Scoliosis Awareness Month is observed annually in June to raise awareness about the prevalence of scoliosis in the community and the need for public education and early detection. Its goal is to unite the community and increase awareness about this condition affecting millions worldwide.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a common spinal condition that typically affects children between 10 and 12 and is about five times more common in girls than boys. It is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine, causing it to curve sideways into the shape of an “S” or “C”.
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type, typically developing during the growth spurt just before puberty. In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. “Idiopathic” means no definite cause, and it tends to run in families and affects girls eight times as often as boys.
Here are three facts about scoliosis:
- the cause is often unknown
- early diagnosis is essential
- not all patients require treatment
Early Detection is Key for Adolescent Scoliosis
Early detection is vital for adolescent scoliosis because treatment options are more effective when started early. Scoliosis is a progressive condition, which means that the curvature of the spine can worsen over time without treatment.
If scoliosis is detected early on, treatment options, such as scoliosis specific exercise, or back bracing, may effectively correct the curvature of the spine and prevent further progression.
Early detection also allows for better monitoring of the condition over time. Regular check-ups and imaging tests can help healthcare providers determine if scoliosis is worsening or if treatment needs to be adjusted.
Overall, early detection is crucial for managing adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and preventing the condition from causing long-term health issues.
Comprehensive Care for Scoliosis Patients
Early detection is critical in scoliosis, as treatment options are more effective when started early. Treatment options for scoliosis vary depending on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, close monitoring and regular check-ups may be all that’s needed. For more severe cases, treatment may include using back bracing or surgery, in extreme cases, to correct the curvature of the spine.
It’s important to note that not all scoliosis patients require treatment. Today, there are more non-surgical treatment options, such as bracing, but early detection is vital for success.
In fact, according to Rowan Berkowitz, a specialist in his field, the majority of the people he sees will never need surgery and can achieve excellent results with exercise and non-surgical treatment.
Rowan Berkowitz specialises in diagnosing and treating scoliosis, providing compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages.