Scoliosis. You may have heard about it and probably even know someone with it. It is much more common than you think as there are millions of cases of scoliosis in this country alone.

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine in either an s-pattern or a c-pattern. In children, it may be congenital or related to some other underlying diagnosis (like Cerebral Palsy), but most cases in children and adults are from an unknown cause. Treatment is either surgical or the use of a brace — if it is detected early — to stop the progression of curvature.

Some patients who I have worked with have required significant casting after  surgery and rehabilitation. In the summer months, this can be quite uncomfortable but is often the time parents choose to do the correction, as the patient does not have to deal with school. Comfort is key and newer braces are more breathable and therefore easier for patients of all ages. June is Scoliosis Awareness Month and if you need more information or suspect that your child or yourself may have it seek information on mayoclinic.org or iscoliosis.com and speak to your doctor for screening.