Scoliosis Treatment: Observation
Observation is used for people who have a curve of less than 25 degrees and who are still growing.
The doctor will check the curve every four to six months to see if it is getting better or worse.
(Click Scoliosis Treatment for more information about treatment options for scoliosis.)
Scoliosis Treatment: Bracing
Doctors may advise bracing in order to stop a curve from getting worse. Bracing may be used when:
- The person is still growing and has a curve of more than 25 to 30 degrees
- The person is still growing and has a curve between 20 and 29 degrees that is getting worse
- The person has at least two years of growth remaining and has a curve that is between 20 and 29 degrees.
However, females who have started their monthly period should not use bracing.
(Click Back Brace for Scoliosis for more information about bracing treatment options.)
Scoliosis Treatment: Surgery
- The person is still growing
- The curve is more than 45 degrees
- The curve is getting worse.
Surgery often involves fusing together two or more bones in the spine. During scoliosis surgery, your doctor may also put in a metal rod or other devices, which are called implants. The implants stay in the body and help keep the spine straight after surgery.
(Click Surgery for Scoliosis for more information about surgical treatment options.)
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