If the curve is less than 40 percent, and the patient is almost fully grown (age 17 in boys, age 15 for girls), than in all likelihood the curve will not progress any further or cause symptoms, and observation is enough. Observation entails checkups every 4-6 months to see if the curve is getting worse. If it does get worse, treatment may progress to the next stage.

If the curve is 25-40 percent, and further growth is likely, the doctor may recommend a brace to prevent the curve from increasing. There are different types of braces, some worn during the day and some at night. Some are much less noticeable than others. The brace probably will not correct the curve—it will only prevent it from getting worse. For more information on the different types of braces, see the iscoliosis section on braces.

For curves larger than 40 percent, or when bracing does not keep the curve from getting worse, surgery is an option. Surgery can keep curvature from getting worse, correct it in some cases, and prevent complications from developing. The most common type of surgery involves attaching a medal rod to each side of the patient’s spine. The patient is usually released from the hospital within a week and fully recovered after 4-6 months.

Medications

Medication can treat--but not cure--pain associated with scoliosis. Nutritional supplements, physical therapy, electrical muscle stimulation and exercise programs have not been proven to be effective treatment for scoliosis.

Prevention

If scoliosis is caught early, braces or surgery can prevent it from getting any worse. School children are often screened regularly with the Adam’s Forward Bend Test, which can easily be done at home. The child leans forward with his or her feet together, and bends 90 degrees at the waist. Standing behind the child, with the buttocks at eye level, the parent or nurse can tell if one half of the back is higher than the other.