The spine is made up of small, stacked bones called vertebrae separated by soft, shock-absorbing spinal discs. A healthy spine has three gentle, natural curves which act as everyday shock absorbers. Kids and teens with spinal curve conditions have curves of the spine that are larger than or opposite of the natural spinal curvatures. These include lordosis (more inward curve, swayback), kyphosis (more forward curve, rounded back) and scoliosis (sideways curve).

• Kyphosis: The upper spine curves forward more than usual, giving children a rounded or "hunchback" appearance. There are different types of kyphosis range in severity including: congenital kyphosis, Scheuermann’s disease, postural kyphosis or result from compression fractures to the spine vertebrae. Kyphosis can be caused by spinal abnormalities during development or can occur spontaneously later in development. Treatment for kyphosis varies on the severity but may include bracing, physical therapy or surgery.
• Lordosis: The spine curves inward more than usual, giving children an exaggerated posture known as “swayback,” with the pelvis tilted forward and buttocks pushed back. Cause is not always known but posture problems, being overweight or a history of spinal trauma, back surgery, hip problems or neuromuscular conditions can increase a child’s risk. Treatment for lordosis varies on the severity but may include medication management, bracing or physical therapy. Surgery is rarely a treatment.
• Scoliosis: A sideways curve of the spine, often diagnosed in kids and teens. There are three different types of scoliosis that can occur in children — idiopathic, congenital (present at birth), and neuromuscular. The cause of scoliosis is unknown, but is not related to or caused by poor posture, sleeping position, sports, or heavy back packs. Treatment for scoliosis varies based on the type, but may include observation, bracing, or surgery.

Our specialists use a combination of history, physical exam and diagnostic test for diagnosis and cause of spine curve conditions. These tests include:

• X-Ray
• EOS: low dose spine imaging
• CT Scan: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

The goal of treatment is to stop the progression of the curve and prevent deformity. At Children's Wisconsin, a multidisciplinary approach is taken and treatment is individualized for your child based upon age, growth, curve size, expectations for the course of the condition, and the family's opinion or preference. Common treatments include:

• Observation and repeated examinations: Observation and repeated examinations may be necessary to determine if the spine is continuing to curve. Progression of the curve depends upon the amount of skeletal growth or the skeletal maturity of the child. Curve progression slows down or stops after the child reaches puberty. Sometimes physical therapy is included especially if the patient is having pain or the family would like to seek other methods.
• Bracing: Bracing may be used when the curve measures are larger than normal on an X-ray, but skeletal growth remains. The type of brace and the amount of time spent in the brace will depend on your child's condition.
• Physical therapy: If poor posture is contributing to your child’s condition, exercises can help strengthen your child’s core. Our physical therapy program offers experts trained the Schroth method for treating spinal curvature and a rehabilitation space designed for spinal conditions
• Surgery: Surgery may be recommended when the curve measures 50 degrees or more

Expert pediatric care: The Children's Wisconsin AIM Spine Center is the only one in the state that offers experts who specialize in pediatric spine care from across a field of disciplines- orthopedics, neurology and neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, chiropractic, psychology and physical and occupational therapy. From diagnosis through treatment, we’ll partner with your family to develop the best care plan for your child. We use noninvasive treatment options whenever possible. If your child needs spinal surgery, our highly skilled surgeons use the most advanced techniques and technology to deliver optimal results and shorter recovery times.