Childhood is full of mysteries for parents, from unexpected growth spurts to peculiar aches and pains. One common culprit often dismissed as a natural part of growing up is "growing pains." Yet, what if those so-called growing pains are pointing to something more serious, such as scoliosis?
At McNulty Spine, Dr. Patrick S. McNulty, a double board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon in Las Vegas, shares his expertise to help you distinguish between typical growing pains and signs of scoliosis.
Growing pains are pretty common in kids aged 3 to 12. They typically feel these pains in the legs, particularly in the thighs, calves, or behind the knees. The discomfort usually appears later in the day or night and often subsides by morning.
Key characteristics of growing pains include:
While the term “growing pains” suggests a link to growth, other factors, such as increased physical activity or muscle overuse, may be the underlying cause.
Don’t worry, growing pains don’t interfere with your child’s mobility or daily activities.
Scoliosis, an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine, is often misunderstood. Most cases, especially mild ones, don’t cause noticeable pain. This lack of discomfort often delays diagnosis in children until visible signs appear.
However, pain can sometimes be a symptom, particularly in more advanced cases or specific types of scoliosis, such as:
Signs such as uneven shoulders, hips, or a rib hump are more reliable indicators of scoliosis than pain alone. Your child might also feel pain indirectly, due to muscle tension or postural imbalances.
While growing pains and scoliosis may both cause discomfort, they differ in their causes, symptoms, and impact. Here’s a breakdown to help you distinguish between the two.
As a rule of thumb, if your child reports back pain, visible postural changes, or persistent discomfort not improved by rest, it’s time to consider scoliosis as a potential cause.
These signs warrant immediate medical evaluation with Dr. McNulty.
At McNulty Spine, Dr. McNulty combines decades of experience with advanced diagnostic tools to identify scoliosis early and develop treatment plans tailored to each patient. Whether it’s routine monitoring or surgery, his approach focuses on the best outcome for your child.
Our comprehensive scoliosis care includes:
Dr. McNulty performs thorough exams, including imaging when needed, to confirm the diagnosis.
Mild cases may only require periodic observation, while moderate scoliosis (curvature of 25 to 40 degrees) may benefit from bracing. Severe cases may need surgical correction.
For curves greater than 40 degrees, Dr. McNulty offers spinal fusion or advanced FDA-approved tethering systems that preserve spinal motion while correcting curvature.
Dr. McNulty employs conservative therapies whenever possible and surgical solutions only when necessary, ensuring both safety and effectiveness for patients of all ages.
Catching scoliosis early makes all the difference for your child’s long-term health and quality of life. If you suspect your child’s growing pains might be something more, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Dr. Patrick S. McNulty and the team at McNulty Spine in Las Vegas are here to help.
Contact McNulty Spine in Las Vegas, Nevada, or schedule an appointment online to take the first step toward a healthier spine.
