A Hidden Back Problem

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday June 3, 2008

By LAUREN TINDALE and TAYLA CRAIG

SCOLIOSIS, which affects three in every 100 people including a student at Avoca Beach Public School, is a little known or understood problem in society.

Scoliosis can affect peoples' lives by curving or breaking the main spinal bone, which keeps their body straight.

The cause of scoliosis remains unknown but studies are being done to unravel the mystery.

Curvature of the spine is more commonly found in female teenagers whose backs take the shape of an S or C.

The condition also sometimes affects a person's posture and ability to walk, bend or run.

The most common form of scoliosis is structural scoliosis.

"Structural scoliosis is a developmental deformity and is extremely difficult if not impossible to change," Avoca Beach physiotherapist Stan Priestly said.

"When it comes to treating this disorder, if identified in its early stages, the best possible treatment would involve wearing a body cast.

"A body cast is uncomfortable and highly inconvenient for sufferers but there is no better option."

Braces are made of high-grade plastic and fibreglass, with straps for tightening and foam on the inside to protect the body.

Tayla Craig, 11, a student at Avoca Beach Public School suffers from scoliosis.

"It is difficult being a sufferer of scoliosis as you don't know what to expect," Tayla said.

"There are always thoughts looming in my mind that it may never get better or that it is just going to get worse if I don't do anything about it. At the same time I am constantly worried about my posture being incorrect and causing my condition to worsen."

Another scoliosis sufferer said:

"It numbs my hips as well as causing my ribs to bruise.

"It makes me ache all over some days and it can be very uncomfortable to sleep in and I get very sweaty on a hot day."

The other treatment for scoliosis is far more serious because the sufferers have to undergo surgery in the hope of correcting the spine's shape.

That treatment involves inserting two metal rods on either side of the spine.