Dr. Sandesh Lakkol, Consultant Paediatric and Adult Spine Surgeon in Abu Dhabi, specialises in childhood scoliosis, spinal deformities and complex paediatric spine conditions. His UK training includes experience at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and other specialist centres.
Here are seven important steps for parents after a scoliosis diagnosis.
1. Understand That Scoliosis Is Often Manageable
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that commonly develops during childhood or adolescence.
Importantly, many children do not require surgery. Treatment depends on the child’s age, remaining growth, severity of the curve and whether the curve is progressing. Mild scoliosis may simply need regular observation.
2. Do Not Blame Posture or School Bags
The most common form is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, meaning there is no single known cause.
It is not thought to be caused by poor posture, exercise or diet, although genetics may play a role because scoliosis can run in families.
Parents therefore should not blame themselves—or their child—for the diagnosis.
3. Watch for Visible Signs of Scoliosis
Parents may notice signs such as uneven shoulders, one shoulder blade appearing more prominent, uneven hips, clothes hanging differently or a rib prominence when the child bends forward.
Scoliosis can develop gradually and may not cause significant pain, which is why these physical signs can be important.
4. Get an Accurate Spine Assessment
A specialist assessment may include physical examination and appropriate spinal imaging to measure the curve and understand the child’s remaining growth.
Dr. Sandesh Lakkol’s paediatric spine practice includes adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis, syndromic scoliosis, kyphosis, spina bifida and other childhood spinal deformities.
The goal is to understand the individual curve rather than judge severity from photos found online.
5. Understand Observation, Bracing and Surgery
Treatment broadly depends on how severe the scoliosis is and whether it is progressing.
Smaller, stable curves may need observation and repeat assessment. A growing child with a progressing curve may sometimes require a spinal brace to reduce further progression. Surgery is generally considered for more severe or progressive scoliosis when clinically appropriate.
A scoliosis diagnosis therefore does not automatically mean surgery.
6. Let Children Stay Active When Appropriate
Most people with scoliosis can lead active lives and participate in exercise and sports unless their treating specialist advises otherwise.
Parents should avoid unnecessarily restricting a child simply because scoliosis has been diagnosed.
7. Keep Regular Follow-Up During Growth
Growth is one of the major factors affecting scoliosis progression.
Children with mild or moderate scoliosis may therefore need periodic specialist reviews while they are growing so changes in the curve can be identified early.
Regular monitoring allows the treatment plan to change only when necessary.
Pediatric Scoliosis Specialist in Abu Dhabi
Dr. Sandesh Lakkol is a UK-trained Consultant Paediatric and Adult Spine Surgeon with particular expertise in scoliosis and spinal-deformity correction.
His qualifications include MBBS, MRCS, MSc Orthopaedic Surgery, SICOT Diploma, FRCS Trauma & Orthopaedics and UK CCT in Trauma & Orthopaedics. He previously worked in paediatric spinal deformity at Great Ormond Street Hospital and now practises at Healthpoint Hospital and Danat Al Emarat Hospital in Abu Dhabi.
His spine practice includes both non-operative treatment and surgical management, including physiotherapy, spine-specific exercise, braces, minimally invasive procedures and scoliosis surgery when clinically indicated.
When Should Parents See a Scoliosis Specialist?
Consider a paediatric spine consultation if your child develops visible spinal curvature, uneven shoulders or hips, a prominent rib or shoulder blade, worsening spinal imbalance, or has already been diagnosed with scoliosis and requires monitoring.
Early specialist assessment helps parents understand how large the curve is, how much growth remains and whether observation, bracing or further treatment is appropriate.
Book a Scoliosis Consultation with Dr. Sandesh Lakkol in Abu Dhabi
If you are searching for a best pediatric spine surgeon in Abu Dhabi, top scoliosis specialist, trusted child spine doctor, scoliosis brace specialist or spinal deformity surgeon near you, consult Dr. Sandesh Lakkol for personalised paediatric and adult spine evaluation.
Healthpoint Hospital – Abu Dhabi
📞 Call Healthpoint Hospital: 800 77 👈
🌐 Visit Dr. Sandesh Lakkol’s Official Website 👈
📚 Read Dr. Sandesh Lakkol’s Scoliosis & Spine Articles 👈
📍 Healthpoint Hospital
Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The doctor’s current website lists consultations on Monday from 9 AM–3 PM and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 AM–5 PM.
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Danat Al Emarat Hospital – Abu Dhabi
📞 Call Danat Al Emarat Hospital: +971 800 96626 👈
📍 Rabdan – Bawabat Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Consultation is listed by appointment.
📍 Get Directions to Danat Al Emarat Hospital 👈
A scoliosis diagnosis does not automatically mean surgery. Understanding the curve, monitoring growth and following a personalised treatment plan can help families move forward with clarity and confidence.
Dr. Sandesh Lakkol
Consultant Paediatric & Adult Spine Surgeon
Abu Dhabi, UAE
PAEDIATRIC SPINE • SCOLIOSIS • SPINAL DEFORMITY • MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational and professional awareness. Scoliosis treatment should always be individualised according to the child’s age, remaining growth, curve severity and progression by a qualified paediatric spine specialist.