dingpostures, or minor lower limb length inequality.Early detection is very important. If you can detect it early enough, you may beable to alter the curve and make small adjustments to keep the spine in line with thenecessary small curves. Although scoliosis is not preventable, detection and treatmentearly on in childhood is the best way of preventing an existing problem from gettingworse. However, it is very hard to detect scoliosis. Parents should be aware of somesigns to help indicate the need for a screening. Such signs to look for are:Uneven shoulders or hipsProminent shoulder or shoulder bladesLeaning to one side Prominence of one side of the rib cageIf any of the above signs become evident, the child should immediately be taken to thedoctor for further evaluation, which will be helpful with early detection. The focusshould be on the appearance of the spine, as well as the function of the nerves comingout of the spinal cord (http://www.hjd.edu/html/body_scoliosis.html).Depending on the severity of the curvature, treatments for scoliosis may vary. Bracing is one type of treatment that has had some success. It has been documentedthat the application of a Milwaukee brace can improve the juvenile curves and reducethe surgical indication for surgery to 20 percent. The worst results are seen in childrenwhose curves are greater than 30 degrees at the time of ons (Medical Topics,www.orthospine.com). Most braces need to be worn as much as possible. If the childis able to tolerate it then 23 hours a day is ideal. If the child plays a sport they mayremove the brace to play. It does not mean the child cannot participate in a sportbecause they wear a back brace. Almost all children effected with scoliosis can leadvery normal lives and can do all the activities they wish. It does not hamper thereability in most cases. The article states that physical therapy such as musclestrengthening, is important if a brace is to be utilized....
