Scoliosis?

Question

What is scoliosis. I know it has something to do with a curved spine, but what are the symptons and what causes it? I have to get a screening for it at school, but why that disease? Why not like HIV or something? Why is it so vital that we don't have it?

Answer 1

You must be about 12-13 as this is the age when they test for this.
School nurse will line you up and have you bend over and check your spine. Gym teacher might even do it instead of the school nurse.
It is a normal occurance with any pre-puberty child but it is most common in girls.
I am not sure what causes it but it is good to get checked for it.
Schools can't do invasive procedures like blood taking for HIV etc.
Scoliosis undetected can cause curvature of the spine that can eventually lead to being crippled if it isn't corrected and this is the best age for finding it and starting correction for it.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Scoliosis isn't a disease...you can't catch it. As a matter of fact I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was in middle school and I'm now 32yrs old. I wore a back brace for a couple of years to try and correct the curvature of my spine, but it wasn't making the improvement the doctors were wishing to see. I then had surgery and now have two steel rods in my back, one on each side of my spine to push it to seem more straight. To answer your question, it is hardly noticeable unless it is drastic. My mother discovered it when I was bathing one night as I was bent over. One side of my back was protruding a bit more than the other side. Most of the time in cases like this it is hereditary. Every ones body always has one arm, one leg, one boob, or something that is a little different from the other side of the body. In scoliosis cases, it makes one side of the body develop differently and sometimes more severe than others. If you do have anymore questions or concerns please feel free to email me. I've had three kids and no restrictions during my life through this whole ordeal, so all in all...I'm perfectly fine!

Answer 3

Scoliosis is curvature of the spine. The spine doesn't go straight up and down, but curves to one side. It's important to catch it early because there are exercizes and braces that can be used early to correct the problem, while you are still growing.
If left untreated, it can cause you to grow crooked, leaning to one side. If that happens, your lung on that side is unable to fully expand and you can have problems as you get older. At that point you would need major surgery to correct it, and there are serious complications that can occur.