Good Posture Is Important But It Won’t Prevent Scoliosis

Remember when your parents told you to sit up straight? Slouching among adolescents hasn’t gone out of style and neither has the popular refrain. Sitting and standing tall remains important because it lengthens the spine, and strengthens the back, neck and shoulder muscles. But can good posture prevent the curving of the spine known as scoliosis? Unfortunately, it won’t, says Robert Lark, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with Duke Orthopaedics. “Scoliosis is not preventable,” he says, “but once we diagnose it, there are things we can do to prevent progression of the curve.” Scoliosis is an abnormal, left-to-right curvature of the spine that often resembles the letter S. In most cases, the cause is unknown, but research suggests genetics play a role. Parents may suspect scoliosis in their child if one shoulder is higher than the other, or if the trunk of their body appears to shift from left to right. “It’s common to spot scoliosis during the summer time, when a thinly clothed child bends down to pick something off the floor,” says Lark. “You may be able to see the ribs along the spine appear more prominent on one side than the other.” Lark says the muscular imbalance can cause pain in some children. If you suspect your child may have scoliosis, a visit to a pediatric orthopedist is warranted. The severity of the curve is diagnosed on x ray, and it’s important to make that diagnosis early, when children are young and still growing. Sometimes treatment...
Source: DukeHealth.org: Duke Health Features - Category: Pediatrics Tags: Orthopaedics Source Type: news