Sickle Cell disease is not the only condition/disease we would like to help shine light on in the month of June. June is also National Scoliosis Awareness Month. Scoliosis is described as a sideways curve of the spine, often appearing in the shape of the letters “S” or “C”. These curves can be present in different places of the spine. Continue down below for more information on symptoms, causes, and ways to help children living with Scoliosis.
Causes
The cause of scoliosis is widely perceived in most cases as idiopathic. Idiopathic means that the cause is commonly unknown to doctors and researchers. However, they believe that a variety of different factors could play a role in the development of Scoliosis. Research has found that Scoliosis often occurs more in females than in males, and in children aged 11 and older. There is also research to support that a child is more likely to be affected by Scoliosis if their blood relatives are.
How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
Scoliosis can be detected and diagnosed by examining your child or teen and taking x-rays. The location and severity of the curve can help doctors develop a proper treatment plan, depending on the severity of the curve. Regular checkups might only be required for children and teens with less severe curves while bracing or surgery might be the case for those with larger and more severe curves. The correct treatments will allow children and teens to live regular and active lives.
What are the symptoms?
Children and teens with mild Scoliosis do not typically show symptoms or pain. Changes in posture when sitting or standing for children may be a sign of Scoliosis. A few other signs may include:
- Uneven shoulders at the top
- One shoulder blade being more visible than the other (from the back)
- One hip appears higher than the other
- Changes in the shape of the spine can lead to back pain. If the scoliosis is progressing and the curve is more severe, some children may rarely develop difficulty breathing
How We Can Observe National Scoliosis Awareness Month
Some ways to observe National Scoliosis Awareness Month and help spread word about Scoliosis include:
- Practicing yoga to improve posture. Practicing yoga both in private and public can be beneficial to oneself as well as inspiring others to begin partaking in the activity
- Donate
- Spread word through word of mouth or digital platforms
- Volunteer at local clinics and hospitals to assist and work with children with Scoliosis
- Donate and/or help start fundraisers to raise money for research and organizations assisting children with Scoliosis
