The spine is made up of small, stacked bones called vertebrae separated by soft, shock-absorbing spinal discs. A healthy spine has three gentle, natural curves which act as everyday shock absorbers. Kids and teens with spinal curve conditions have curves of the spine that are larger than or opposite of the natural spinal curvatures. These include lordosis (more inward curve, swayback), kyphosis (more forward curve, rounded back) and scoliosis (sideways curve).

• Kyphosis: The upper spine curves forward more than usual, giving children a rounded or "hunchback" appearance. There are different types of kyphosis range in severity including: congenital kyphosis, Scheuermann’s disease, postural kyphosis or result from compression fractures to the spine vertebrae. Kyphosis can be caused by spinal abnormalities during development or can occur spontaneously later in development. Treatment for kyphosis varies on the severity but may include bracing, physical therapy or surgery.
• Lordosis: The spine curves inward more than usual, giving children an exaggerated posture known as “swayback,” with the pelvis tilted forward and buttocks pushed back. Cause is not always known but posture problems, being overweight or a history of spinal trauma, back surgery, hip problems or neuromuscular conditions can increase a child’s risk. Treatment for lordosis varies on the severity but may include medication management, bracing or physical therapy. Surgery is rarely a treatment.
• Scoliosis: A sideways curve of the spine, often diagnosed in kids and teens. There are three different types of scoliosis that can occur in children — idiopathic, congenital (present at birth), and neuromuscular. The cause of scoliosis is unknown, but is not related to or caused by poor posture, sleeping position, sports, or heavy back packs. Treatment for scoliosis varies based on the type, but may include observation, bracing, or surgery.

Expert pediatric care: The Children's Wisconsin AIM Spine Center is the only one in the state that offers experts who specialize in pediatric spine care from across a field of disciplines- orthopedics, neurology and neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, chiropractic, psychology and physical and occupational therapy. From diagnosis through treatment, we’ll partner with your family to develop the best care plan for your child. We use noninvasive treatment options whenever possible. If your child needs spinal surgery, our highly skilled surgeons use the most advanced techniques and technology to deliver optimal results and shorter recovery times.