There are about six to nine million cases of scoliosis in the United States every year.
As people get ready for summer and look forward to relaxing days on the beach or enjoyable hikes in the woods, this month is memorable for another reason: Scoliosis Awareness.

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that if left untreated, can have drastic effects. For this reason, it is important to have regular doctor’s visits to avoid late detection and to raise awareness.

First and foremost, having regular check-ups can decrease the likelihood of the condition deteriorating over time. It is especially important for teenagers who are entering their growth spurt since that is when changes can accelerate. Without proper and early treatment, it “can lead to pain and increasing deformity, as well as potential heart and lung damage” (News Network). In other words, once one reaches that point of adversity, they will have trouble breathing.

Although some treatment options are more suitable for certain people than others, it is not too late to get help. Because one finds out about it earlier, they will have more time to improve their lifestyle with this condition.

Furthermore, scoliosis can alter the digestive system. Depending on the severity of the curve, one may experience the “failure to adequately absorb essential nutrients” (Jason E. Lowenstein, MD). Due to the fact that most scoliosis patients are teenagers going through puberty, obtaining nutrients regarding a healthy body overall is imperative.

However, by being unable to do so, more complications will be on their way such as cancers, heart disease, and diabetes. In the long run, it’s better to only deal with one so early on rather than to wait, thinking that it’ll be over quickly. Some ways to raise awareness of scoliosis are to share one’s personal journey with it on social media and to simply share what it is exactly. By sharing one’s personal journey, it will help unify those with scoliosis with certain struggles like being made fun of or mocked in places where they thought they felt secure until scoliosis hit.

Also, a mass majority of people use social media on a daily basis, so when in the right hands, it can be more worthwhile and educational with the help of encouraging “people to spread the word to their own social spheres” (Scoliosis SOS Clinic). In addition to being knowledgeable about the topic, they will work together to create a friendly environment for everyone with and without scoliosis. By acknowledging that this specific celebration for the month of June exists, people will become more aware of the condition itself along with others in their community.

Elizabeth Gao / Portola High School 11th Grade

<Elizabeth Gao / Portola High School 11th Grade>