In lieu of Every Kid Healthy Week, I wanted to draw attention to one of the most common spinal issues in children, scoliosis. Although scoliosis can appear at any age, it most commonly develops in adolescents between the ages of 10 and 15.
So what exactly is scoliosis? When a sideways curvature develops in our spines beyond ten degrees, we classify the abnormality as scoliosis. According to the ACA, between five and seven million Americans suffer from scoliosis, and the discomfort typically begins at the onset of adolescence.
People who experience scoliosis suffer from a variety of long-term detriments, including chronic pain, limited physical activity, and even reduced lung and heart function in extremely severe cases. Besides these physical ailments, many people with scoliosis curvatures exhibit lessened self-esteem and psychological issues that branch from peer teasing about the condition.
Fortunately, treatment options are available for those who suffer from scoliosis, helping them to maintain productive and fulfilling lifestyles. The earlier you detect scoliosis, the more options are available for addressing the issue and finding a suitable treatment. Click here for more information on the condition, including who it affects, how we evaluate it, and potential treatment options.
So in conjunction with Every Kid Healthy Week, we are offering FREE scoliosis screenings for your children during your regularly scheduled visit from May 4th – May 14th. Healthy parents make the most impact on the growth of your child. Let’s get your child comfortable getting up on the table and feeling Dr. Susan check their spine. Every child has experienced falls or rough activities that may set them up for curvature in the spine. Be a pro-active parent and schedule to get them checked.