Pediatric Scoliosis Treatment in New Jersey & New York
Protect your child's spine health with expert pediatric scoliosis care. Our board-certified and nationally recognized spine specialists provide transformative scoliosis treatment for children and adolescents, from early detection and bracing to advanced surgical care.
What is Pediatric Scoliosis?
If your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis or you’re concerned about their posture, you’re not alone. Pediatric scoliosis affects approximately 2-3% of children and adolescents, making it the most common spinal deformity in young people. The condition typically develops during periods of rapid growth, most commonly between ages 10-18.
Pediatric scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine that develops while your child’s bones are still growing. Unlike adult onset scoliosis, which is often painful, childhood scoliosis is typically painless in its early stages, which is why regular screening and monitoring are so important.
At the Advanced Spine Center, our pediatric spine specialists have successfully treated thousands of children and teens in New Jersey and New York, helping families navigate this condition with confidence and achieving optimal outcomes. Schedule an appointment today or take our 2-Minute Scoliosis Quiz online to learn more about your child’s symptoms and possible pediatric scoliosis treatment options.
Pediatric Scoliosis Symptoms and Signs
Recognizing pediatric scoliosis symptoms early is essential for preventing spinal curve progression and avoiding more complex treatments later. Childhood scoliosis is usually painless, making visual signs the primary indicators for parents and caregivers to watch for.
The severity and visibility of symptoms depend on the degree of spinal curvature and your child’s stage of development. Common pediatric scoliosis signs include:
- Visual Signs: Uneven shoulders, one shoulder blade appearing more prominent, uneven waistline, one hip appearing higher than the other, or clothes hanging unevenly on the body.
- Postural Changes: Head not centered over the body, rib prominence when bending forward, or leaning to one side when standing straight.
- Functional Differences: Uneven arm lengths when hanging at sides, difficulty with certain physical activities, or fatigue after prolonged standing or walking in older children.
- Rare Pain Symptoms: While uncommon in typical idiopathic scoliosis, back pain in children with spinal curvature may indicate underlying conditions requiring immediate evaluation.
- Progressive Changes: Any worsening of the above signs, especially during growth spurts, warrants prompt medical attention as curves can progress rapidly during periods of rapid growth.
When To See a Pediatric Scoliosis Doctor or Back Pain Specialist
If you notice any postural changes in your child or if scoliosis runs in your family, the pediatric spine specialists at the Advanced Spine Center in NJ and NY can provide comprehensive screening, accurate diagnosis, and age-appropriate treatment planning for your child’s unique needs.
Pediatric Scoliosis Treatment Options
Our comprehensive pediatric scoliosis treatments are designed to work with your child’s natural growth patterns while preventing curve progression and maintaining normal function.
Observation and Monitoring
For mild curves (10-25 degrees), careful monitoring with regular X-rays and physical examinations allows us to track progression during growth periods and intervene when necessary. This approach avoids over-treatment while ensuring we catch any concerning changes early.
Physical Therapy
Specialized scoliosis-specific exercises help improve posture, core strength, and spinal flexibility while teaching children proper body mechanics. These programs complement other treatments and help maintain overall spine health.
For moderate curves (25-40 degrees) in growing children, custom-designed braces can effectively halt curve progression in most cases when worn as prescribed. Modern braces are more comfortable and discreet than ever, allowing children to participate in most activities while protecting their spine development.
For severe curves (typically over 45-50 degrees) or rapidly progressing curves, advanced surgical techniques like spinal fusion can correct the deformity and prevent further progression. We prioritize minimally invasive approaches to reduce recovery time for your child.
What Causes Pediatric Scoliosis?
The vast majority of pediatric scoliosis cases are idiopathic, meaning no specific cause can be identified, though research suggests a strong genetic component, with the condition often running in families. This idiopathic scoliosis typically develops during periods of rapid growth when the spine is most vulnerable to developing abnormal curvature patterns, particularly affecting girls more frequently than boys.
Less commonly, pediatric scoliosis can result from congenital spine abnormalities present at birth, neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy that affect muscle control and balance, or secondary causes including spinal infections, tumors, or traumatic injuries. In some cases, leg length differences or other postural imbalances can contribute to apparent spinal curvature, though this typically represents a different condition requiring different treatment approaches.
