Tag: scoliosis awareness

Scoliosis Awareness Month

Posted on June 1, 2024 by - Blog

At the UK Scoliosis Clinic, we are proud to mark June as Scoliosis Awareness Month. This period serves as an anual chance for us to reflect on the advancements in scoliosis treatment and to advocate for ongoing research. As the Scoliosis Research Society suggests, it is crucial to “Speak Up For Scoliosis” during this month, raising awareness about the condition.

 

Understanding Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally to the side. Despite its prevalence, scoliosis is not widely known, affecting people across all ages, races, and genders, including infants, adolescents, and adults. Adolescents (predominantly females) and individuals over the age of 60 are most frequently diagnosed and should be especially observant.

According to the Scoliosis Research Society, approximately one in six children diagnosed with scoliosis will have a curve severe enough to require active treatment, which may include surgery. Early detection is crucial for initiating treatment that can prevent more severe complications. Today, a variety of non-surgical options, such as bracing and exercise-based therapies, are available, making early diagnosis even more important for successful outcomes.

 

What is Scoliosis Awareness Month?

National Scoliosis Awareness Month in June focuses on the urgent need for education, early detection, and increased awareness about scoliosis and its impact. This initiative brings together patients, families, healthcare professionals, institutions, and related businesses for a month of collaborative grassroots efforts.

Globally, scoliosis screening practices vary. In the UK, there are currently no standardized screening programs, while in the US, about two-thirds of states have mandates or recommendations for scoliosis screening in schools. This underscores the importance of educating friends and family about recognizing the signs and symptoms of scoliosis. Often, it is parents or primary care providers who first notice the issue. Fortunately, a simple examination or X-ray can easily confirm a diagnosis, making the condition much easier to treat.

 

Screening in Schools is Essential!

The numbers dont lie. About 2 – 3% of all adolescents will develop Scoliosis. (that’s approximately one in each class at school), with the majority of cases initially appearing in those between 11 and 14 years of age. Research indicates that seven out of ten children with this condition will worsen and require active treatment – this is especially the case for those who develop Scoliosis as a Juvenile, in which case curves almost never resolve without treatment.

Until recently, it was thought that surgery was the only way to correct Scoliosis – however, over the last decade or so, there has been huge progress in Scoliosis treatment, so that today we can successfully treat most cases which are detected early without surgery. Early detection is key however, as we mentioned, in the UK, there’s currently no program to screen children for Scoliosis. This, in our view, is major problem since screening takes less than 2 minutes once you know how.

Today there is significant evidence which shows that the number of scoliosis sufferers eventually requiring surgery can be substantially reduced where non-surgical treatment (such as scoliosis-specific exercise, or bracing) is available. The earlier treatment is started, the better the outcome. Research also confirms that in areas where screening programs exist, fewer patients ultimately require surgery for scoliosis.

 

Our Mission for 2024

With this in mind, rhis year, our focus is on reaching as many Schools as possible!

Can you help?! Check out more information here: https://scoliosisclinic.co.uk/schools/ and watch this page for updates!

Scoliosis Awareness Month – Special Event For Schools!

Posted on May 17, 2024 by - Uncategorized

Have you ever heard of Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition of the spine which causes it to form an “S” or “C” shape when viewed behind. As Scoliotic curves get bigger there can be negative impacts to health. In younger people Scoliosis tends to progress over time – becoming worse if not treated. Untreated, Scoliosis can lead to physical deformity, pain, difficulty with exercising and mobility and in severe cases can impact the functioning of the vital organs.

About 2 – 3% of all adolescents will develop Scoliosis. (that’s approximately one in each class at school), with the majority of cases initially appearing in those between 11 and 14 years of age. Research indicates that seven out of ten children with this condition will worsen and require active treatment – this is especially the case for those who develop Scoliosis as a Juvenile, in which case curves almost never resolve without treatment.

Until recently, it was thought that surgery was the only way to correct Scoliosis – however, over the last decade or so, there has been huge progress in Scoliosis treatment, so that today we can successfully treat most cases which are detected early without surgery. Early detection is key however, and in the UK, there’s currently no program to screen children for Scoliosis. This, in our view, is major problem since screening takes less than 2 minutes once you know how.

