June is National Scoliosis Month and that means it is time to spread awareness on the Scoliosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown.” I can only imagine how difficult receiving a prognosis of pediatric scoliosis must be. That is why I am happy to share some positive news on a new Pediatric Scoliosis Procedure that reduces the need for scoliosis surgery. This post on National Scoliosis Month and a new pediatric scoliosis procedure is sponsored by Campbell Clinic.
National Scoliosis Awareness Month
In order to spread awareness I want to share a few Scoliosis Facts:
#1 Early diagnosis is key.
“If scoliosis can be diagnosed before the child has a growth spurt,” says Paul Sponseller, M.D., pediatric orthopaedic expert, “the provider can determine a treatment plan that prevents a bigger curve from forming during times of growth.”
#2 There is Treatment For Scoliosis.
According to NIH, “Treatment can include monitoring the spine, bracing, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.”
#3 Symptoms of Scoliosis
Low back pain and stiffness are the 2 most common symptoms of scoliosis in adults. Crooked shoulders—one is higher than the other- is a possible sign of scoliosis. Consult a doctor with questions or for diagnosis.
Innovative Procedure For Pediatric Scoliosis Patients
In addition to spreading awareness about what scoliosis is, the Campbell Clinic would like to spread awareness about an innovative procedure for pediatric scoliosis patients. It is newly available in the southeast region via the Campbell Clinic in Memphis. This procedure can alleviate the need for patients with severe scoliosis to have regular surgeries, as frequent as every 6 months during their growing years. That is pretty great!
Dr. Jeffrey R. Sawyer, a Campbell Clinic pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, is now performing a surgical procedure using the MAGEC (MAGnetic Expansion Control) device. MAGEC is a revolutionary procedure that gradually and non-invasively straightens and corrects the spine of pediatric scoliosis patients. The procedure offers a unique alternative to traditional growing rods, which typically require 8-10 repeated lengthening surgeries during a child’s growing years. Campbell Clinic is the only orthopaedic team in the region who can implant the MAGEC device, which is a game-changer for scoliosis patients. The MAGEC procedure is especially important to children diagnosed with early-onset scoliosis which is characterized by spinal curves that exceed 40 degrees.
Conclusion
Since this is National Scoliosis Awareness Month, June is the perfect time for increasing education, early detection and awareness about scoliosis and its prevalence. If you believe a family member may have scoliosis or you want to learn more about the new pediatric scoliosis procedure, visit campbellclinic.com
Information on the new pediatric scoliosis procedure was provided by the Campbell Clinic. Please see a doctor about any health concerns you may have.
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Uplifting Families says
As a chronic pain suffer, I always tell people who have recently hurt their back to get immediate medical treatment. Scoliosis is can be just as painful as someone who hurt themselves. Early treatment and procedures that you can do to correct the problem will benefit your child long term. Also, if you have severe problems don’t let the drs think you will heal because your young, if you don’t like what the dr is saying don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion or even a third.