Understanding the causes of pediatric scoliosis is crucial for developing the most effective treatment plan and predicting the likelihood of progression during growth.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Our experience with Dr. Lowenstein was fantastic! When we found out our daughter would need surgery for her scoliosis, of course we were all scared and nervous with the news. Dr. Lowenstein talked to us about everything, procedures, and concerns. He was absolutely fantastic! 3 years later our daughter is thriving and enjoying life. Thank you to Dr. Lowenstein and staff.
-Kerry H. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dr. Lowenstein and team are true professionals. Extremely well-versed in overall spine care knowledge. Great experience, never rushed during office visits. I highly recommend this team. You will not be disappointed with their overall care, compassion and direction for your needs.
-Anthony F. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Not only were they able to correct my son’s Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, but with each visit, they would talk to him and address his questions and concerns, which made him feel good. Even after the surgery, the follow-up with the staff was phenomenal. I have and will continue to refer patients to The Advanced Spine Center and Dr. Lowenstein.
-Jeff E. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pediatric Scoliosis Pain
When bracing and observation aren’t sufficient to prevent curve progression, our advanced pediatric scoliosis surgery options provide excellent correction results with techniques specifically designed for growing children. These specialized approaches include:
- Precision Approach: X-rays and 3D imaging allow for optimal monitoring and observation
- Growth-Focused Procedures: Surgical methods that work with your child’s natural growth patterns and preserve spinal development
- Enhanced Recovery: Pediatric-focused protocols designed specifically for young patients
- Long-Term Success – Comprehensive correction that allows for normal activities and prevents future progression into adulthood
Our pediatric spine surgeons at the Advanced Spine Center have specialized training in treating spinal deformities in children and adolescents, utilizing the most current techniques that prioritize both immediate correction and long-term spinal health for families across NY and NJ.
Why Choose Us for Advanced Spine Care
The Advanced Spine Center in New Jersey is recognized as a leading destination for spine treatment in the nation. Patients choose us for their spine treatment because we offer:
Comprehensive Care
From initial evaluation to post-surgical care, we provide complete spine care. Our multidisciplinary team ensures optimal outcomes for every patient.
Advanced Technology
State-of-the-art imaging, surgical navigation systems, and minimally invasive instruments enable precise, safe spine care with excellent results.
Convenient Location
Easily accessible in New Jersey and New York , our modern facility provides comfortable care in a convenient location. Plus, patients from across the nation, and even world wide, find come to us!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Scoliosis
Yes, the majority of pediatric scoliosis cases are successfully managed without surgery through careful monitoring, bracing, and physical therapy. Pediatric scoliosis surgery is typically only recommended for curves over 45-50 degrees or rapidly progressing curves that don’t respond to bracing.
Pediatric scoliosis has the potential to progress, especially during periods of rapid growth like adolescence. However, with proper monitoring and treatment, many curves remain stable or progress slowly enough that bracing can effectively control them.
Pediatric scoliosis is typically painless and focuses on preventing curve progression during growth, while adult scoliosis often causes pain due to spinal degeneration. Children’s treatment emphasizes monitoring and bracing, whereas adult care focuses more on pain management and maintaining function.
Pediatric scoliosis most commonly develops during adolescence between ages 10-18, coinciding with growth spurts. However, it can be detected earlier during routine school screenings or pediatric checkups, with some cases appearing in younger children or even infants.
Look for visual signs like uneven shoulders, one shoulder blade more prominent than the other, an uneven waistline, or clothes hanging unevenly. The Adams forward bend test, where your child bends forward and you look for rib prominence, can also reveal spinal curvature that requires professional evaluation.
Yes, scoliosis-specific exercises can improve posture, core strength, and spinal flexibility in children with scoliosis. While exercise cannot correct established curves, it can help maintain overall spine health, improve function, and complement other treatments like bracing.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Spine Care?
Don’t let pediatric scoliosis or back pain limit your child’s life. Contact the leading spine specialists in NJ & NY today!