Today there is significant evidence which shows that the number of scoliosis sufferers eventually requiring surgery can be substantially reduced where non-surgical treatment (such as scoliosis-specific exercise, or bracing) is available – just look at the photo below! The earlier treatment is started, the better the outcome. Research also confirms that in areas where screening programs exist, fewer patients ultimately require surgery for scoliosis.

June is Scoliosis awareness month, and this June, our founder Dr Paul Irvine, wants to teach as many parents as possible how to screen their own children for Scoliosis, but if you’re a parent, or teacher, we need your help!

 

 

What we’re offering

This Scoliosis Awareness Month, the UK Scoliosis clinic is offering local schools a totally FREE presentation and awareness event for parents of children in the age groups where Scoliosis screening can be valuable – this will include:

  • Presentation in person from Scoliosis expert, Dr Paul Irvine
  • Free handouts and information material
  • Demonstration of how to screen their children for Scoliosis
  • Information on how to seek help in the event of concerns about Scoliosis
  • Question and answer session

 

In order to reach as many parents as possible, we need your help:

Parents – Please get in touch with your school and ask them to arrange a free presentation!

Teachers – Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page and we’ll contact you to discuss your free presentation!

 

A couple of other important points:

  • Presentation times and dates will be arranged to be convenient for parent groups and school administrators, the expectation is most will take place after school hours, Monday – Friday.
  • The presentation is given primarily to promote awareness and empower parents to screen their children on an ongoing basis. As such, it will not involve any screening of parents or children for scoliosis and no diagnostic services will be provided, however, we will be happy to welcome anyone to the clinic should they have concerns they would wish to discuss at a consultation.
  • Presentations will be FREE of charge, including any relevant handouts and reading material.
  • Bookings for free presentations are open until 30th June, 2024.
  • Please fill out the form below, and we will contact interested schools with further information and to arrange your event ASAP.

 

What is the UK Scoliosis Clinic

The UK Scoliosis Clinic is the leading provider of Non-surgical treatment for Scoliosis, based in Chelmsford, Essex. It was founded by Dr Paul Irvine in 2017 and offers treatments such as bracing and exercise-based approaches.

While the UK Scoliosis Clinic is a business, we dedicate our time and money to raising Scoliosis Awareness each year, especially during Scoliosis Awareness month. As a Parent, Paul is especially extremely concerned with raising the awareness level of other families, since there is little to no information available to most people.

June is Scoliosis Awareness month

Posted on May 23, 2022 by - Blog

The UK Scoliosis Clinic recognizes June as Scoliosis Awareness Month – as usual, it’s an important opportunity for us to reflect on the importance of ongoing developments in scoliosis treatment as well as to advocate for further research. Critically, scoliosis awareness month is an opportunity to raise awareness of scoliosis, and, the words of the scoliosis research society “Speak Up For Scoliosis”

 

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to abnormally curve sideways. Although many people have not heard of the condition it is surprisingly common, impacting infants, adolescents and adults of all races, classes, and all genders. Despite this, adolescents (of which a majority are female) and those over 60 are the most commonly diagnosed and should be especially vigilant.

According to the Scoliosis Research Society, Approximately one out of every six children diagnosed with scoliosis will have a curve that requires active treatment, sometimes involving surgery. Early diagnosis is the key to taking important first steps to providing treatment that may prevent more serious problems. Today there are more non-surgical treatment options (such as bracing or exercise based therapy) than ever, but to have the best chance of success early detection is key.

 

What is Scoliosis awareness month?

Every June, National Scoliosis Awareness Month highlights the growing need for education, early detection and awareness about scoliosis and its prevalence.  The campaign also unites scoliosis patients, families, physicians, clinicians, institutions, and related businesses in collaborative grassroots networking throughout the month.

Around the world, Scoliosis screening as a public service is not uniformly provided – in the UK, there’s no provision at all and in the US, on about two-thirds of states mandate or recommend scoliosis screening in schools – this means it is important that friends and family members learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of the condition and know that help is available. It is often parents or primary care providers who first identify the issue. Fortunately, an examination and X-ray can confirm the diagnosis and an expert can recommend treatment, if necessary.

 

About the UK Scoliosis Clinic

The UK Scoliosis Clinic is one of the UK’s most well established specialist scoliosis clinics, we focus on non-surgical treatment of scoliosis in Children and Adults primarily through bracing with the unique ScoliBrace system supported by complementary approaches. To learn more about scoliosis, or how to screen for the condition please see our website at https://scoliosisclinic.co.uk

 

Scoliosis awareness month 2019 – Special events at the UK Scoliosis clinic

Posted on June 3, 2019 by - Blog

A year has almost gone by already, and its nearly time for scoliosis awareness month 2019.

