Have you paid attention to your child's posture? It can cause permanent damage

Scoliosis is defined as a posture disorder that occurs when the spine curves more than 10 degrees to the right or left. Aiming to draw attention to the health problem within the scope of 'Scoliosis Awareness Month', Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist Dr. Lecturer Gökhan Özkoçak stated that scoliosis is mostly seen in children between the ages of 10 and 15, and said, "It is 8-10 times more common in girls than in boys."

'IT IS MOST COMMONLY SEEN IN SCHOOL AGE'

Dr. Özkoçak said that early detection of scoliosis makes the treatment process significantly easier, and added, “Findings such as imbalance in shoulder levels, one shoulder blade being more prominent, asymmetry in the waist and hip area, and curvature in posture should be carefully observed.”

He stated that children with these signs should definitely be evaluated by a physical therapist.

'THE TREATMENT IS DIRECTED ACCORDING TO THE CURVATURE'

Dr. Özkoçak said that different treatment options can be applied depending on the degree of scoliosis and continued:

“For curves between 10-20 degrees, we get very good results with only specific spinal exercises. For scoliosis between 20-40 degrees, the use of a corset comes into play in addition to exercises. Curvatures over 40 degrees should be evaluated in terms of surgical intervention. Surgical intervention is only considered in more advanced cases. Most children can have a healthy spine once their growth process is complete.”

'THE SPINE IS THE DIAMOND OF THE BODY'

Dr. Özkoçak, referring to the need to protect spinal health throughout life, said, “We should show the same care to our spine as we do to our skin. We should take posture disorders seriously and stop their progression with early intervention. Remember, the spine is like the diamond of the body.”