Spinal curvature is a part of any child’s development that often goes overlooked. Staying educated on scoliosis and its common symptoms will help you keep your eyes peeled for any concerning symptoms that may appear in your own children. Schedule an appointment with your local chiropractor or pediatrician to ensure that your child’s spine is developing appropriately.
Visual Appearance
In a severe case of scoliosis, you’ll be able to see the incorrect curve of the spine. Average spines look straight when you look at them. But spines with scoliosis will look as though they’re leaning or curving to one side. If your child consistently seems to be tilting to one side while standing or sitting straight, consider taking a look at their spine. Scoliosis can vary from an S-shaped curve to a C-shaped curve, typically affecting the thoracic and lumbar portions of the spine.
Nerves
If your child complains of pins and needles in their arms or legs, they could be dealing with a pinched nerve. This is a common occurrence in people with scoliosis. Additionally, numbness is a close friend of the pins and needles. For some children, especially younger ones, this can feel scary. Assure them that everything is going to be okay, and then consult with a doctor as soon as possible.
Leg Length
If you suspect that your child has scoliosis, consider performing this test: have your child lie down on their stomach with their arms down at their sides, palms facing up. Their forehead should be pressed against the floor, if possible, not turned to the side. Now, take a look at the length of your child’s legs. If one looks longer than the other, there could be a scoliosis issue. At the very least, your child might benefit from a chiropractic adjustment to ensure proper pelvic alignment. Keep in mind that you should still consult with a doctor.
If you think your child is displaying any of these scoliosis symptoms, schedule an appointment today so that you can get to the bottom of the symptoms. Treating the condition as early as possible will only benefit your child in the long run.
