Scoliosis in 11 year old DS

[SnakesRule]

Just been told by an osteopath that DS has scoliosis.
He has been seen by a specialist pediatric orthopedic consultant couple of years ago with regard to pain in his hip but were given all clear.
Anyone has any experience of this?

Do I ask to be referred again, does he need X-ray? What about sport at school as he is struggling to run, jump, has no stamina even when walking (also has been suffering with pin in his heels which was dismissed by doctors as well).
I am very worried and wold be grateful to hear from others in the same position.
The osteopath has given him some exercises to do and says he needs to be seen once a week but is this the right thing to do?

I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 11 (now mid 30s). I have a mild S-shaped curve that has the effect of making me look a bit lopsided and have some stiffness in my lower back and neck, but nothing too alarming and you wouldn't particularly notice to look at me - i just seem a bit inelegant.

In your position I would push for a referral to an orthapaedic consultant rather than an osteopath to get an 'official' diagnosis as there are varying types and degrees of scoliosis that can need different treatment. I was seen by an orthapaeidic surgeon who offered me surgery to basically put a rod in my lower back to straighten my spine. I chose not to have the surgery because I was told the results are mostly cosmetic (no guarantee it will ease pain), there is a small but significant risk of paralysis, and the nature of the surgery is that it reduces rater than improves mobility.

The best things for me were heel rises to put in my shoes for my 'shorter' leg (it is not actually shorter, but the curve makes one leg functionally shorter than the other) and excercises and manipulation by a very good osteopath who specialised in spine curvatures.

I hope this help a bit. A lot of curvatures are very mild but it is important to get someone to have a proper look to determine the best treatment path

You need to get your GO to refer you to an orthopaedic consultant. My GO noticed my DS had a curve in his spine when he was 12yo. We were referred to a paediatric consultant first but that was a waste of time as they just referred us onto an orthopaedic consultant.
He now has yearly appointments at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. At his first appointment they x-rayed his back and measured the curve. His curve was only 8 degrees, which doesn't officially classify it as scoliosis, but they continue to monitor him. He is now 15 and before Xmas his curve was measured at 10 degrees. He will continue to be seen until he is 18/19.
If our GP hadn't noticed I don't think I ever would have. When you look at his back his shoulders are slightly out of allignment but you have to look hard to tell.
I think the curve has to be around 30 degrees before they would consider a brace and over 40 degrees before they would consider surgery.
When my son was first diagnosed I took him to the osteopath a few times but as he didn't have any adverse effects, we stopped after a few visits.
Once your sons curve is measured you will have a clearer picture. I remember clearly being very worried about what would happen when my son started his teenage growth spurt ( he was still quite short when first diagnosed). He has grown several inches since then and fortunately in his case it has made very little difference to his curve.
It has made no difference to my sons participation in any activity.
As your son is experiencing difficulty with sport I would push for a speedy referral.
Good luck.

Meant GP, not GO

Thanks very much ! I really liked the osteopath/physio guy (he is multi - skilled) as he did immediately gave him some mild manipulation and managed to "straighten" his posture - that was my main worry.It was amazing how DS suddenly looked more energetic then he hes done for a while now.
He also gave him some back stretching/muscle strengthening exercises which look very good to me and we will follow them religiously as he is very unfit and a bit overweight (never used to be).

Problem of cause it to continue this root he will need to see him once a week for at least 6 month and it is not cheap!
I already took him to podiatrist and they are making him insoles as he has collapsed archers.
But even the osteopath says he needs X-rays to measure the curve exactly.
Just hope it wont turn into another battle to get it done..Thanks for your support, will put my boxing gloves on and start working on our GP :)