Scoliosis-A Body Defect

What Young People and Their Parents Need to Know About SCOLIOSIS 

Source: Books

A Physical Therapist’s Perspective

What is Scoliosis?

Your spine has three slight curves—one in the neck, one in the upper back, and another in the lower back. These curves are normal and can be seen from a side view. From a back view, your spine should appear straight. If your spine has a side-to-side curve, the curve is called scoliosis. The curve may be very small—mild.It may be bigger—moderate.Or it may be sharp—severe. Scoliosis is not poor posture and is not caused by the way you carry objects. Scoliosis is not a disease. You cannot catch scoliosis from someone else and you cannot prevent it. For most people who have scoliosis, the causes are not known.

Who Gets It and When 

Both boys and girls can develop scoliosis. About the same number of boys and girls develop the mildform. Moderateor severe scoliosis is more common in girls than in boys. Up to 10 in 100 young people will develop at least a mild case of scoliosis. Only a few of these mild cases will become moderate or severe. Scoliosis happens more in some families than in others. It also occurs more often in people with cerebral palsy, polio, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida. Scoliosis usually develops during the years when the bones are growing the fastest—from ages 9 to 14 years. It is often first detected when the young person is around age 11.

Why You Should Be Checked Often for Scoliosis 

You will almost never feel any pain when scoliosis is first developing, so regular checks are very important. If scoliosis is detected early, you can receive treatment that may control the condition and prevent other problems. If the curve increases, you eventually may have back pain, lose flexibility, and appear bent over. You also may be more likely to develop arthritis, respiratory infections, and heart problems as you grow older.

What Your Parents Should Look for at Home

Your parents can be a big help in checking for early warning signs of scoliosis. They can see some signs when you are wearing clothes—your pantlegs or skirt hems may look uneven. But the earliest signs can be seen only with a clear look at your back. Checking at home should start when you are 9 years old and should take place every 6 months until you are 14 years old. Even if you have one or more of these signs, you do not necessarily have scoliosis. But to be sure, your parents should call your doctor or clinic to ask if a further exam is recommended. When you’re having a regular health checkup…ask your health care provider to check for scoliosis. Physical exams for school, sports, or summer camps are good times for scoliosis checks.

How You Are Checked for Scoliosis at School 

• In some schools, students are checked (screened) for signs of scoliosis. The screening takes less than one minute. Here is how you are screened. 
• Girls and boys are checked separately and privately. 
• Boys are asked to strip to the waist. Girls are asked to pull up or take off their shirt or sweater. While standing, you are checked for the same signs your parents looked for at home. 
• You are asked to bend forward with your back parallel to the floor—the Forward Bending Test.Your back and ribs are checked.

The screening program often has three steps: 

• A physical education teacher checks all students and lists those who may have poor posture or abnormal spinal curves. Most students do not go beyond this step.
• A school nurse or physical therapist does a second screening of only those students on the list. 
• Letters go home to parents whose children need a further exam. If your school sends home a letter saying you may have an early sign of possible scoliosis, you should have a checkup by your family doctor or health care clinic as soon as possible.

How Scoliosis is Treated

If your doctor agrees that you show signs of having scoliosis, your back may be X-Rayed to measure the degree of curve. Ask to see your X-Rays. Treatment is individual.  You may not receive the same treatment as your classmate or neighbor. Keep in touch with your health care provider to learn what is best for you. Mild curves… may stay the same, get better by themselves, or get worse.  They should be checked, usually every 6 months. Checkups make prompt treatment possible if the curve shows signs of getting worse. If you have mild scoliosis, a physical therapist or other health care provider may give you exercises to improve your flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support your spine. Exercises are not and do not a treatment prevent or cure scoliosis. However, most forms of treatment are more successful on flexible spines than on rigid ones. Moderate Curves… or a curve that is getting worse rapidly, may need a back brace or a scoliosis jacket together with exercises. You may take part in most sports and other normal activities when you wear a jacket or brace. electrical stimulation, Another treatment is which has been successful for certain types of scoliosis.  This treatment is still being studied. Severe curves… may need surgery. Surgery usually can be avoided if the condition is detected and treated early. Prompt detection and early treatment usually can control scoliosis, even though there is no “cure.”  Avoid people who claim “miracle cures.”

REMEMBER…

You can find scoliosis early, if you know exactly what to look for. Check often for signs of scoliosis between ages 9 and 14 years, when growth is rapid. 

• Take part in your school’s screening program if available. Ask your primary health care provider to check for scoliosis during regular checkups. 
• Take action promptly if your school tells you that you may have signs of scoliosis. 
• With early checking and early treatment, a mild scoliosis can stay mild and not affect you later in life. 
• Treatment is available to help control scoliosis. 
• Find and treating scoliosis is a team effort. Youare a key member of the team!