Treatments - Scoliosis (Page 2)
Curves that are less than 10 degrees are not considered to even represent scoliosis but rather just spinal asymmetry. These types of curves are extremely unlikely to progress and generally do not need any treatment. If the child is very young and physically immature, then the progress of the curve can be followed during the child's regular check up with his or her pediatrician. If the curve is noticed to progress beyond 20 degrees, then the child should be referred to an orthopedic surgeon with expertise in scoliosis for continued treatment.
Curves that are between 20 to 30 degrees in a growing child can be observed at 4 to 6 month intervals. Any progression that is less than 5 degrees is not considered significant. If the curve progresses more than 5 degrees, then the curve will need treatment. Any curve over 30 degrees in a skeletally immature patient (child who is still growing) will need treatment.
Scoliosis treatment for patients with progressing curves, or curves over 30 degrees in a skeletally immature patient, is usually centered on use of a back brace.
