June is National Scoliosis Awareness month! This often-overlooked condition needs to be put in the spotlight because of the debilitating effect it has on both adults and children. Many people are affected by scoliosis worldwide, but many do not understand what it is until it touches their own family or friends. The goal within this month is to help families have the knowledge they need to recognize the early signs and understand with proper care people with scoliosis can lead fully active lives.
Detection is important because scoliosis is a progressive condition that can worsen over time. Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curve of the spine that creates an “S” or “C” shape when viewed from the back. While a healthy spine has natural curves when viewed from the side, it should appear straight when viewed from the back. The cause of scoliosis is currently unknown. But what is known about scoliosis is that teenagers are the most affected. More specifically teenagers who are between the ages of ten to eighteen before and during puberty. While this may sound concerning, it is important to know that scoliosis is treatable when caught early.
They key to spotting scoliosis early lies in knowing when and how to observe changes in your child’s spine or posture. To check at home is simple have your child stand straight with their back to you, looking for unevenness in shoulder height, hop alignment and overall posture. For additional screening support, specialized alignment tools like the Baseline Body Level are available to help detect any alignment issues. Baseline Body Level is the ideal tool to help you screen for scoliosis. Even though there are signs recognizing scoliosis early can be challenging because the condition develops gradually and may not cause any pain. Remember, catching these subtle changes early can give families the best change for successful treatment and management.
As we observe National Scoliosis Awareness Month this June. Remember that education and awareness are our most powerful tools to fight against undiagnosed scoliosis. By understanding what to look for, when to seek help and how to help those affected, we can build am ore informed community. With the right information, proper medical care, community support scoliosis does not have to limit anyone’s potential.
To learn more about National Scoliosis Awareness Month, click here.
To learn more about the Baseline Body Level, click here.
Written by Emily Bannerman