Scoliosis Treatment in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is scoliosis treatment?
Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine, usually combined with a twist, which can make one shoulder, shoulder blade or hip sit higher than the other. Scoliosis treatment covers everything from measuring the curve and watching it through growth, to bracing, targeted exercise and, for a small number of severe curves, surgery. The approach depends on the size of the curve, how much growing is left, and how the curve affects comfort, breathing and appearance.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, scoliosis is assessed and managed by the orthopedic team, with care planned together with the family when the patient is a child or teenager.
Who needs it
Scoliosis treatment is for anyone found to have a curve of the spine, most often teenagers during their growth spurt. Signs that families notice include:
- One shoulder higher than the other, or a shoulder blade that sticks out
- A waist that looks uneven, or one hip that sits higher
- Clothes that hang unevenly, such as a hem or school uniform that looks lopsided
- A rib hump on one side when bending forward
A simple check at home is to ask your child to bend forward with arms hanging and look along the back from behind; a raised area on one side of the ribs or lower back is a reason to have the spine assessed.
Most scoliosis in teenagers is idiopathic, meaning it develops during growth with no single cause, and it is unrelated to posture, heavy school bags or how a child sits. Scoliosis can also start in adulthood as the discs and joints of the spine wear unevenly, typically causing back pain and leg symptoms. Back pain in general is covered on the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine page.
What happens
The assessment begins with a history, including when the curve was noticed, family history and, for girls, when periods started, because this helps estimate how much growth remains. The specialist examines the back, measures shoulder and hip levels, checks flexibility and performs a neurological examination.
A standing X-ray of the whole spine measures the curve in degrees, known as the Cobb angle, and shows how mature the skeleton is. Occasionally an MRI is arranged, for example when there is unusual pain, an atypical curve pattern or abnormal nerve findings.
Treatment follows from these findings:
- Monitoring with repeat X-rays at intervals during growth for smaller curves, to check whether the curve is progressing.
- Bracing for moderate curves in children who are still growing. A custom-made brace, worn for many hours each day, aims to stop the curve increasing while the spine grows.
- Scoliosis-specific exercise, taught by a physiotherapist arranged as part of your care pathway, which can support posture, strength and comfort.
- Surgery for severe or rapidly progressing curves. Your specialist explains what the operation involves and arranges care with a spinal surgical team where it is needed.
Preparing for it
Bring any previous spine X-rays or reports, since comparing them shows whether the curve has changed. For children and teenagers, a record of height over the past year and the date of the first period, where relevant, helps estimate growth.
Wear or bring clothing that allows the back to be seen, such as a vest or a swimsuit top, and loose clothes for the X-ray. Write down any back pain, numbness, weakness or breathing symptoms, and any family members with scoliosis.
Afterwards
For growing children, follow-up visits are arranged at regular intervals until growth is complete, because this is when curves are most likely to progress. If a brace is prescribed, wearing it for the prescribed hours each day is what determines how well it works, and the team helps with fitting, skin care and school routines. Sport and normal activity are encouraged for almost everyone with scoliosis. Your specialist gives you a timeline for your case and explains what each review will check.
Contact the hospital if a brace rubs or causes skin sores, or if back pain becomes persistent or severe. Seek urgent care straight away if you develop new weakness or numbness in the legs, or difficulty controlling the bladder or bowels.
Cost and insurance
Scoliosis assessment, X-rays and follow-up are covered by most UAE health insurance plans. Custom braces are sometimes assessed separately or covered only up to a limit, and surgery requires pre-approval. Checking your policy before a brace is ordered avoids unexpected costs. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you confirm your cover on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Is scoliosis caused by bad posture or heavy school bags?
No. Most scoliosis in teenagers is idiopathic, meaning it develops during growth with no single cause, and it is unrelated to posture, heavy bags or sitting habits. Scoliosis often runs in families.
Will my child's scoliosis get worse?
Some curves progress during growth and others stay the same. The risk is higher for larger curves and for children with a lot of growth remaining, which is why regular X-rays during growth are important. Most curves change little once growth is complete.
What are the risks of scoliosis treatment?
Monitoring and exercise carry very few risks. Bracing can cause skin irritation, discomfort and self-consciousness, and it may not stop every curve from progressing. Scoliosis surgery is a major operation with risks including infection, bleeding, nerve injury and the need for further surgery, which your specialist explains in detail if it is considered.
Does a scoliosis brace straighten the spine?
A brace is designed to stop a curve from getting bigger while a child grows, and it generally does not straighten the existing curve. It works best when worn for the prescribed number of hours each day until growth is complete.
Can my child play sport with scoliosis?
Children and teenagers with scoliosis can usually play sport and stay active, and exercise supports strength and wellbeing. Your specialist advises on any specific limits, such as during the early period after surgery.
Does scoliosis cause back pain in adults?
Adult scoliosis, often caused by uneven wear of the discs and joints, can cause back pain and sometimes leg pain from pressure on nerves. Treatment usually starts with exercise, physiotherapy and pain relief, with surgery considered for severe or progressive symptoms.
Is scoliosis treatment covered by insurance?
Most UAE insurance plans cover scoliosis assessment, X-rays and follow-up, while custom braces may be limited and surgery requires pre-approval. Confirm your cover with Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah on 06 599 7777.
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