“How could I not have noticed her back was like this before?” a parent asks, “What could I have done?”
Almost every parent of a child who is diagnosed with scoliosis utters similar words. It’s a common scenario – a parent unfamiliar with what scoliosis is, how to notice the warning signs in their children, or what to do about it if they do notice something. The fact is, scoliosis is not on people’s radars until it’s too late.
This June has been officially designated as International Scoliosis Awareness Month. It’s a month focussed on uniting scoliosis patients, families, physicians, health professionals and institutions to promote public awareness, education, and advocacy of scoliosis. This year, the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) has highlighted the importance of early scoliosis detection and the effectiveness of bracing as early, non-surgical care.
Latest scoliosis research shows:
- The prevalence in the at-risk population (children 10 to 15 years of age) is estimated at 2 to 3%
- The prevalence of scoliosis increases rapidly from 11 to 14 years of age
- High rates of scoliosis are observed amongst dancers and gymnasts. Research has shown adolescent dancers are at significantly higher risk of developing scoliosis than non-dancers of the same age
- Early detection delivers more favourable prognoses
- That spinal pain is in fact a prevalent condition in AIS patients, further supporting the need for early detection and screening to minimise potential pain and suffering
- Specialised scoliosis bracing when prescribed for high-risk patients, can prevent the need for surgery in most cases
Scoliosis may be going undetected in children and adolescents in your local area, some of which you may already know. The time to screen our children and adolescents in the at risk age groups, is now.
Chiropractors are well placed to recognise the early indicators of a possible scoliosis and can also help parents by telling them to be aware of:
- Uneven shoulders
- One more prominent shoulder blade
- Uneven waist line
- A noticeable curve in the spine
- A family history of scoliosis
To support International Scoliosis Awareness Month Dr Simon Vella at Shire Chiropractic is offering a free spinal check for scoliosis risk. Call 9524 4286 for a Saturday morning appointment.
To Your Health,