Scoliosis causes a side curvature in the spine, which can lead to permanent disability in severe cases. It presents itself most times during adolescence. For many children, it is slight and does not progress. However, if it is detected, ongoing monitoring is required to ensure it does not progress.
While both males and females are equally likely to develop scoliosis, it is more likely to progress to a severe condition in females. If it progresses, the child may be required to wear a back brace that will help to realign their back while preventing it from curving further.
In most cases, doctors cannot identify the cause of scoliosis, which means there is little parents can do to help prevent it. However, it has been linked to other disorders, including cerebral palsy, which can be a result of medical malpractice.
The earlier the intervention and monitoring, the better the prognosis will be for young people who have scoliosis. For many, if detected early, the impact can be severely diminished or even eliminated by the time they reach adulthood, ensuring no further effect on their overall health and wellbeing.
However, if the child’s doctor misses early signs of scoliosis or there is a misdiagnosis, the lifelong impact can be significantly more significant. Treatment of scoliosis may last longer due to a misdiagnosis, and their potential for disability or disfigurement is greater.
Howard Fensterman is a prominent lawyer and philanthropist in the New York area, who specializes in healthcare malpractice law. As an advocate for the injured, he can review the facts of your situation and let you know if you have a case for medical malpractice.
Once you receive a scoliosis diagnosis, you need to consult with your physician regarding the severity of the diagnosis. For many young people, there is no treatment necessary. The scoliosis is so minor; it requires no more than monitoring over the next few years.
Even if the recommendation is monitoring, you may decide to get a second opinion. There is no shame in asking for a second opinion. As a parent, it is your job to advocate for your children, and you should never hold back if you have questions.
Treatment options may range from wearing a brace for a period to surgical correction in more severe cases. You may also seek out the advice of a group of specialists that have dedicated their careers to the treatment of scoliosis patients.
Scoliosis Systems is a team of physicians and therapists that work specifically with scoliosis patients. They operate out of 15 regional centers throughout the United States, so they are a viable option regardless of where in the country you live.
Scoliosis Systems offers non-surgical options to relieve the symptoms of scoliosis and have pioneered a program they call Scoli-Fit through their interdisciplinary approach to treatment.
If you are unsure of your options, you can request a consultation to have doctors from Scoliosis Systems review your child’s medical records to see if they believe their system will be advantageous. With their commitment to relieving the physical suffering of those with scoliosis, they will provide an educated opinion based on years of experience.
Many factors go into a parent’s decision regarding treatment options. Regardless of what you decide, it essential that you are presented with all of your options so you can make an educated decision.
A parent’s job is never done, even when your children become adults. You can help by providing ongoing support, resources, and compassion to your adult child and help them make the best decision for their health based on your research and the recommendation of doctors.
