06/09/2024
Why Screen for Scoliosis?
Screening for scoliosis is important because it helps to identify the condition early, which can be crucial for effective treatment. Scoliosis is a condition that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine, and it can lead to various complications if not treated properly. Early detection through screening can allow for interventions that may prevent the progression of the curve, potentially avoiding more invasive treatments like surgery later on.
Regular screening is particularly important during the growth spurts of adolescence when scoliosis can develop rapidly. It’s recommended to have a scoliosis check twice between the ages 10-12 for girls and at least once for boy around 13 years, when the spine is still growing. Although there are ways to self-check for scoliosis, these methods are not always reliable and should never replace a professional assessment. Often times scoliosis does not become noticeable to the untrained eye until the curves are larger.
The goal of screening is to observe the spine and catch the condition early enough to be treated before causing further damage or pain2. Treatments for scoliosis can range from non-invasive methods like scoliosis specific exercises and 3D custom bracing to more intensive interventions such as surgery, depending on the severity and progression of the spinal curvature.
