UPMC: Preparing your child for their scoliosis exam

BACK to school: Preparing your child for their scoliosis exam

Naveed Nabizadeh, M.D.

Spine Surgeon, Orthopaedic Surgeon

Some may consider it a rite of passage in the middle school years – having their back examined by the school nurse. 

But what exactly is the nurse checking for? And how can you prepare your child for this experience? 

Scoliosis is a condition where your child or teenager’s spine has an abnormal C or S shaped curvature. The condition primarily affects girls – many of whom will live their lives unaware of and/or not needing treatment for it. An estimated three to five out of every 100 children will have a degree of scoliosis that needs to be treated by a medical professional. 

What are some signs my child might have scoliosis? 

Sometimes the spine curvatures are clearly visible, other times they are not. Because scoliosis develops slowly over time and involves little to no pain, it is not easy to detect. 

When evaluated at school, your child will likely undergo the Adams Forward Bend test. They will put their hands together and bend forward at the waist while keeping their knees straight. This allows the school nurse or other trained personnel to view any unevenness in the spine, hips,ribs, or shoulder and measure degrees of curvature using a scoliometer.

When does my child need to see a doctor? 

If the school professional evaluating your child is concerned with the results, they may recommend consulting with your pediatrician for additional evaluation. It is important to reassure your child that a diagnosis has not been confirmed and that scoliosis is a condition they can live fully with even if a doctor does confirm the diagnosis.

How do doctors make a proper diagnosis? 

Physicians will complete thorough physical exams and diagnostic tests to determine whether your child has scoliosis. This involves assessing the shape, location, direction and angle of the curve and x-rays are typically taken as part of the evaluation. 

What kinds of treatments address this issue? 

If your child is found to have scoliosis, their treatment will depend on their age and the severity of their condition. Physicians may observe and monitor the condition over time before recommending a course of treatment. 

Non-surgical options for treating scoliosis include physical therapy and wearing body braces or casts. In more severe cases, a surgeon may recommend surgery to correct the problem. 

Regardless of the recommended course of action, it’s important to remember that scoliosis is not a life-threatening condition. With patience and persistence, treatments for scoliosis can be effective. 

Has your child received a note from school that they may have scoliosis? Consider UPMC Spine Care for an evaluation. The program’s multidisciplinary team of orthopaedic and neurosurgical experts can assess your child for scoliosis and determine an appropriate treatment plan. 

Learn more about UPMC Spine Care.


 

Zach Sweger (he/his/him)
Communications Specialist II, Media Relations
UPMC Central Pa. Region
409 S. 2nd St. 
Harrisburg, PA 17104
C: 717-678-1300
swegerzg@upmc.edu