June is Scoliosis Awareness Month
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine affecting six million people in the United States and is a common spine deformity in Alaska.
Left untreated, the condition is likely to cause chronic back pain, impact heart and lung function, and other ill effects.
OPA spine surgeon James Eule, MD explains that while there is no cure for scoliosis, early detection and intervention with bracing can often prevent its progression — and eliminate the need for corrective surgery later in life.
Scoliosis Facts at a Glance
- Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine.
- Scoliosis is the most common deformity of the spine.
- Scoliosis affects an estimated 6 million people in the U.S.
- The primary age of onset for scoliosis is age 10 – 15.
- Girls are more likely affected than boys.
- There is no cure, but treatments such as bracing or surgery can stop its progression.
- Screening before symptoms arise allows for earlier detection and more effective treatment opportunities.
- Left untreated, scoliosis may cause chronic back pain, impact heart and lung function and negatively affect self-esteem.
- Increased public awareness is vital to help children, adults, families and health care providers understand, recognize and treat the complexities of spinal deformities such as scoliosis.
Q&A with Dr. James Eule
- What is scoliosis?
- Why should people be aware of the condition?
- What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
- If someone suspects they have scoliosis, what should they do?
- What’s involved in a screening — or pre-screening?
- What are the treatment options?
- Given the concern over lifetime radiation exposure, are there ways to diagnose and/or treat children without exposing them to radiation?
- What was your role in creating the governor’s proclamation?
- What’s the #1 thing you’d like to communicate to folks about scoliosis?
About Dr. James Eule & the Scoliosis Research Society
Dr.
James Eule is the only physician in Alaska who has obtained an Active Fellowship in the Scoliosis Research Society, an international
organization whose primary focus is on providing continuing medical education for health care professionals and on funding/supporting
research in spinal deformities. Founded in 1966, the SRS has gained recognition as one of the world's premier spine societies.
Strict membership criteria ensure that the individual Fellows support that commitment. In September 2013, Dr. Eule spoke at the
organization’s annual meeting in Lyon, France to announce that in 2014 SRS will hold its 49th Annual Meeting in Anchorage
this September.