Scoliosis is a disease of the spine where, for various and sometimes unknown reasons, the spine starts to curve sideways. A mild case of scoliosis can impair the body’s ability to exercise to the best of its ability; this can be of great concern to martial artists, dancers, gymnasts, and other athletes who want to achieve their maximum potential. If it worsens, scoliosis can cause cosmetic deformities; this is often accompanied by psychological, emotional, and social problems. Young people with scoliosis can be more prone to depression and alcohol abuse because of their condition. The key to preventing this lies in awareness and early detection. As with any disease, whether the flu or a case of cancer, earlier detection equals superior long-term outcomes.

Scoliosis tends to arise between the ages on 9 and 13.

It is very important to have your child screened for scoliosis during this time!

How do you know if your child has scoliosis? The most common method is the Adam’s Forward Bending Test; in this test the child bends forward at the waist with the back visible, and the parent observes the back for signs of asymmetry. Other signs may include:

Dresses or shirts hangs unevenly on the back
The shoulders may appear unlevel
One rib or shoulder blade may stick at more on one side

Scoliosis tends to affect female more then males. If you are concerned that your son or daughter might have scoliosis, it is important to bring them into a scoliosis specialist for an evaluation right away. If left untreated, scoliosis can require surgery. By being aware of the danger of scoliosis, you can ensure that your son or daughter always stays “ahead of the curve”