Scoliosis in Kids Mythbusters: What Parents Need to Know

Scoliosis in kids is a condition where the spine curves sideways, often developing during growth spurts in childhood or adolescence. The most common type, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, occurs in otherwise healthy children and has no known cause.

Myth #1: Bad posture or heavy backpacks can cause scoliosis in kids

Fact: Scoliosis is not caused by posture, backpacks, sports, or diet.

The most common type of scoliosis is called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). “Idiopathic” means the exact cause of the condition is unknown, and AIS happens for no clear reason in completely healthy kids. We are still researching many potential causes of this scoliosis, but we do know:

• Nothing you did caused it.
• Nothing your child did caused it.

Myth #2: Scoliosis in kids is rare

Fact: Small curves in the spine are common.

Many people have mild unevenness in their backs and never know it. Scoliosis affects about 3% of the population. With these odds, I like to remind patients that if they have scoliosis, there’s a good chance a few kids in their school may have scoliosis too. Small curves do not cause pain and usually do not need treatment.

 

Fact: Scoliosis often shows up as kids grow.

Many children have no spinal curve until they hit a growth spurt. Small curves can turn into bigger more noticeable curves when a patient grows rapidly. Scoliosis is seen most often in girls from ages 10 to 14, during growth spurts. That is why scoliosis is often found during:

• A school nurse screening
• A regular doctor visit

Doctors and nurses often use a simple check called the Adams forward bend test, a common scoliosis screening test for children. Your child bends forward and touches their toes which helps to highlight uneven areas in the back.

Myth #4: All types of scoliosis in kids are the same 

Fact: There are different types of scoliosis.

• Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)
  • Most common type
  • Happens in healthy preteens and teens
  • Often just watched over time
     
• Congenital Scoliosis
  • Present since birth and found in childhood
  • Caused by bones in the spine that did not form normally
     

Other Types of Scoliosis in Kids

Some children with medical conditions, like cerebral palsy, can have more serious curves that need special care. There are also other spine conditions, like:

• Early-onset scoliosis (before age 10)
• Kyphosis, which causes a rounded upper back
   

Fact: Most kids with scoliosis do not need surgery.

Treatment depends on:

• How big the curve is
• How much growing your child still has left

Many children only need regular checkups and x-rays to watch the curve. Scoliosis that requires therapy, a brace, or surgery is uncommon. Growing children with medium sized curves may benefit from a brace to help guide their spine growth to stop curve progression while they are in their growth spurt.

>>Related: Why kids' bones are different than adult bones and why it matters
 

Myth #6:  Scoliosis surgery for children is unsafe

Fact: Surgery is safer today than ever before.

When surgery is needed, doctors use advanced tools to protect the spine and nerves. These tools help them:

• See the spine’s detailed anatomy in real time
• Place instruments safely and accurately
• Monitor nerve signals during surgery

These advances help improve safety and outcomes for children.

If surgery becomes part of your child’s care, advanced technology helps make the procedure safer and more precise.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring tracks nerve and spinal cord signals in real time, helping surgeons detect and prevent potential nerve injury during scoliosis surgery. A dedicated specialist is present and works alongside the surgeon during every procedure at Connecticut Children’s.

Neuronavigation uses real-time 3D imaging and GPS-like guidance to map the spine during surgery. This helps surgeons at Connecticut Children place implants more accurately and safely, while reducing risk to nearby nerves and structures.

 

You may want to see a spine specialist at Connecticut Children's if:

• A doctor or school nurse notices uneven shoulders, ribs, or hips
• Your child’s back looks uneven when bending forward
• You want reassurance or a second opinion

Seeing a specialist does not always mean treatment. Often, it just means reassurance or watching carefully if there are signs of scoliosis in children.

Key facts about scoliosis in kids for parents

• Scoliosis is not your fault
• Children with scoliosis live normal, active lives
• Many scoliosis patients never need treatment
• Early checks help guide the best care

If your child may have scoliosis, you are not alone — turn to the experts 100% dedicated to kids!