Affinity Health Celebrates Scoliosis Awareness Month

As leading medical insurance providers in SA, Affinity Health raises public awareness about the growing need for education, early detection, and awareness about scoliosis.

Did You Know that Scoliosis Can Affect Anybody?

The month of June is designated as National Scoliosis Awareness Month and Affinity Health wishes to pay tribute to this condition and those who have it.

Scoliosis patients around the world include the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt, who holds the world record in the 100 metres sprint. Usain Bolt inspires many people to believe that a spine deformity, such as scoliosis, does not have to hold you back in life.

Affinity Health feels that the spine and skeleton are frequently overlooked, especially when we are younger. The general consensus is that the skeleton will do whatever we want it to do. You feel that, aside from bone diseases, there is nothing to be concerned about when assessing your health.

This tends to lead to unexpected degeneration, deformity or gradual wear and tear of the spine that has been developing over time. When you neglect your bones, particularly your spine and posture, it will have far-reaching consequences for your muscles, tendons, and overall health.

According to Isobel Health Care, Scoliosis is a spinal deformity marked by a lateral curve in the spine (the spine bends to one side).

Spine Universe states that Scoliosis affects between six and nine million people worldwide, and while it can affect people of all ages, it is far more common in children between the ages of 10 and 15 than in adults.

The curvature can range from mild, causing some postural issues and mild pain, to severe, requiring treatment and frequently causing chronic pain.

With the curvature of the spine visible, the symptoms are often easy to spot. When you stand, you may lean slightly if you have scoliosis.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis?

As per WebMD, other signs of scoliosis may include:

• Shoulders, waist, or hips that appear unbalanced
• One shoulder blade appears to be larger than the others
• Ribs that protrude from one side of your body more than the other
• Low backache
• Stiffness in the back
• Numbness and pain in your legs (from pinched nerves)
• Fatigue as a result of muscle strain

Scoliosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:

• Neuromuscular diseases: Diseases that affect the nerves and muscles, such as cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, and muscular dystrophy.
• Birth defects: Congenital scoliosis can develop if the spine’s bones develop abnormally as the unborn baby grows and develops during pregnancy.
• Genetics: At least one gene is thought to play a role in the development of scoliosis, according to researchers.
• Osteoporosis: Due to bone degeneration, osteoporosis can cause secondary scoliosis.

“Scoliosis treatments vary depending on the severity of the condition. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the better,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“If you’re worried about your back pain or any of the other symptoms mentioned, talk to your doctor, who will come up with a plan of action.”

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health aims to provide premier quality, affordable medical insurance to South Africans. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service when they are faced with injury or illness. We work to deliver innovative solutions that are simple, cost-effective, and proven, so our cover is structured to ensure that you get exactly what you need. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.