Straight Talk About Spine Health

While computers, video games and television have enhanced lives in many ways, these electronic devices have also contributed to America’s sedentary lifestyle, and, consequently, to some of the back problems that plague many adults, and even children.

Common causes of back pain and problems in children include having an inactive lifestyle; using heavy, ill-fitting backpacks; poor posture habits; and participating in certain sports. It is important to address these causes because, if left alone, the problems they can create may follow children into adulthood, potentially leading to a lifetime of discomfort.
 
In addition to promoting healthy habits, Shriners Hospitals is encouraging parents and pediatricians to be aware of the importance of scoliosis screenings. Scoliosis is a lateral – or side-to-side – curve of the spine greater than 10 degrees, which makes the spine look more like an “S” or a “C” than a straight line when viewed on an X-ray. Once scoliosis has been diagnosed, the primary concern is whether the curve will progress. Early diagnosis allows the ability to monitor the condition over a longer period of time, which can be important to ensuring proper treatment.

Beginning when children are around age 8, parents are encouraged to watch for signs of possible scoliosis, including uneven shoulders when the child is sitting or standing up straight, prominent shoulder blade(s), or a tendency to lean to one side. Scoliosis screenings, provided in many school systems, are a recommended component of pediatric health care, just like vision and hearing screenings.

As a leader in pediatric orthopaedics, Shriners Hospitals for Children provides state-of-the-art treatment for scoliosis and most other orthopaedic conditions, and is a leader in medical education and research in this field.

Shriners Hospitals Can Help
For 86 years, Shriners Hospitals for Children has been a leader in efforts to understand, prevent and treat musculoskeletal problems associated with pediatric orthopaedic conditions and injuries. The 19 Shriners Hospitals for Children that treat orthopaedic problems can provide information and resources to help parents, educators and other professionals learn more about these conditions.

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