Scoliosis Awareness Month
June 17, 2019
Is A Curve in Your Spine Going to Change Your Life?
June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, and Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is committed to early detection and prevention. When a spine curvature is detected early enough and proper measures are taken, corrective surgery later in life can be avoided.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a sidewise curve in the spine. While most cases are very mild, occurring commonly in the general population, some can become severe and impact daily life. When the curve becomes severe, the spine can twist and reduce the amount of space in the chest. This impacts everything from mobility to breathing. It is important to detect as soon as possible in order to create an effective treatment plan, if necessary.
What Are the Signs of Scoliosis?
When most people think of scoliosis, they think of people hunched over and incapacitated. However, it takes a long time to get to that point, even in the most severe cases. The most common signs are:
- uneven shoulders
- uneven hips/waist
- one leg appears slightly longer than the other
- one shoulder blade is more prominent than the other
These signs can go unnoticed for a long time, and many people with scoliosis don’t even realize they have it.
When Is Treatment Needed?
Surprisingly, most cases of scoliosis are so mild they don’t require treatment. However, if you notice a curve in the spine of your child, it is best to take them to see a doctor. Only about 30% of people with scoliosis require bracing to stop the curve from getting worse, and 10% require corrective surgery.
If you or a loved one has scoliosis, consider seeking treatment at Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. Our spine specialists are equipped to handle any condition you may have, and we offer services such as physical therapy, bracing, and spinal injections conveniently at our main locations. Conditions like scoliosis are usually easily treated, and we are here to help.