TAMPA, Fla. – As June is recognized as National Scoliosis Awareness Month, Dr. David Siambanes with Scoliosis Care in Tampa is recommending for parents to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms, which are indicative of idiopathic scoliosis.
According to Siambanes, idiopathic scoliosis is a spinal deformity that causes a curvature of the spine primarily in adolescents. It is the most common type of scoliosis, and while there is no known cause, 85 percent of those with scoliosis have idiopathic scoliosis.
“As with most things, the earlier we’re able to catch and treat scoliosis, the better the outcome can be,” said Siambanes, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in scoliosis and cerebral palsy. “Waiting until a patient gets older for treatment, can actually often make matters worse.”
According to the Scoliosis Research Society, the signs of scoliosis can include:
- One shoulder may be higher than the other.
- One scapula (shoulder blade) may be higher or more prominent than the other.
- With the arms hanging loosely at the side, there may be more space between the arm and the body on one side.
- One hip may appear to be higher or more prominent than the other.
- The head may not be exactly centered over the pelvis.
- The waist may be flattened on one side; skin creases may be present on one side of the waist.
- When the patient is examined from the rear and asked to bend forward until the spine is horizontal, one side of the back may appear higher than the other.
While surgery may end up being needed, other treatment options may be available, Siambanes says.
“Most importantly, we recommend for parents to make sure their children are seen regularly by their family physicians, as treatment options are available for those who need them,” said Siambanes.
