Spinal Problems in Children

Spondylolysis: An overuse injury that causes tiny stress fracture in the vertebrae, most commonly in the lumbar spine in the low back

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis: A condition that occurs when one of the vertebrae slips forward, causing back pain and muscle tightness

Kyphosis

Kyphosis: An abnormal outward curve in the mid-spine, causing a “humpback” look

Lordosis

Lordosis: An abnormal inward curve in the low-spine, causing a “swayback” look in which your child’s buttocks stick out more than normal

At the Andrews Institute, our program is designed to provide a superior level of expertise, advanced technology and innovative care in one convenient location. We provide diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care such as physical therapy (PT) under one roof.

Signs and symptoms of spinal problems in children include:

• Uneven shoulders
• Uneven waist
• One hip higher than the other
• Tilted pelvis
• Hunched back (kyphosis)
• Back pain
• Shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other
• Difficulty breathing

At the Andrews Institute, we offer advanced diagnostic tools and pediatric orthopedic expertise to accurately diagnose your child’s unique symptoms.

At the Andrews Institute, our specialists have extensive experience diagnosing the full range of spinal problems in children. We work together to ensure your child receives an accurate and quick diagnosis.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Physical exam: Looks for abnormal curve in the spine and uneven shoulders, waist or hips
• X-ray: Uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to take detailed images of the spine
• CT (computed tomography) scan: Uses X-rays to make detailed images of your child’s spine
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan: Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the spine
• Bone scans: Uses a safe, small amount of radioactive substance to make detailed images of the spine

Treatment for spinal problems in children depends on the severity of the abnormal curve. Most often, our physicians can use nonsurgical treatments for spinal deformities.
 
Nonsurgical treatments include:

• Activity modification, particularly if the activity is causing continued injury to the spine
• Bracing to hold your child’s spine in the proper position, correcting the abnormal curve
• In-house physical therapy and rehabilitation to reduce muscular imbalance and increase strength and flexibility, improving posture

Our goal is always the least invasive, most effective option. If symptoms worsen, though, your child may need surgery. If so, our surgeons use the latest tools and technology to realign and straighten your child’s spine.