Scoliosis in children Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, June 2009.
Answers to questions about scoliosis in children
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Will scoliosis stop my child playing sport?
- Does drinking milk prevent scoliosis?
- Does surgery for scoliosis carry any risks?
Will scoliosis stop my child playing sport?
Not necessarily. Many people diagnosed with scoliosis are able to play sport and do exercise.
Explanation
Exercise is good for children. It stimulates muscle and bone development and helps keep hearts healthy. If your child has mild scoliosis that's being monitored by a doctor, he or she will usually be able to take part in sporting activities without any problems. If your child has a back brace, your doctor may advise him or her to take it off during contact sports.
What your child is able to do will depend on factors such as the treatment he or she has, the degree of curvature of the spine and their general health. Talk to your doctor for more advice about what activities your child can do.
Some specific back exercises have also been tried as a treatment for scoliosis but there is no evidence that they are effective.
Sources
- Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford handbook of general practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005: 870-1
- Answers to questions commonly asked by patients. Scoliosis Research Society. www.srs.org, accessed 19 September 2008
- Negrini S, Antonini G, Carabalona R, et al. Physical exercises as a treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review. Pediatr Rehabil 2003; 6(3-4): 227-235. www.crd.york.ac.uk
- Romano M, Carabalona R, Petrilli S, et al. Forces exerted during exercises by patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis wearing fiberglass braces. Scoliosis 2006; 1:12
Does drinking milk prevent scoliosis?
No, there's no evidence that drinking milk can prevent scoliosis.
Explanation
Milk contains large amounts of the mineral calcium, which your body needs to build and maintain healthy bones and teeth. In order to absorb calcium, your body also needs a supply of vitamin D, which is produced when your skin is in the sun.
Although you need calcium for healthy bones, there's no evidence that not getting enough calcium in your diet causes scoliosis. The cause of most types of scoliosis is still not completely understood - although it may run in families.
However, a good supply of calcium will help prevent osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bones to weaken. It can eventually lead to a humped back (known as a 'dowager hump'), but it isn't thought to cause scoliosis.
You should be able to get enough calcium by eating a healthy, balanced diet. Good sources of calcium include milk, cheese, broccoli, cabbage, nuts, soya beans, soya milk with added calcium, bread and anything made with fortified flour. If you choose to take calcium supplements, make sure you don't take too much. According to the Food Standards Agency, up to 1,500mg of calcium a day is likely to be a safe amount.
Sources
- Answers to questions commonly asked by patients. Scoliosis Research Society. www.srs.org, accessed 19 September 2008
- Calcium. Food Standard Agency. www.eatwell.gov.uk, accessed 19 September 2008
- Vitamins and minerals. Food Standard Agency. www.eatwell.gov.uk, accessed 1 October 2008
Does surgery for scoliosis carry any risks?
All types of surgery carry some risks. Your child's doctor will only recommend surgery for scoliosis if he or she thinks the risks outweigh the benefits. The risks depend on the type of procedure your child has, and his or her personal circumstances.
Explanation
Severe scoliosis is sometimes treated with a type of surgery called spinal fusion. Spinal fusion helps reduce the curvature of the spine and stop it from getting worse. In spinal fusion, several bones in the spine (vertebrae) are fused and two metal rods are attached to keep the spine straight.
Surgery is usually only carried out if the scoliosis is severe and is getting worse. Like all surgery, there are some risks involved. Some problems specific to spinal fusion are listed below.
- There's a small risk of spinal cord or nerve damage with any spinal surgery.
- Pseudoarthrosis. This is when the spine fails to fuse properly. It can happen years after surgery, and means your child may need another operation.
- Sometimes the rods attached to the spine may break or come loose. Another operation may be needed to correct this.
- Some people feel pain in their back following surgery. The cause isn't always known, but further surgery can sometimes help.
- There's a chance of developing an infection - this can happen months or even years after surgery.
For more advice about spinal fusion for scoliosis, see a doctor who specialises in spinal surgery.
Sources
- Weiss HR, Goodall D. Rate of complications in scoliosis surgery - a systematic review of the PubMed literature. Scoliosis 2008; 3:9
- The management of spinal deformity in the UK. A guide to good practice. British Orthopaedic Association, 2003
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: June 2009
Scoliosis in children factsheet
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