The spinal condition, scoliosis, can affect anyone from children to adults. Scoliosis develops gradually and is most often indentified during adolescence. It is more common to find scoliosis in girls than in boys.
Scoliosis testing is recommended on a regular basis for all children. Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine or backbone. In the U.S., scoliosis tests are done by having kids take off their shirts and lean forward.
Axial Biotech is a company in Salt Lake City, UT that specializes in scoliosis testing research. The New York Times has called Axial ” an ideal genetic laboratory.” Approximately 2% of the population is affected by scoliosis.
Approximately half of U.S. states require scoliosis testing to be done in public schools. It is recommended that you check with your child’s school to see if regular scoliosis tests are administered. Ask your child’s pediatrician to do a scoliosis test at their next appointment if they are not done at your child’s school.
A history and physical exam are routinely done at the beginning of a scoliosis test. Scoliosis commonly runs in families, but doctors aren’t sure of the cause. Even though scoliosis is hereditary, there is no correlation between the severity of the curve from one generation to another.
A girl’s spinal curve is more likely to progress than a boy’s even though both girls and boys can experience scoliosis. Scoliosis is not caused by carrying a book bag exclusively on one shoulder, poor posture or poor diet. Thorough health screenings, including scoliosis tests, are given each year to specific grades.
The first company to pursue DNA-based prognostic tests for scoliosis is Axial. Axial will develop these tests to supplement current medical practices being used for scoliosis tests. Joining forces with Axial is Johnson & Johnson Developmental Corp., who will be helping Axial to develop their scoliosis testing.
Though a common problem, scoliosis usually only requires a physician’s observation and annual scoliosis tests during a child’s developmental years. Children under 10 are more likely to progress in their scoliosis than teenagers with scoliosis. Scoliosis should be monitored regularly for signs of worsening, but most likely will not progress to the point of needing treatment. It is recommended that scoliosis tests are performed regularly.
You must log in to post a comment.