and diagnostic examination (including range-of-motion tests and spinal x-rays) to identify any problems you may be having, including whether you or your children may be suffering from abnormal or dangerous curvature of the spine.

Probably, we have had great success with scoliosis through our endoscopic techniques, and we don't require a fusion. We simply decompress the area that is impinging upon the nerve. We cannot straighten the spine, but we can relieve the pain associated with the curvature.

People of all ages can have scoliosis. Of every 1,000 children, three to five develop spinal curves that are considered large enough to need treatment. Adolescent scoliosis occurs after the age of 10 and is more common in girls. Scoliosis can run in families, so kids whose parents, brothers or sisters have scoliosis should be checked regularly by their family doctor.

Between 4pm and 9pm, on the evening prior to surgery, a nurse from the Ambulatory Surgical Unit will call and let you know when you need to stop eating food and all liquids, and at what time to arrive at the hospital. Please remember to bring with you the questionnaire and the physical exam report filled out by your pediatrician, and the signed surgical consent form to the hospital. On the day of surgery, report to the security desk on the first floor of Children's Hospital.

Pain medication is administered through a special pump. When your child has pain, he or she will be able to give him or herself medication to relieve the pain.

Many children have mild spinal curves that do not need treatment. Children who do need treatment may be sent to an orthopedic spine specialist. The doctor may recommend observation, bracing or surgery. Treatment choices are based on your age, how much more you're likely to grow, the degree and pattern of the spinal curve, and the type of scoliosis you have.

Sometimes with scoliosis, the bones in the spine rotate slightly. This makes the person's waist or shoulders appear uneven. The doctor will look for this when he examines you. An x-ray will show if there is a curve, where it is, and how large it is.

The majority of people with scoliosis (85 percent) have what is known as "idiopathic" scoliosis. "Idiopathic" means "no known cause". Idiopathic scoliosis may appear at any age, but is most commonly detected during adolescent growth spurts. There are several less common types of scoliosis, which do have a known cause.

Adolescents with scoliosis typically are no more likely to have back pain than their peers without scoliosis. In later years, people with scoliosis have a slightly greater chance of developing arthritis and may have more back pain.

Yes! There are no activity limitations needed because of scoliosis. You are at no greater risk of injury from sports/exercise than your peers without scoliosis.

Scoliosis is defined as the lateral curvature of the spine. In other words, it is when the spine moves side to side. There can be one curve, two curves, or even three curves. If there is one curve, it is commonly called a "C" curve because of the shape the spine might make. If there are two curves, then it is commonly called an "S" curve, once again, because of the shape of the spine. The scoliosis is normally also classified by where it is located.