Scoliosis is a very troubling spinal problem that, if not spotted early enough, can be debilitating and even disabling. However, scoliosis screening can help you spot these problems quickly in your child and minimize their risk. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of this process.
What Is the Purpose of Scoliosis Screening?
Scoliosis screening tries to identify signs of this condition, including the spinal cord curving and maturing inappropriately. Spotting early signs of this condition makes it easier for parents like you to know when to get a treatment that keeps your child’s back healthy and strong.
Skilled medical professionals fully understand this process and how to provide high-quality screenings for your child. They often include a few simple steps that can quickly and accurately diagnose a child’s risk for scoliosis. They also make it easier for parents to understand the extent of this condition and how much it affects a child.
Why Screening Benefits Your Child
Scoliosis screenings were once a common process in many schools but have become rarer in recent years. That puts the onus on the parent to schedule these important diagnostic tests. Just a few ways that screening will benefit you and your child include how it:
- Spots Early Warning Signs: Scoliosis is a long-term disease that isn’t easy to notice early on without the help of screening. With screening, you can catch this condition before your child experiences pain.
- Makes Correction Easier: With early detection comes easier treatment options. If spotted early enough, you can use at-home exercises to improve your child’s back health.
- Decreases Surgery Risk: Many people need surgery every year to overcome the pain of scoliosis. However, screening reduces surgery risk by catching this problem more quickly.
If your child’s school doesn’t have scoliosis screenings (as many have stopped holding them), you can still schedule one with your pediatrician. This step is a wise one and may mean the difference between a quick recovery and a lifetime of pain and struggle after surgery.
How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed Early?
Scoliosis screening is typically a hands-on process that tests the curve of your child’s spine and gauges whether it is within acceptable boundaries. If it appears to be curving inappropriately, a team of doctors can provide care to correct their scoliosis and avoid long-term back pain.
After a doctor diagnoses a child with scoliosis, they create a care plan that’s right for the child. These methods include physical therapy, exercises, and other routines that can strengthen and correct their back. These non-invasive methods are always tried first and can be a great way of minimizing a child’s need for invasive surgical correction.
Scheduling a Screening
If you’ve never screened your child for scoliosis, it’s never too late to start. While it is best to begin as soon as possible, you can screen them in their early teen years to catch this issue and provide care that helps minimize the potentially damaging effects of this spinal-health problem.