Popular Scoliosis Test Inadequate
The Adam's forward-bending test, a popular evaluation technique used for school
scoliosis screenings, "cannot be considered a safe diagnostic criterion for the
early detection of scoliosis," say researchers in the journal Spine. According
to the report, the forward-bending test fails to detect a significant number of
scoliosis cases, especially when it is used as the sole screening Investigators
collected data on 2,700 students who underwent scoliosis screening in 1987. All
subjects were aged 8 - 16 years at the time of the screenings, which included
the Adam's forward-bending test, Moire topography, scoliometer measures and
humpometer measures. At 10-year follow-up, the researchers determined that the
forward bending test produced five false negative results.
The article concluded that, "The wide-spread use of school scoliosis screening
with the use of the forward-bending test must be questioned." Instead, the
study's authors suggest that back-shape analysis methods be used to look for
scoliosis in school-aged youngsters.
Karachalios, T, Sofianos J, Roidis N, Sapkas G, Korres D, Nikolopoulos K
Spine 1999 (Nov 15); 24 (22):
2318-2324
In-School Scoliosis Screening Not Effective
How effective are school-based screening programs for adolescent idiopathic
scoliosis? To answer this question, researchers sifted through data on 2,242
subjects who had attended kindergarten or first grade in
A total of 92 children were referred for further evaluation, although only 74%
of these students received a chiropractic or medical follow-up examination.
Altogether, 27 of the students referred for evaluation were diagnosed with
scoliosis by age 19. However, only five of these subjects were treated for the
disorder. The study's authors concluded that in-school scoliosis screening is
not effective. Instead, they stress that parents and health care practitioners
should monitor pediatric patients for signs of scoliosis. The report was
published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Yawn BP, Yawn RA, Hodge D, Kurland M, Shaughnessy WJ, Ilstrup D, Jacobsen
SJ
A population-based study of school scoliosis screening
JAMA 1999 (Oct 20); 282 (15): 1427-1432
Scoliosis
A paper in the European Spine Journal evaluated school children. During the
course of the five year study, scientists followed 839 children with idiopathic
scoliosis (measuring at least 10 degrees).
The researchers outlines several risk factors for curve progression. In general,
more pronounced curves had a greater tendency to advance than less seevere
curves. Girls were more likely than boys to experience curve progression,
especially prior to onset of menses. Curve pattern was a major predictor of
advancement. Girls with right thoracic and double curves were morem likely to
develop increased curvature. Among boys, right lumbar curves indicated a higher
risk of progression. Left thoracic curves in both sexes were less likely to
advance.
Soucacos PN, Zacharis K, Gelalis J, Soultanis K, Kalos N, Beris A, Xenakis
T, Johnson EO
Assessment of curve progression in idiopathic scoliosis
Eur Spine J. 1998; 7 (4): 270-277
Chiropractic and Scoliosis
Children with mild scoliosis treated with chiropractic adjustments have shown a
reduction in their spinal curvature, according to the findings of a three-year,
$143,000 study funded by the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research.
This cohort study was conducted by Charles "Skip" Lantz, DC, PhD, director of
research of Life Chiropractic College West, and his associates. The researchers
were studying the effects of chiropractic full-spine adjustive procedures,
heel-lifts, and postural counseling on children 9-15 years old with mild
idiopathic scoliosis (less than 20 degrees of curvature, with no complicating
conditions).
Study on Chiropractic Care for Adolescent Scoliosis is Encouraging
Dynamic Chiropractic Archives ~ January 27, 1997
Children and Scoliosis
A recent study using sophisticated measuring devices and advanced computer
analysis found a significant difference in gait between normal subjects and
those with scoliosis.6 This was most noticeable in the medial-lateral component
of gait, indicating problems with pronation and supination control. They
observed that the "...differences between the scoliosis and the control group,
together with previously reported abnormalities of torsion in the tibia and
femur and the hypothesis of pelvic rotation, suggests these are primary
mechanisms of the cause of idiopathic scoliosis."
These researchers believe that gait asymmetry could very well be the underlying
cause of the balance and coordination problems that result in a curved spine.
They conclude: "Patients with scoliosis exhibit balance problems during the
stance phase of gait and have significant asymmetry in the frequency
characteristics. These findings could be a primary effect that contributes to
the medial-lateral deformity of the spine and its initiation and progression."
Muscular imbalances and recurrent subluxations may develop secondary to a child's postural habits. Asymmetrical development of musculature used frequently in a sport can also be the source of a nonstructural scoliosis. These curves are usually mild, and will correct rapidly with education, corrective exercises and chiropractic treatment.