Scoliosis screening is a process that helps in identifying scoliosis early, and it is a great tool for preventing drastic measures like invasive spinal surgery. It is important to detect scoliosis before age 11 or 12 when it tends to get worse. The United States Preventative Services Task Force recommended the elimination of scoliosis screenings in schools, and this has led to concerns about the effectiveness of bracing and screening.
Many schools do not conduct scoliosis screenings because they are expensive, and school nurses do not have the same experience as chiropractors in posture and spine. Chiropractors can conduct scoliosis screenings and catch subtle early-stage signs of scoliosis. Besides identifying scoliosis, there are many benefits to scoliosis screening, such as finding high-risk cases and discovering other postural issues like Scheuermann’s disease.
Screening for scoliosis every year during the ages of 7-14 for girls and 9-16 for boys can diagnose scoliosis before it gets to the point of requiring extensive treatment or surgery. Alternative treatments like exercises, stretches, and physical therapy are more effective in stopping the progression of scoliosis when diagnosed earlier.
By identifying risk factors in a screening before scoliosis develops, chiropractors can help parents stay on track with recommended screenings and keep an eye out for signs of scoliosis as the child grows. The knowledge and research on scoliosis in its early stages are ongoing, and it is important to explore other avenues like shoulder blades pocking out, rub humps and clothes seeming to fit awkward to improve screening, diagnosis and treatment.
In summary:
· Scoliosis screening helps in identifying scoliosis early.
· Screening can prevent invasive spinal surgery and other drastic measures.
· Scoliosis tends to get worse around age 10 or 12, making early detection critical.
· Schools have eliminated scoliosis screening based on recommendations from the United States Preventative Services Task Force. BUT, we can do them for you at gyms, dance studios, you name it
· Chiropractors can conduct scoliosis screenings
· Alternative treatments like exercises, stretches, and physical therapy are more effective when diagnosed earlier.
· Identifying risk factors in a screening before scoliosis develops can help parents stay on track with recommended screenings.
