If you or your child has received a scoliosis diagnosis, you know it means there’s an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine that can progress over time if left untreated. That’s the bad news. The good news is that you can do something about it now that you know.
Dr. Patrick McNulty at McNulty Spine in Las Vegas has seen firsthand how catching scoliosis early can make all the difference. Early diagnosis enables management of the condition and potentially reduces its severity.
June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month, so we share six reasons it’s better to know sooner rather than later that you have scoliosis.
When Dr. McNulty detects scoliosis early, it tends to be mild, with a spinal curve that hasn’t yet progressed significantly. A smaller curve is typically more flexible, making it more responsive to treatment. Bracing and other therapies achieve better results when applied early.
For example, if a child has a curve of 20 degrees, wearing a back brace can often prevent the curve from worsening. However, once the curve progresses past 40 degrees, more invasive treatments like spinal surgery may become necessary.
Identifying scoliosis early gives us more time and opportunities to pursue noninvasive methods.
The progression of untreated scoliosis can lead to several complications, including postural imbalances such as uneven shoulders or hips, and more serious conditions like back pain, difficulty breathing, and reduced lung capacity.
The risk of rapid progression is particularly high for children whose bones are still growing. Adolescents experiencing growth spurts are at an even greater risk. Diagnosing scoliosis as early as possible allows us to monitor the condition closely and intervene before complications arise.
It’s worth noting that many adults with severe scoliosis report issues like nerve compression and chronic discomfort that they could have avoided if they had begun treatment earlier.
Dr. McNulty may recommend spinal fusion for severe cases of scoliosis (curves exceeding 40 degrees). While spinal fusion is the best option for some, it comes with standard surgical risks, recovery time, and limitations on mobility.
Through early diagnosis and proactive management, we can often avoid the need for surgery altogether. Bracing, physical therapy, and the FDA-approved Tether System can stabilize or even correct the curve before it becomes pronounced enough to warrant fusion type surgical intervention.
Early detection is significant for children because scoliosis can impact their overall growth and skeletal development. Without treatment, they may develop an asymmetrical rib cage, uneven leg lengths, or other physical imbalances that affect posture and movement.
Identifying scoliosis early can help support normal growth patterns and prevent long-term structural issues.
Myths, anxiety, and uncertainty surround scoliosis. Many parents wonder if carrying a heavy backpack or poor posture could be to blame. Rest assured, these factors don’t cause scoliosis.
When a diagnosis is made early, you can educate yourself and others about the condition, empowering you to make informed decisions about treatments and ongoing care.
You might be surprised to learn that scoliosis often doesn’t have noticeable symptoms in its early stages. It might not be painful and can go unnoticed without a professional screening.
Routine scoliosis screenings, such as those in schools or during pediatric check-ups, help catch the condition when it’s still in its infancy. Typical signs, such as uneven shoulders, a protruding shoulder blade, or an asymmetrical waist, can often be subtle and easily missed without a trained eye.
At McNulty Spine, we encourage parents to schedule screenings, especially during a child’s growth spurts. A simple check-up could uncover signs of scoliosis early and set the stage for successful treatment.
If you or your child shows signs of scoliosis or wants to schedule a screening, call McNulty Spine or request an online appointment. Dr. McNulty and our team are here to provide expert care and help guide you through the best treatment options.
