What Teachers Should Know Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves. A person with scoliosis may have a back that curves from side to side like an "S" or a "C." Conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy can cause scoliosis, but most of the time there is no clear cause. Scoliosis can develop over time. Often, it's not diagnosed until a child is 10 to 14 years old, the ages when most kids have growth spurts. Most students with scoliosis don't need any intervention because most small curves don't cause problems. But if the curve gets worse, it can: become more visible cause discomfort or pain affect a person's lungs and heart lead to damage in the joints of the spine For significant scoliosis curves, doctors usually recommend that kids wear a brace. Most braces can be worn under clothing. In severe cases, surgery will help correct the curvature of the spine. With effective treatment, almost every student with scoliosis can have an active, normal life. Students with scoliosis may: feel embarrassed about wearing a brace miss a lot of class time if surgery is needed need extra time to complete assignments and make up tests benefit from a 504 educational plan that calls for seating accommodations, extra time getting to and from classes, and elevator privileges if available need to visit the school nurse for pain medicine or brace adjustments need to be excused from physical education and sports What Teachers Can Do Most children with scoliosis have no physical limitations. Scoliosis does not affect a student's ability to learn, but wearing a brace or having physical limitations can make a student feel self-conscious or embarrassed. Encourage students to participate in all activities they're up to, and be understanding of any discomfort or tiredness they feel. Depending on the degree of scoliosis, students may see several medical specialists. Allowing extra time to complete assignments and sending work home while a student recovers from surgery can help them keep up and not feel overwhelmed. Back to Articles Related Articles Scoliosis Scoliosis makes a person’s spine curve from side to side. Large curves can cause health problems like pain or breathing trouble. Health care providers treat scoliosis with back braces or surgery when needed. Read More Scoliosis Scoliosis makes a person’s spine curve from side to side. Large curves can cause health problems like pain or breathing trouble. Health care providers treat scoliosis with back braces or surgery when needed. Read More 504 Education Plans If your child has special needs in the classroom, he or she may be eligible for a government-supported learning plan. Read More X-Ray Exam: Scoliosis Kids with scoliosis have a spine that curves, like an S or a C. If scoliosis is suspected, a doctor may order X-rays to measure the curvature of the spine. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.