Scoliosis awareness month was originally set up by the National Scoliosis Foundation in the US, and has since been endorsed by the Scoliosis Research Society and the Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic Rehabilitation and Treatment (SOSORT), meaning that many of the most important organisations in the world of scoliosis treatment now support this special month. This year, as always, we are aiming to:

 

  • Highlight the importance of early detection and the effectiveness of bracing as an effective form of non-surgical treatment for scoliosis.
  • To have every state, district and commonwealth to officially declare by proclamation their observance of National Scoliosis Awareness Month during the month of June.
  • Increase public awareness of scoliosis and related spinal deformities through educational and advocacy campaigns of local activities, and community events during the month of June and throughout the year
  • Unite scoliosis patients, families, physicians, and clinicians in a collaborative partnership that educate, and advocate, for patient care, patient screening, patient privacy, and patient protection
  • Build networks of community collaborations and alliances to help sustain and grow the campaign

 

Originally a one-off event, scoliosis awareness month is now held in June each year, and it’s a prime opportunity to raise awareness and create the opportunity for those in the community to access screening and treatment. The fact that the event has now gone yearly is a fantastic indication that the message about scoliosis is getting out there, but with so many people requiring surgeries which could have been avoided each year, there’s still more work to do!

 

What is the UK Scoliosis clinic doing in June 2019?

At the UK scoliosis clinic, we have several special events confirmed for this year:

Free screening days

This year, we will be running at least one (but perhaps more, subject to demand) free scoliosis screening days. At a free screening, it will be possible for members of the public to be professionally evaluated for scoliosis by our scoliosis professionals. Screening is a fantastic idea for anyone who is at a high risk of scoliosis but can also be used to rule out scoliosis as an underlying or causal factor in another complaint.

We will be running a free screening day at the clinic on June 15th – if you would like to attend please grab yourself a slot on our Eventbrite page and if you’re on Facebook, sign up to our event page to get the latest updates here.

Screening takes about 15 minutes and will be performed in privately with our scoliosis clinicians. Screening is suitable for individuals of any age, but keep in mind the risk is greatest in children aged approximately 10-18.

Early detection of scoliosis is one of the most important factors in ensuring a positive outcome for each case, and gives the greatest possible latitude for conservative, non-surgical treatment so succeed – don’t miss this free opportunity!

 

Special Initial consultation offer

Throughout June, those who already suspect they have scoliosis or have had a positive screening result will be able to book an initial consultation at the reduced price of just £45. At your initial consultation, a suspected or confirmed scoliosis case will be thoroughly investigated, and a detailed case history will be taken to assess your risk of progression and the best treatment options available. If you do not already have X-rays for your case, these will be available for a small additional fee, on-site, at your consultation.

 

Special blog series

During June, we’ll also be running a special blog series which will give step by step instructions for parents and guardians who are concerned about children with scoliosis – we’ll be starting at initial diagnosis and working all the way through to the end of treatment to give you a good overview of the whole process.

 

Free X-ray review

If you have X-rays already and would like an initial (or second opinion) please feel free to take advantage of our free x-ray review service. While this service isn’t a standalone diagnostic tool (an initial consultation is needed to confirm and characterise the presence of scoliosis) it is an excellent way to determine whether a case warrants further investigation.

 

Scoliosis awareness – what can I do?

While scoliosis is now becoming easier than ever to treat, at least when spotted early, one of the biggest issues we face today is the fact that most people are still unaware of it. Although scoliosis affects approximately 3 or 4 percent of children, and as much as 40% of the over 60’s many people have never even heard of the condition.

This lack of awareness means that parents, friends and carers – with the best will in the world – just don’t know the signs or what to do if they have concerns. There have been well-organised campaigns to make the public aware of potentially serious conditions, such as meningitis, in children and adolescents, but almost nothing on scoliosis.

Simply talking to friends and family about scoliosis can, therefore, make a massive impact. Using tools like ScoliScreen, its easy to estimate your risk profile and to find out how to seek help, but raising initial awareness depends upon conscientious members of the public highlighting the issue – during June, speak to friends and loved ones about scoliosis, and point them to our free resources, working together we can prevent hundreds, if not thousands of unnecessary surgeries this year!