Now that kids are back in school they’re getting screened for scoliosis, and learning about healthy bones.
SAN ANTONIO — Now that the school year, many students will be seeing their school nurse for various reason. And one state mandated screening for youngsters aims to give students proper support so they can thrive in the classroom.
That screening is for scoliosis, a condition involving the curvature of the spine instead of a straight line. The effects can range from mild discomfort to a lot of pain, and in extreme cases it can impact organ function. Dr. William Koeck with CHRISTUS Children’s told us, “It’s fairly common. it’s very uncommon that patients have to have surgery for it, but it is something that we see in our clinics pretty frequently.”
Other symptoms of scoliosis include back pain, difficulty standing upright, shoulder blade prominence, breathing difficulties, and fatigue.
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons says scoliosis affects about three percent of the U.S. population. That’s close to nine million people. Girls are more likely to develop the condition than boys, and the risk of scoliosis increases with age, with young girls being screened earlier than boys. Dr. Koeck added, “Typically for girls it’s fifth and seventh grade. And for boys it’s usually eighth grade. they’ll do a screening exam at school, which involves looking at them from the front, looking at them from the back, looking for asymmetry of their shoulders, their hips, their spine.”
Dr. Koeck says if there is rotation of their ribs, that’s when an X-ray is needed. And it is important to catch it early. He told us, “Those screenings are designed to get your pediatrician and your surgeons to see you before, your curve has progressed to the point of surgery. We’d like to get you to see a doctor when it’s still okay, and we can brace you and prevent progression in scoliosis surgery.”