Scoliosis Diagnoses Spike with Summer Weather, School Sports Physicals, Says Treating Scoliosis

LITIZ, PA, August 27, 2012 (Press-News.org) "There is no question that we see a lot more new scoliosis patients and children diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis during the warmer summer months and especially around the time school fall sport physicals are being conducted," states Dr. Clayton J. Stitzel of the Lancaster Spinal Health Center. While no official data has been published on the topic, the anecdotal evidence is clear; more kids are seeking information and scoliosis treatment during the summer than any other time of the year. One possible reason for the spike in scoliosis diagnoses could be related to the lighter clothing and swim wear adolescent girls typically wear during warmer weather making the spinal deformity more easily detected. "Parents generally have a lot going on in their lives as well and generally don't have the time or even know enough to look for the early stage signs of idiopathic scoliosis," states Dr. Stitzel. Another reason for the late summer spike in the number of children may also be correlated with fall sports school physicals in which scoliosis screening tests are standard. Dr. Stitzel added, "Idiopathic adolescent scoliosis occurs year round, but often is only discovered by chance or when the condition has been able to advance unnoticed. The healthcare industry really should be doing a better job of making parents aware and knowledgeable about the early stage signs of idiopathic scoliosis."

Scoliosis occurs when the spine of the back forms a C or an S shaped curve. Scoliosis affects 2 to 3 percent of the population (an estimated 6 million people worldwide) and the exact cause remains unknown. The primary age of onset for scoliosis is 10 to 15 years old, and the condition affects more females than males. Scoliosis can impact the quality of life with limited activity, pain, reduced respiratory function or diminished self-esteem. Vertebral disc deformity (wedging) is considered a key component of spinal curve progression.

Dr. Stitzel and his colleagues, Dr. Aatif Siddiqui and Dr. Brain T. Dovorany, have developed a "Mild Scoliosis Home Monitoring Kit" which teaches parents how to use postural evaluations with a specialized wall grid to screen and track their child's growth patterns during adolescence when scoliosis exercises are most effective. The kit is available for free www.TreatingScoliosis.com.

Dr. Clayton Stitzel is a Lancaster County Native. He is a graduate of Manheim Central High School. He received his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology (the advanced study of biomechanics) from Penn State University. Dr. Stitzel earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. While attending Palmer College of Chiropractic, he received research honors and was inducted into Palmer's research fraternity. He is one of nine health care professionals within the U.S. that have received the CLEAR Institute's most prestigious certification in scoliosis treatment- scoliosis intensive care certified. Dr. Stitzel is a nationally and internationally recognized lecturer within the scoliosis field, speaking recently in Singapore and England. He is the co-developer of the scoliosis traction chair. Dr. Stitzel is the owner and Clinic Director for the Lancaster Spinal Health Center where he has practiced for 9 years.