What is Scoliosis? Do you know Scoliosis?
“No I don’t!
Yes I do!
I must have heard about it before…
Is it not that disease that?….”
It is Scoliosis Awareness Month and we are here to make sure you #kNOwScoliosis!
First, Scoliosis is NOT a disease; it is a (spinal) disorder.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine – the spine is curved to one side of the body, rather than straight. The spine is curved and may look like a “C” or an “S” shape.
Facts you should know about Scoliosis:
- Scoliosis affects girls more than boys and occurs mostly during the pre-adolescent years (from ages 10-16).
- 80-90% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic (meaning they have no known cause).
- Scoliosis has no favorites- anyone, anywhere, at any age, regardless of socio-economic factors can have scoliosis.
- Scoliosis has NO 100% cure.
- A progressive curve that is left untreated can cause heart, lung and neurological complications, and even death.
- Early detection IS THE BEST WAY TO DEFEAT SCOLIOSIS!
How to detect Scoliosis in a child-
There are two really simple ways to screen for scoliosis:
1. Adam’s Forward Bend Test: Have he/she stand and bend forward touching their toe and look out for any humps or abnormaly as in image below.
2. Have individual stand in front of you and look out for signs below:
3. Other things to look out for are clothes not fitting properly on a child’s body; uneven hemline [in girls] and uneven trouser length.
There may be no 100% cure for scoliosis, but there are treatment options such as:
- Bracing,
- Physical Therapy; and
- Surgery.
[World Drug Day: Keep your children safe and talk about Drug abuse ]
The key is EARLY DETECTION. Detecting Scoliosis early aids effective treatment.
If you currently live with scoliosis, engage in swimming and core-strengthening exercises. Not to worry, exercises will keep your back strong; the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt is proof! (Yes, he has scoliosis in case you didn’t know)
Screen your child for scoliosis every six months, it costs nothing! If you require help with screening or will like to see a physical demonstration of how to screen your child for scoliosis AT NO COST to you, shoot us an email: [email protected]
To commemorate global month of scoliosis awareness we are organizing an open house where we will be inviting Medical Professionals (Spine Doctors, Physiotherapists, Prosthetists and Orthotists, Scoliwarriors and the general public to have conversations on detection, treatment options, living with scoliosis, body image issues etc. Sign up at bit.ly/ScoliosisOpenHouseLagos to attend!
Free scoliosis screening sessions too, bring your kids!
“We all have the power to change a child’s world. The change I’m referring to doesn’t involve mountains of time or even a large charitable contribution. It’s a fairly simple step that has the potential to change a life. It could change one’s self image, interactions with others, as well as improve their happiness and quality of life. All you have to do is be observant. Screening your child for scoliosis is so very important. Why? Because early diagnosis leads to better outcomes!” –Marce K
Get Involved. Get Educated. Share the word!
Follow us on Instagram @beyondacurvedspine or visit www.beyondacurvedspine.org for more information.
#kNOwScoliosis, Nigeria
