DAVAO CITY – The Scoliosis Association of the Philippines (Sap) is pushing for early detection of the spinal condition and has lined up various events to increase awareness of the condition.
The activities are set for the International Scoliosis Awareness Day on Friday at the People’s Park.
Amanda Glenda Kiamko, Sap spokesperson, said on Thursday that “we are pushing for an early detection of scoliosis that is why we are organizing this event here in Davao to address these kinds of problems.”
In medical terms, scoliosis is the sideways curvature of the spine, in which the spinal column has irregular twisted shape which may alter the posture of the person, including ribs and waistline.
Medical experts say that scoliosis is generally a common condition, and may occur at any age, even in the early adolescent age ranging from 10-15 years old.
Dr. Edmund Oliveros, a doctor of Physical Therapy said that the earlier the scoliosis is detected and treated, the better it is for the patient “because if it is left untreated, it may potentially worsen, and in some cases,could cause side-effects such as damaged lung function or physical disabilities.”
“It is important that the child needs to be checked before they [enter] the adolescent or puberty stage, and right now, we are doing some interventions to solve these problems regarding scoliosis,” he said.
He said there are different discomforts and other ill efffects that scoliosis may give to the afflicted person.
“Basically, it causes the spinal column to curve, and may have several factors such as difficulty in breathing, one shoulder is more prominent than the other, and having an assymetrical hips. Anything can happen with a person having a scoliosis,” he said.
“In some cases, people may have a congenital scoliosis or those that are born with it because the bones of the spine is not correctly formed in the uterus, and some cases which does not have a serious underlying cause and occurs at the adolescent stage because of abnormal growth spurt is called Idiopathic Scoliosis,” Kiamko said.
The Sap would conduct a free scoliosis screening to all ages.
The event is held in partnership with the City Government of Davao, Peak Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, Davao Doctors College Physical Therapy Department and San Pedro College Physical Therapy Department.
The International Scoliosis Awareness Day (ISAD) was first launched by the Scoliosis Association of the United Kingdom (SAUK) on June 29, 2013.
Their primary objective was to unite people from different walks of life to create a positive public awareness on scoliosis, to promote education, and to bring people with similar condition together. (davaotoday.com)
