Scoliosis: How to Care for Your Child

When a child has scoliosis, their spine curves in the shape of an "S" or a "C" instead of going straight up and down. 

The health care provider may order an X-ray to see how big your child's curve is.

If your child's scoliosis is mild, it means the curve is small and isn't causing problems right now. A curve can get bigger as kids grow, so the health care provider may want to check your child's back every few months.

If the curve is bigger, the health care provider may want your child to wear a brace. Wearing a brace correctly can often stop the spine from curving more.

Some kids with scoliosis need surgery to correct the curve.

Care Instructions

  • Go to all follow-up visits so the health care provider can check your child's spine.
  • If your child needs to wear a brace, follow the health care provider's instructions for how and when to wear it. Wearing the brace correctly for as long as it's recommended can often help kids avoid the need for surgery.
  • Encourage your child to play sports or join in other favorite activities if your health care provider says they're OK.
  • Teens may feel frustrated and upset about having scoliosis, especially if they need to wear a brace to school. Listen to your child and be supportive. Online or in-person support groups can let your child talk to other people who are going through the same thing.

Call Your Health Care Provider if...

  • Your child develops pain.
  • Your child's scoliosis looks worse to you.
  • Your child develops skin irritation, a rash, or sores under the brace.
  • You have questions about how or when your child should wear the brace.

More to Know

When is surgery needed for scoliosis? When a scoliosis curve is big, causes other problems, or wouldn't be helped by bracing, surgery may be recommended. This surgery is called spinal fusion. During spinal fusion, doctors put small pieces of bone, metal rods, and screws into the spine to straighten it.

How can surgery help with scoliosis? Surgery helps kids avoid problems like back pain, breathing trouble, or heart problems. After a full recovery, kids can play sports again and do all the activities they enjoyed doing before surgery.