Dr. Eldin Karaikovic (NorthShore)
Dear Barbara, Scoliosis can cause spinal stenosis which compresses the nerves in the spinal canal and cause sciatica. This sciatica can be then interpreted as hip or leg pain since the nerve runs from the spinal into the foot. A cortisone shot might help in up to 50% of patients. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment and there is no scientific data that supports it but one can try it. Usual treatment is physical therapy with medication, followed with a cortisone shot (epidural steroid injection) and finally with a surgery. Best regards Eldin Karaikovic, MD, PhD

Dr. Eldin Karaikovic (NorthShore)
Dear Melissa, you are right. The genetic testing started at the beginning of this year. It is available in our institution as well. It is a test to predict possible progression of the curvature. It helps reduce the amount of radiation and gives us some input how serious the curvature is. Your daughter is a good candidate for that test since her curvature is only 13 degrees. The test is painless (we need a spit-saliva- only). I think you and your daughter should take an advantage of this new technology. The only downside is that it is at this moment approved only for Caucasians. Best regards Eldin Karaikovic, MD, PhD 847-570-2820

Dr. Eldin Karaikovic (NorthShore)
Dear Tom, There is more and more evidence in the literature that there is some genetic predisposition for scoliosis although it has not been completely confirmed and a single "scoliosis" gene identified. We know that scoliosis runs in families, but a clear way of transmission has not be established. Girls are more affected than boys. There is a new genetic test which was introduced recently which can show how likely it is that one's curve will progress. I certainly will be on guard if anybody in my family has/had scoliosis (parents, grandparents, aunts etc). Girls and boys with scoliosis have higher likelihood to have children with scoliosis. Best regards Eldin E. Karaikovic, MD, PhD 847-570-2820

Dr. Eldin Karaikovic (NorthShore)
Dear Jim Luckily we did some adjustments to braces used for scoliosis in the past. I must say we had to do adjustments because kids today do not want to wear those cumbersome metallic braces that looked like cages any more. The braces now are much lighter, made of plastic and do not include the neck and chin as they did in the past. These braces are made by a computerized machine that creates a brace based on a patient's x-ray. We therefore get a brace that uniquely fits a certain patient. Best regards Eldin E. Karaikovic, MD, PhD 847-570-2820

Dr. Eldin Karaikovic (NorthShore)
Dear Bob, I am glad you are worried about your grandchildren because you are right. They have a higher risk of development of scoliosis. It usually starts in adolescents, so make sure that your physician knows about this as he/she can test them. Most of curvatures are discovered on a plain doctor's exam. The genetic test is used only if children are over age 9 years and have a verified curvature (on xrays) of > 10 degrees. Therefore, for now it is enough only to be followed with their pediatrician. Also you can examine their backs for any asymmetry and/or curvature Best regards, Eldin Karaikovic, MD, PhD 847-570-2820

Dr. Eldin Karaikovic (NorthShore)
Dear Barbara, "progressive" means that the curvature of the spine is getting worse (getting "more curved"). One can know if one's curvature is progressive only if he/she has radiographs of the spine from different times so by measuring curvatures can see that they are getting worse (have more degrees of angulation). Best regards Eldin Karaikovic, MD, PhD 847-570-2825

Dr. Eldin Karaikovic (NorthShore)
Dear Leslie, The onset of scoliosis unfortunately cannot be prevented, but its course can be altered (improved) with early recognition and treatment. That is why it is important that children (especially with a family history of scoliosis) are checked regularly by their pediatrician and family members. Best regards Eldin Karaikovic, MD, PhD 847-570-2825

Dr. Eldin Karaikovic (NorthShore)
Dear Melissa, It appears that this test is very useful. It predicts that one curvature has higher or lower chances of progression. This reduces the amount of x-rays needed in a regular follow up, as well the amount of radiation that the child receives. Our institution has this test available. The test is indicated for children from 9-13 years of age and curvature from 10-25 degrees. The only limitation is that it is approved only for Caucasians at this time. You daughter (or son) is a good candidate. The test is painless (we only need saliva - spit) Best regards Eldin Karaikovic, MD, PhD 847-570-2825

Dr. Eldin Karaikovic (NorthShore)
Dear Barbara, Yes, the test is only done for children from 9-13 years of age. Best regards Eldin Karaikovic, MD, PhD 8470-570-2825

Dr. Eldin Karaikovic (NorthShore)
Dear Denise, the indication for surgery is done based on a degree of curvatures (usually over 40-45 degrees) and their progression. The curvatures that progress rapidly, in spite of bracing, might need to be surgically treated. The younger the child and the larger the curvature, the likelihood of a necessity for a surgical treatment is higher. Best regards Eldin E. Karaikovic, MD, PhD 847-570-2825