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Scoliosis is a medical term that describes the abnormal twisting and curvature of the spine. Different severities of scoliosis exist, ranging from mild curves that don’t cause problems, to large curves that can impact your child’s health. Scoliosis can often be caused for no reason (often referred to as idiopathetic) or it can be caused by an underlying condition
People with scoliosis may present with:
Common symptoms associated with muscular dystrophy include:
- Uneven shoulders or hips
- Numbness, weakness or pain in the legs
- Trouble standing up straight
- A bump in the lower back
- Trouble walking
How Can Children’s Orthotics Help?
Through assessment and careful consideration, our multidisciplinary team can use our knowledge and access the necessary equipment to identify the best treatment plan for you and your child. Treatment can range from careful monitoring, specific physiotherapy, garment orthoses, and specific rigid back orthotic devices designed to apply pressure to the necessary parts of the body, counteracting the curve from progressing any further. At Children’s Orthotics, our experienced practitioners will use all our skills to guarantee the best treatment plan for you and your child.
What Types of Orthotics Might Be Effective
Children’s Orthotics provide a variety of orthotics to help with difficulties caused by Scoliosis, depending on the outcome of the orthotist assessment. Common intervention prescribed include:
- Monitoring - in some cases where the scoliosis curve is small, close management is all that is required. This way the curve can be tracked and acted upon should there be any changes.
- Physiotherapy - a physiotherapy programme can be designed to help counteract the curve and reduce the progression of the curve.
- Lycra Garments - custom made lycra garments can be specifically designed for children. This orthotic works by applying a global compression to the area of the body which it is worn.
- Rigid Back Brace - in moderate to severe cases, there are several rigid back braces that may be prescribed. These braces can vary in how pressure is applied to the spine and ribs to prevent a scoliosis curve from progressing.
What Might the Assessment Procedure Involve
The first step is to book an assessment with one of our experienced registered orthotists. During the assessment the orthotist will take a full medical and social history including viewing any X-rays. A physical examination of the spine in lying, sitting and standing (where appropriate) will take place.
Once the most effective treatment option has been established a plaster cast, scan or measurements will be taken to capture the trunk shape so a spinal brace can be manufactured. A suitable fitting appointment will then be made. For more complex spinal bracing an extra mid fitting appointment may be required.