Scoliosis Awareness Month

Scoliosis Awareness Month

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month and we believe that raising awareness about this condition is vital. Scoliosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine and it affects millions of people worldwide. This poses unique challenges that require attention and support. Scoliosis can affect anyone. This is regardless of age or gender. It can impact a person’s  posture, mobility, and overall quality of life. The awareness color for scoliosis is green. The green ribbon tells others that you are observing and calling attention to this important month about the spine. Wear an enamel awareness ribbon pin, green fabric ribbon, or green silicone wristband bracelet for scoliosis.

National Scoliosis Awareness Month takes place yearly in June. The goal of highlighting this month is the growing need for education, early detection and awareness. Raising awareness about scoliosis and its prevalence within the community is key. The campaign also unites scoliosis patients, families, physicians, clinicians, institutions, and related businesses. They work in collaborative partnerships to conduct local activities, events, and grassroots networking throughout the month.

Scoliosis Awareness Month recognizes that this awareness month is an annual opportunity for people globally to come together. It is also important to speak out about life with a curved spine. And, of course, educate others about what it means to have scoliosis. Further, it’s important to highlight the impact it has on a person’s life, both in the short and long term.

Why Is Scoliosis Awareness Month So Important?

Why is scoliosis awareness so important to observe? A recent study found that 72% of children and adolescents who wore back braces were able to avoid surgical intervention as opposed to 48% of children who did not wear back braces.

Early Treatment is Key!

The same study further showed that children who wore back braces for over thirteen hours each day had a success rate over 90%. This provides strong evidence that back braces are an effective non-surgical treatment. However, for back braces to work as a treatment option, the brace must be worn for a significant amount of time. In order for this to be possible, parents have to be educated about the symptoms and screening options available.

Why National Scoliosis Awareness Month Matters

Early detection of abnormal curvature of the spine is key to preventing serious complications. By encouraging others to screen and highlighting educational resources, we can prevent and correct the advancement of scoliosis in our communities.

More People are Affected by Scoliosis Than you Might Think

Scoliosis affects over 4 percent of the population. While that might not sound like an awfully large number, the rate of degenerative scoliosis, the kind where the spine begins to curve due to age, is present in over half of the senior population. All in all, at least seven million people are affected by scoliosis. It’s one of the most common spine conditions, yet it often goes undiagnosed and untreated.

What causes scoliosis? There are many ways that scoliosis can manifest. It can be congenital, meaning that you were born with it. It can be caused from neuromuscular diseases like cerebral palsy. Or it can be caused by spine degeneration or a traumatic injury. There are a myriad of causes of scoliosis. For this reason, scoliosis is often poorly understood.

What You Can Do to Help

During the month of June, everyone who is or has been affected by scoliosis, from parents of a child with scoliosis to professional spine specialists, speak up about their experiences. By fostering a community and encouraging the sharing of studies, stories, and resources, we can all do our part to minimize the negative effects of scoliosis, not only in our local communities, but all over the globe.

Is Surgery Always Necessary?

Sometimes, cutting-edge technology isn’t necessary, however. Prevention can help your child avoid spine surgery and other invasive procedures. Scoliosis, when detected and treated early, can be corrected without surgical intervention. While spinal fusion surgery is certainly an option for those with severe spinal issues resulting from scoliosis, early intervention could prevent complications entirely.

Share Your Story During Scoliosis Awareness Month

We encourage you to share your story about scoliosis. As one of the most common spine conditions, we all know someone affected by this condition. We encourage you to share your personal experiences on our social media. Your story is important and will help shape the future of spine health. With your help, we can reduce the pain and suffering associated with scoliosis.