As many of my readers know, I have scoliosis and had scoliosis surgery years ago to correct my 87-degree curvature of my spine. My curvature gave me pain and problems breathing and sleeping. To correct my curvature, my surgeon performed a spinal fusion by placing 2-rods and 32-screws in my back. The correction gave me an additional 1.3 inches in height and corrected my breathing that was being compromised because of my severe curve. Although the surgery and recovery time were extremely painful, my pain was minimized and I was able to overcome my being embarrassed and not confident on how I looked. I still have some pain in my back and I’m not totally straight, but I now can breathe normally.
What is Scoliosis:
Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that affects one’s appearance and posture. Thankfully, National Scoliosis Awareness Month in June helps people to learn more about this condition, why it is caused, and how its effects can be reduced. Even though it is not a harmful condition, (except if the curvature in extremely severe) it makes people extremely conscious about their appearance. Some people even experience pain because of it. However, there are many simple things one can do to treat it.
History Of National Scoliosis Awareness Month
· The Ancient Greeks are believed to have been the first ones to document scoliosis in 400 B.C. It was considered a spinal deformity and, for many years, people believed it to be an orthopedic disease and, therefore, no one tried to come up with ways to prevent it.
· As of now, there is still no effective treatment to cure scoliosis. However, many therapies have been developed over the years to reduce the adverse effects of scoliosis. The literal meaning of ‘scoliosis’ is ‘crookedness,’ and was coined by Galen.
· The first brace to cure scoliosis was invented in 650 A.D. Wooden sticks were used to improve the backs of patients with scoliosis. In 1575, a metal brace was created for the first time in France.
· The French physician Jules René Guérin became the first person to perform a surgical procedure to minimize the scoliosis curve. This experiment, however, didn’t turn out to be a success.
· In 1921, a scoliosis patient named Katharina Schroth came up with an exercise to treat scoliosis. This exercise proved to be effective in reducing the appearance of a curved spine. During the 1950s, American surgeon Paul Harrington designed the Harrington rod to surgically reduce the progression of the curved spine in younger patients.
· In the mid-1980s, two French surgeons Cotrel and Dubousset designed a double rod made of steel, which proved to be more effective than the Harrington rod.
National Scoliosis Awareness Month Timeline
2009 - Vertebral Body Tethering Becomes Popular
Surgeons start using vertebral body tethering for scoliosis surgeries.
2011 - The Scoliosis Activity Suit is Used
Case studies are done on people wearing scoliosis activity suits.
2013 - The SOSORT Conference
Specific neurotransmitter patterns in idiopathic scoliosis are discussed at the SOSORT Conference.
2019 - Research on Functional Genomics for Scoliosis
Genetic variants linked with idiopathic scoliosis are identified
How To Observe National Scoliosis Awareness Month
Practice Yoga
There are numerous benefits of yoga and meditation. It is equally beneficial for your mental and physical health. Scoliosis Month is the perfect opportunity to motivate you to practice yoga and correct your posture. The best thing about yoga is that you don't need any fancy equipment to practice it. All you need is a yoga mat and a peaceful environment. Some popular poses that you can try are the shoulder stand as well as the cobra and tiger pose.
Become A Volunteer
National Scoliosis Awareness Month is in June and if you are a medical student and are on a summer break then this is the perfect opportunity to volunteer at associations that work for children with scoliosis. There are several associations for scoliosis that offer special volunteer programs.
Start a Fundraiser
Many scoliosis patients across the globe need braces to prevent getting scoliosis surgery. You can either start a fundraiser or donate to existing organizations that help children with scoliosis who can't afford orthopedic braces.
5 Facts About Posture:
An Ideal Posture
For a good posture, your spine should rest in the most comfortable and strongest position of your body and it doesn't require pulling back your shoulders.
Your Posture Defines Your Personality
Extroverted people are more likely to have a good body posture than those who are shy or introverted.
A Perfect Posture Might Hurt Your Back
Standing straight for hours can damage your spine, frequent movement helps to keep your spine strong and flexible.
Better Posture Means Better Breathing
A bad posture can make it hard to breathe deeply.
You Look More Attractive
When your bones and joints are in proper alignment, your body looks more toned and fit.
Why National Scoliosis Awareness Month Is Important:
It Creates Awareness for Spinal Deformities
National Scoliosis Awareness Month helps people who suffer from spinal distortions and are not sure where and how to get appropriate treatment to improve the shape of their spine.
It Encourages Parents to Take Preventive Measures
Parents of young children and teens who show signs of having a curved back in the future can discover various preventive exercises for scoliosis.
It Highlights the Significance of Having a Proper Body Posture
Even if you don't suffer from scoliosis, this month is a great time to inspire you to work on your posture and avoid body pain that is often triggered by poor postures.
Closing Statement:
My curvature was detected by my school nurse during a routine school health check. She detected a possible 50-degree curve. The nurse sent a letter to my pediatrician and he then verified the curve and my condition. My pediatrician then referred me to an orthopedic surgeon who then sent me to an orthopedic surgeon who specialized in surgeries with young adults under the age of 15 years old. An important fact and issue were, since I was a female, I needed to be menstruating at least twice before I could be operated on so my surgery had to wait. From when my curvature was detected at a 50-degree curve and when I was finally operated on, my curvature had gone to an 87-degree curve. It is so important for not only a school nurse to do periodic exams on many health matters but of course as well as the necessary yearly checkups at a child’s pediatrician visits.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches and Personal Experiences
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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