Parents should watch for this condition in children

A raised shoulder, uneven hips, or an unusual bulge on the back can be signs of scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine in children. Early diagnosis during the growth years helps the doctor decide, based on the severity of the curve, whether to monitor, prescribe a brace, or operate.

A high shoulder, asymmetric hips, or an unusual bulge in the back can be signs of scoliosis or lateral deviation of the spine in children. Timely diagnosis of this complication at a growing age helps the doctor to decide on the follow-up, brace or surgery according to the severity of the curvature.

According to Ambassador Arjan, spinal deviation or scoliosis is one of the serious challenges during the growth of children and students.

At these ages, due to the high speed of bone growth and the high flexibility of tissues, any lateral deviation can progress quickly.

Asymmetry in the shoulders, raising one side of the pelvis and abnormal protrusions in the waist area are among the first signs that parents should be sensitive to.

Ignoring this disorder during school has irreparable consequences in adulthood. In terms of physical health, scoliosis can lead to chronic back pain, premature muscle fatigue, and significant height loss.

But more dangerous than these is the possibility of neurological defects caused by pressure on the spinal cord and changes in the function of internal organs.

Because early diagnosis during development allows disease management through non-surgical methods such as the use of corrective braces, periodic examination of students' stature is essential.

Timely diagnosis makes the difference between a healthy life and facing physical disabilities in the future.

Mohammad Reza Hossein Kazemi, pediatric spine surgeon, about what exactly does "scoliosis" mean and how can it be distinguished from a simple deviation? He stated: Scoliosis actually means a deviation of the spine in the front or back view. If we look at a person from the front or behind the head and observe that the spine is deviated to the sides (lateral), we are facing scoliosis.

He noted: Of course, I must emphasize that a definitive diagnosis is only possible with a detailed clinical examination and radiological imaging of the entire spine.

Pediatric spine surgeon on "How can parents notice this problem in their children at home?" Are there any specific outward signs? He clarified: Yes, parents should be very careful. Usually, the first signs show themselves in the asymmetry of the body; For example, one shoulder may be higher than the other, or one side may be higher than the other in the hip area.

He noted: Also, the presence of abnormal protrusions in the spine area is a very important sign. If these symptoms are ignored, in adulthood we will face problems such as chronic back pain, extreme fatigue, neurological defects and even short stature.

Hossein Kazemi about "Given the sensitivity of this disease in growing age, do all patients need surgery?" He added: No, this is a wrong belief. We make decisions based on the degree of curvature, age, gender of the patient and the rate of progression of the disease in a period of 3 to 6 months.

He added: Based on this, we divide patients into three categories: the first category, patients who have little deviation and only need follow-up and periodic imaging. The second category is patients who need to use "brace" or special belts; These braces are worn during the day to prevent the curve from progressing during growth.

Hossein Kazemi clarified: Finally, the third category is patients whose degree of deviation is very high and in this situation, surgical intervention is a necessity.

A pediatric spine surgeon asked, "What advice do you have for families who are concerned about their children's spine health?" expressed: My advice is very clear: "time" is everything in the treatment of scoliosis. If you notice asymmetry in the shoulders, a bulge in the spine, a deviation of the pelvis or even a change in height and severe neurological deficits, be sure to see a spine surgeon without delay.

He added: Early diagnosis can prevent many complex problems in the future.