The Pennsylvania Department of Health has adopted regulations
requiring each child in grades 6 and 7 to be screened for scoliosis.
What Is Scoliosis?
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Scoliosis is a lateral and rotary curve of the spine.
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Normally the spine is straight when viewed from the back. In scoliosis, the spine twists to the side.
What Are the Causes?
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Idiopathic - A curve that has no known cause. 70% of all scoliosis detected is idiopathic.
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Congenital- A birth defect of the spine, which occurs during the development of the body
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Neuromuscular- A curve, which results from a muscular imbalance in the back.
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Injury to the spine.
How Is Scoliosis Usually Detected?
A
family member may notice a high shoulder or hip, a protrusion on one
side of eh back or chest, difficulty in fitting slacks, or and uneven
hem. These findings could indicate bad posture, but they may also
suggest scoliosis.
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During a physical exam by a physician.
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The
"Forward Bending Test" is a simple way to detect scoliosis. It can be
done in less than a minute, and may be performed by a child's family
member or a health professional.
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Scoliosis
should be detected before the curve progresses far enough to be noticed
in the above ways. Many times, if detected before the child reaches
full bone growth, the curve can be reduced or kept from increasing
without surgery. Annual screening programs held in many school
districts, are one of the best ways of early scoliosis detection.
The Simple Forward Bending Test
When a child is in standing position:
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Are the shoulders level?
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Are the hips level?
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Is one shoulder blade more prominent?
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Are there unequal distances between the arms and body?
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Does the spine appear curved?
Have your child bend forward:
Who Is Most Likely to Have Idiopathic Scoliosis?
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Severe scoliosis occurs in girls more frequently than boys.
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Scoliosis
is usually detected in the early ages of 6th graders. Many children by
that age are not taken for regular physical exams.
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Scoliosis
is not rare. Many people are never aware that they have scoliosis. It
is difficult to determine which case will progress. It is recommended
that every person suspected of have a curve be examined by a physician.
Can Scoliosis Be Cured?
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It
can be effectively controlled and even corrected to some extent.
Correction depends on the age of the child, cause and the severity of
the curve, and how soon treatment is begun. Mild scoliosis may progress
until the child stops growing. Moderate and Severe scoliosis may
continue to progress even after the skeleton has stopped growing and may
require follow up examinations throughout life. Early indication and
treatment will produce the best results in the end.
Is Scoliosis Hereditary?
There
is a tendency for idiopathic scoliosis to occur in families. If one
case is diagnosed, all other members of the family should be checked.
What Are The Problems of Untreated Scoliosis?
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Pressure on vital organs, commonly heart and lungs, decreasing their capacity later.
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Back and joint pain later in life.
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Decreased flexibility to perform skilled tasks.
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Changes in appearance that can lead to emotional and psychological problems.
What Happens When One Is Referred For Follow-Up as Possibly Having Scoliosis?
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The
Bending Test shows only the possibility of a curve. A physician must
then examine the back. Standing position X-rays may be used to make
definite diagnosis.
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There are generally 3 approaches to treatment:
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A
mild curve should be watched and X-rayed regularly to make sure it is
not increasing. X-ray exams of the spine is the only objective
measurement of curve progression.
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A
mild curve, which has been shown to be progressing, and moderate curves
can be treated with spinal braces to stop progression when growth is
completed.
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A severe curve, or one not readily controlled by more conservative means, could be recommended for surgical correction.
EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT IS THE KEY TO POSSIBLE PREVENTION OF SERIOUS SPINAL DEFORMITIES.