Scoliosis Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curve of the spine. Instead of looking straight when viewed from behind, the spine curves in a “C” or “S” shape.

In Grand Rapids, scoliosis is commonly diagnosed and treated by pediatricians, family doctors, and orthopedic specialists at major health systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

What Is Scoliosis?

In profile, a healthy spine has three natural curves that form a loose “S” shape at the neck, upper back, and lower back. From the rear, the spine should appear straight.

With scoliosis, the spine curves sideways. This can make the shoulders, ribs, or hips look uneven. In children and teens in the Grand Rapids area, scoliosis is often first noticed by parents, school nurses, or during sports physicals.

How Common Is Scoliosis?

  • About 3 out of every 1,000 children have scoliosis that needs medical treatment.
  • Many people have very mild scoliosis that is painless, does not worsen, and never requires treatment.
  • Scoliosis can be found in:
    • Infants and young children
    • School-age children
    • Teenagers (most common)
    • Adults (often from age-related spinal changes)

Local pediatric and family clinics in Grand Rapids, as well as the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health programs, may screen children for spinal problems or refer families to specialists when needed.

Who Is Most Affected?

  • Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (scoliosis with no known cause in teenagers) is the most common type.
  • Girls are more commonly affected than boys, especially when it comes to curves that progress and require treatment.
  • Scoliosis can occur in adults, though it is less common. Adult scoliosis may be:
    • A continuation of scoliosis that started in childhood and was not diagnosed until later
    • Caused by degenerative changes in the spine (such as arthritis or disc wear)

Types of Scoliosis

Idiopathic Scoliosis (Cause Unknown)

Idiopathic scoliosis means there is no clear cause. It is the most common type and includes:

  • Infantile idiopathic scoliosis – appears in babies and very young children
  • Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis – appears in children roughly 4–10 years old
  • Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis – appears around puberty and the teenage years
  • Adult idiopathic scoliosis – scoliosis that began earlier in life but is diagnosed or becomes symptomatic in adulthood

Scoliosis With a Known Cause

About 2 out of every 10 cases have a known cause, such as:

  • Uneven leg length
    • One leg shorter than the other causes the hips to tilt.
    • The spine curves to compensate. This is called compensatory scoliosis.
  • Neuromuscular conditions
    • Such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury
    • Muscle imbalance and spasms can pull the spine out of alignment.
  • Degenerative or arthritic conditions
    • Such as osteoarthritis of the spine
    • Disc and joint wear can cause the spine to tilt and curve over time.

Possible Causes and Theories (Idiopathic Scoliosis)

The exact cause of idiopathic scoliosis is still being studied, including at major academic centers similar to those that collaborate with health systems in Michigan. Current theories include:

  • Genetic factors
    • Scoliosis often runs in families.
    • The specific genes involved are still being investigated.
  • Congenital (developmental) abnormalities
    • Some children may be born with subtle defects in the brainstem, spinal cord, or vertebrae that may contribute to scoliosis.
  • Connective tissue or nervous system differences
    • Issues involving ligaments, muscles, or nerve function may play a role.
  • Hormonal influences
    • Because scoliosis is more common and more likely to progress around puberty, hormones involved in growth and development may contribute.

Symptoms and Signs of Scoliosis

Most cases of scoliosis are painless at first, especially in children and teens. Parents and teachers in Grand Rapids may notice:

  • One shoulder higher than the other
  • One shoulder blade that sticks out more
  • A tilted waistline
  • One hip higher or more prominent than the other
  • The child appearing to lean to one side
  • Ribs that are more prominent on one side, especially when bending forward

The curve is often more obvious when the child bends forward (this is called the Adam’s forward bend test and is commonly used in school screenings and pediatric exams).

In adults, scoliosis may cause:

  • Chronic or constant back pain
  • Stiffness or limited movement
  • Uneven posture and fatigue in the back muscles

Progressive vs. Mild Scoliosis

Mild Scoliosis

  • Many people in the Grand Rapids area have mild scoliosis that:
    • Does not cause pain
    • Does not significantly worsen over time
    • Does not require treatment, only periodic monitoring

Progressive Scoliosis

Progressive scoliosis is a curve that worsens as the child grows or as the adult ages. Without appropriate medical care, progressive scoliosis can lead to:

  • Constant back pain
  • Inflammation of the vertebrae (back bones)
  • Breathing difficulties as the ribcage becomes compressed
  • Pressure or injury to the heart and lungs from severe ribcage deformity
  • Increased risk of chest infections such as pneumonia
  • Problems during pregnancy due to added stress on the spine
  • Increased risk of osteoporosis and bone loss later in life
  • Physical disability that can limit work and daily activities, impacting quality of life

Because Michigan winters can reduce outdoor activity and exercise, people with scoliosis in Grand Rapids should take special care to maintain bone health and muscle strength year-round, including vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, and fall prevention on icy surfaces.

Risk Factors for Progressive Scoliosis

Factors that increase the chance that a spinal curve will worsen include:

  • Gender – girls are more likely than boys to have curves that progress and need treatment
  • Age of onset – the younger the child at diagnosis, the more time there is for the curve to worsen during growth
  • Severity of the curve’s angle – larger curves are more likely to progress than small ones

Any abnormal curve in a child’s spine should be evaluated, regardless of pain. A child should also be screened if there is a family history of scoliosis.

How Scoliosis Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Scoliosis is diagnosed through careful physical examination and imaging, usually at a primary care office or orthopedic clinic associated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

Physical Examination

Your doctor will assess:

  • The angle and size of the curve
  • The shape of the curve (for example, “S” or “C”)
  • The location of the curve (upper back, lower back, or both)
  • Whether the curve leans to the left or right
  • Shoulder, rib, and hip symmetry
  • Changes when the child bends forward

Imaging

  • X-rays are the main tool used to confirm scoliosis and measure the curve (Cobb angle).
  • In some complex cases, MRI or CT scans may be used to look at the spinal cord or vertebrae in more detail.

Treatment Options for Scoliosis in Grand Rapids

Most scoliosis in children and adults in West Michigan is mild and does not require treatment, only monitoring. Treatment is based on:

  • The child’s age and remaining growth
  • The degree of the curve
  • Whether the curve is getting worse
  • Symptoms such as pain or breathing problems

Observation and Monitoring

For mild curves:

  • Regular checkups with your doctor or orthopedic specialist
  • Periodic X-rays to watch for progression
  • Posture education and sometimes physical therapy to strengthen core and back muscles

Orthopedic Bracing

For some children, especially before or during adolescence:

  • A back brace may be recommended to:
    • Help guide growth
    • Prevent the curve from getting worse
    • Delay or reduce the need for surgery

Important:

  • A brace does not guarantee a cure.
  • In some children, the spine may straighten as they grow.
  • In others, the brace may only stop the curve from worsening or delay progression.

Bracing is typically managed by an orthopedic specialist and an orthotist at local spine centers and children’s clinics in Grand Rapids.

Surgery for Severe Scoliosis

Surgery is usually recommended for severe curves or curves that continue to worsen despite bracing, especially when they cause pain, deformity, or affect heart and lung function.

One common procedure is:

Posterior Spinal Fusion and Instrumentation

  • The surgeon fuses (joins) the affected vertebrae using bone graft, often taken from the patient’s pelvis or a donor source.
  • Metal rods, hooks, screws, wires, or other devices are implanted to hold the spine in a straighter position while the bone graft fuses the vertebrae.
  • The implants are usually permanent and are designed to support the spine long-term.

These surgeries are performed by orthopedic spine surgeons at major hospitals in Grand Rapids, such as those within Spectrum Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids systems.

Living With Scoliosis in West Michigan

With proper care, most people with scoliosis in Grand Rapids can:

  • Participate in school, sports, and work
  • Stay active year-round, with adaptations for winter weather
  • Maintain good posture and back strength through physical therapy and exercise

Because Michigan’s cold winters can increase muscle stiffness, individuals with scoliosis may benefit from:

  • Indoor stretching and strengthening programs
  • Low-impact activities like swimming (available at local community and hospital-based wellness centers)
  • Guidance from a physical therapist or rehabilitation specialist

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact your doctor or a local orthopedic specialist if:

  • You notice uneven shoulders, ribs, or hips in your child
  • Your child appears to lean to one side
  • There is a visible curve in the back
  • Your child or teen has back pain with visible spinal asymmetry
  • You or your child has known scoliosis and back pain or breathing issues are worsening

Local resources include:

  • Your primary care physician or pediatrician
  • Orthopedic clinics at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for referrals and community health information

Key Points About Scoliosis in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curve of the spine.
  • The cause is usually unknown (idiopathic) in children and teens.
  • About 3 children out of every 1,000 have scoliosis that requires medical treatment.
  • Girls are more commonly affected than boys when it comes to curves that progress.
  • Most cases are mild and painless, and many do not need active treatment.
  • Progressive scoliosis can lead to pain, breathing difficulties, and disability if not treated.
  • Diagnosis relies on physical examination and X-rays.
  • Treatment options in Grand Rapids include observation, bracing, and surgery.
  • Severe cases may require spinal fusion surgery performed by an orthopedic surgeon.

If you are concerned about scoliosis for yourself or your child in the Grand Rapids area, schedule an evaluation with your doctor or ask for a referral to a local orthopedic spine specialist. Early detection and monitoring are the best ways to protect long-term spinal health.