But these are not true, merely misconceptions and false myths that are handed down from generation to generation.
Dr. Agustin Miguel Morales of the Cebu Orthopedic Institute of Chong Hua Medical Arts Center said that most scoliosis patients do not suffer any physical pain from the disorder. Scoliosis is often not discovered until the curve progresses to a more obvious state. If a person is suffering from back pain, the diagnosis is less likely to be scoliosis.
Scoliosis is defined as any lateral curvature or a side-to-side curvature of the spine, which may take the shape of letter C or S from the front or back.
Some typical features and symptoms of scoliosis are the asymmetry in the shoulders, trunk, scapula, and waistline wherein one shoulder or hip is higher than the other.
A prominent shoulder blade - one that is higher than the other and sticks out further while the rib hump will occur as scoliosis causes a hump on the back at the ribs or near the waist when the patient bends. One arm hangs longer than the other because of a tilt in the torso.
Morales said that a congenital spine deformity or neuromuscular problems may cause scoliosis but in most cases, the exact cause isn't known and this is called idiopathic scoliosis, which accounts for majority of all scoliosis.
He said that worldwide prevalence of scoliosis, which is more common in girls, is two percent of the population or approximately 25 cases per one thousand. Scoliosis may begin in childhood but is often not noticed until in the teenage years. It affects two percent of women and .5 percent of men wherein 80 percent of those affected are adolescents aged 10-18.
Morales cited the need to consult a doctor if parents detect signs that their child is suffering from scoliosis.
In most people, the curve in the spine is so small that it causes no problems. Although scoliosis is often dismissed as a problem not worth losing sleep, it is necessary to take actions before serious bone abnormalities occur.
Morales said that scoliosis does not usually cause back pain, but in severe cases, if there is a gradual curvature of the spine, the curve may restrict the amount of space available for the lungs and heart to work.
Treatment options for scoliosis will vary depending on the severity of the curve, the age of the patient and how far along he is in skeletal maturity. Patients with large curves prior to their growth spurts are most likely to develop curve progressions during adulthood.
There are three types of treatment: observation, bracing and surgery.
Morales said that observation and monitoring are all that is needed for mild to moderate curves. Small curves are at low risk of progression and unlikely to cause any problems. This refers to those having a mild curvature of 11-29 degrees. X-rays are taken regularly to monitor curve progression.
Bracing is done to prevent further spinal progression, based on curve magnitude and skeletal maturity. But this does not correct a curve.
Surgery is done only for severe scoliosis - those with a curvature of 50 degrees or more or when the curves do not respond to bracing. Surgery for scoliosis involves correcting or straightening the curve with the use of rods, screws, hooks or wires. Bone grafts are then applied over the corrected spine to achieve fusion.
To be able to detect if your child has scoliosis, check his spine to see if it curves or if it is straight. Also check if one shoulder is lower than the other.
If you detect any of these signs, it is best to consult your orthopedic surgeon so that proper diagnosis and treatment can be instituted. As with all diseases, early detection makes an easier cure.
Unknown to many, Cebu has competent and skilled doctors who could perform surgery on scoliosis.
Morales said that most hospitals in Cebu have skilled orthopedic surgeons and state-of-the-art equipment to perform the surgery.
Patients need not go to Manila to have their spinal curvature corrected as almost all hospitals in Cebu offer surgery for scoliotic patients.
Catherine Talita, 13, who had just a surgery of her spine six weeks ago, said that her operation has been successful.
Her parents, Alfonso and Cecilia, said that they first noticed a deformity of their daughter's back last November and decided to see the doctor. It was found out that Catherine had a 45 degree-curve on her spine.
In April, her curve has progressed to 50 degrees - at that time, she was advised to undergo a surgery.
Cecilia said she was at first hesitant as neighbors have advised her not to submit Catherine for operation or else her daughter will become paralyze for the rest of her life.
However, after a friend assured her that Catherine would be safe, she sent her daughter for operation at the Chong Hua Hospital. The operation was successful.
Today, Catherine has regained her normal figure, gained at least one and a half inches in height and can do her usual stuff. But she is prohibited to do contact sports at the moment since she is still under doctor's observation.