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Health Information Center

Talking to Your Doctor About Scoliosis

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Talking to Your Doctor About Scoliosis

Your child has their own health history. Talk with your child's doctor about your child's risks and background with scoliosis. You can take an active role in your child's care by talking openly and often with the doctor.

Tips for Getting Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier to talk to your child's doctor:

  • Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
  • Write your questions down so you do not forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what is being said.
  • Ask for help, if you need it. Do not be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more info. You have a right to know.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

About Scoliosis:

  • Does my child have a spinal curve?
  • What degree is the curve?
  • Has it caused any other health problems?
  • Was it caused by a health problem?

About Your Child's Risk of Getting Scoliosis:

  • What is the chance that my child might get scoliosis?
  • Should my other children be screened?
  • Are there any ways to lower the risk?

About Treatment Options:

  • Can my child be watched instead of wearing a brace or cast?
  • How often will appointments be needed?
  • Will a brace or cast be needed?
  • If a brace is needed, how long will it have to be worn each day?
  • How many years will a brace or cast be needed?
  • Will surgery be needed?

About Lifestyle Changes:

  • Are there any things my child should not do?
  • Are there any exercises that might help?

About Outlook:

  • Could this result in disability?
  • How likely is it that my child's curve will get worse?
  • Is there anything I can do to slow my child's scoliosis?

References

  • Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/adolescent-idiopathic-scoliosis. Accessed May 13, 2022.
  • Congenital scoliosis and kyphosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/congenital-scoliosis-and-kyphosis. Accessed May 13, 2022.
  • Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. FamilyDoctor.org—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor. Accessed May 13, 2022.
  • Idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/idiopathic-scoliosis-in-children-and-adolescents. Accessed May 13, 2022.
  • Infantile and juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/infantile-and-juvenile-idiopathic-scoliosis. Accessed May 13, 2022.
  • Scoliosis in children and adolescents. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/scoliosis. Accessed May 13, 2022.

Contributors

  • Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated:
2022-03-11

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.