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You may be surprised to learn that a majority of juvenile and adolescent scoliosis disease is not initially detected by scoliosis specialists, but rather by a parent or nurse in a school setting. As early diagnosis and scoliosis treatment may prevent further curvature and adult structural scoliosis complications, it is advised that parents take a proactive role in assessing their child’s spinal health by conducting a series of simple tests.
The Adam’s Forward Bend Test
Scoliosis spine deformities most commonly occur in adolescence during the period of maturity widely known as the “growth spurt.” It is recommended that parents conduct periodic evaluations during this time to check for apparent spinal deformities. Begin the assessment of the structural integrity of the spine by asking your child to stand before you, with their legs spaced slightly and evenly apart. From this position, observe the shoulders and hips. If one shoulder or hip appears to protrude farther than the other, this may be an indication of scoliosis of the spine. Next, have your child bend at the waste as if they were touching their toes. Move your position so that you are at eye level with their back and check for any inconsistencies of height between sides or other asymmetries, like shoulder blade and ribcage variation. Even the untrained eye can detect a possible problem. If you think your child may be in need of scoliosis treatment or possibly even scoliosis surgery, contact your primary care physician for further diagnostic testing and evaluation.
The actions you take today may reduce your child’s chance of a future hampered by severe and chronic scoliosis spinal and back pain. |
