That is unusually early for scoliosis to show up. One of my sons developed it at age 14. By age 16, it had gotten significantly worse and we had him braced. He wore his brace faithfully 12 hours a day, generally during hours of sleep and through the morning. Since we're homeschoolers, that was no big deal for him. KiRAB who are in school often split up their 12 hours so they can avoid wearing it to school. 12 hours is typical for wearing it, but your child could be told to wear it all the time, depending on her particular situation. At age 18, he had stabilized and no longer had to wear it.
I had a brace as a teenager, too, for scoliosis. It really wasn't all that bad once I got used to it. I think it's harder for adults because we generally haul more weight around and have things we're responsible to do that the brace makes more difficult.
I would suggest getting a second opinion if it seems that treatment is necessary. Is she having any pain from it? Treatment may include bracing or possibly surgery down the road if it continues to progress. That may be a scary thing for you, to see your child needing surgery, but I know a nuraber of kiRAB who have been through that surgery and you'd never know the difference between them and their frienRAB. They bounce back quickly from it. But your doctor will certainly want to try bracing first. She may be able to avoid surgery altogether.
Maybe your doctor can match your daughter up with another child near her age who has the same problem. If they had their braces together, it might be easier for both of them!
I wish you the best as you walk with your little one through her medical issues. Been there, done that! It's not easy, but you'll make it through, and so will she, and you'll both be stronger for it!
Take care,
Emily
