“Scoliosis Awareness Day”

CEBU, Philippines — Free scoliosis screenings, consultations, talks and open forums were part of the highlights of “Scoliosis Awareness Day,” a one day event which capped this year’s observance of “Scoliosis Awareness Week” from June 11 to 16.

Spearheaded by Scoliosis Philippines Inc. and the CebuDoc Group of Hospitals, hundreds availed of the event’s free scoliosis screenings at the Cebu Doctors University Hospital Conference Hall A and B.

Now on its sixth year, the last event was different from previous holdings as it was held in a hospital where access to x-ray machines is more convenient. In having the event held in a hospital, screening-to-consultation process was more streamlined, as certified healthcare providers were able to properly formulate a diagnosis on a person’s condition based on screening and x-ray results.

The event also outlined various initiatives that have been spearheaded by Scoliosis Philippines Inc., a non-profit organization devoted to espouse awareness on the condition.

Founded by Amanda Bonife-Kiamko, the organization regularly organizes scoliosis awareness events in key cities in the Philippines. These events range from seminars, forums and scoliosis screening programs.

It also maintains an online support group for persons affected with the condition and their family members, alongside highlighting updates on ongoing research and treatment developments on scoliosis.

Scoliosis Fast Facts

Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person's spine is curved from side to side.

The condition causes the spine to twist (rotate), which can make the shoulders, chest and/or hips of a person become uneven. It affects males and females, but females are more likely to need treatment for the condition. The condition can occur at any age, but the most common is during early adolescence – from ages 10 to 15.

Types

Congenital/Infantile Scoliosis: Develops because one or more bones in the spine form abnormally.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis: Caused by weakness of the muscles that supports the spine.

Idiopathic Scoliosis: Occurs in otherwise healthy individuals. There is no known cause for the curve, but there are theories that associate its occurrence with genetics. This is the most common type of scoliosis. When it occurs in adolescents, it is termed “adolescent idiopathic scoliosis” or AIS.

Signs and Symptoms

• Uneven shoulders or hips

• Uneven distance between the arm and body on either side

• One shoulder blade protruding more than the other

• Asymmetrical waist