A good posture gives you more confidence, improves your breathing and body alignment, more efficient balance, improves your memory and learning, helps you digest your food better and boosts your mood and anxiety. But what if you have a naturally curvy spine that is either an “S” or “C” shaped? Will this condition hinder you from having a good posture? This spinal deformity is called Scoliosis, which is a disorder that is caused mainly by genetic factors that leads to uneven growth of the spine. And to understand more with this disorder, yearly, the month of June is declared as “Scoliosis Awareness Month” by virtue of Proclamation No. 620 to raise positive public awareness and promoting its early detection.
Scoliosis may cause some postural issues and mild pain to severe chronic pain that requires treatment. This condition is most common in children from ages of 10-15 but may also happen any time in a person’s life. Symptoms of this disorder are often easy to spot since the curvature of the spine are usually visible. Additionally, back pain, pain in the hips and problems with breathing are the other common symptoms. Scoliosis does not come from any types of sports involvement, backpacks, sleeping positions, bad posture or minor leg differences, but studies have shown that this is more genetically inclined. Treatments for scoliosis depends on the severity of the condition. For more severe cases, mostly if caught early enough in younger children, using back braces can stop the worsening of the curvature and for some, having surgeries are recommended to permanently fuse the vertebrae together. On the other hand, some forms of adult-onset scoliosis can be prevented by practicing good posture, maintaining symmetry when exercising and eating well. Here are some other tips for a better and healthy spine even with Scoliosis condition:
1. Increase your strength, flexibility and range of motion with exercise. There are some things you can do to strengthen your muscles and possibly prevent scoliosis from worsening or from increased pain Exercise is important for good health, including the people with scoliosis but with the guidance of a licensed physical therapist. Physical therapy and water therapy can be helpful to improve the pain.
2. Eat nutritious foods. In order to maintain strong, straight and healthy vertebrae and other bones of the body, you need to consume foods that are rich in certain minerals and vitamins such as vitamin D, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Some rich food sources of these are dairy products, spinach, sardines, cheese, green leafy vegetables, nuts and meats.
3. Consult your Doctor regularly - If you think you or child has scoliosis, then make an appointment with a medical specialist such as an orthopedist to seek for medical advice. Doctors cannot prevent scoliosis completely, but they can properly assess it and provide you with options to combat its progression.
Scoliosis is literally a pain in the back. Besides having to cope with constant pain, people with this condition also have to deal with a deformed body and suffer from the insensitivity and rejection of the people. Scoliosis can get better or worse depending on the environment they are living in. When you know someone suffering from this disorder, offering them support and compassion will help them feel accepted and free the from further pain brought by their disease. With proper care, understanding and intervention, people with scoliosis can live a normal life.
NO I Angelica O. Pajulas
