SCOLIOSIS. The Department of Health spearheads the National Scoliosis Awareness Month every June since 2018. Health authorities are urging the public to maintain proper posture to help prevent having scoliosis, which affects around 3 million Filipinos to date. (Photo courtesy of DOH Ilocos Region)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – A Department of Health-llocos Region (DOH-Ilocos) executive on Friday said maintaining proper posture may help prevent scoliosis, which is affecting about 3 million Filipinos.
DOH-Ilocos medical officer Dr. Myrielle Marie Madayag, in a forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency-Ilocos Region, said improper posture during excessive use of cellular phones or gadgets, along with other factors, should be avoided to prevent scoliosis.
"We tend to bend our heads. Making our heads heavy on our neck and affects our posture," she said in Filipino.
Although the cause of the 80 percent of scoliosis cases are unknown, maintaining proper posture may decrease the risk of acquiring it, she said.
Scoliosis is a progressive non-communicable disorder characterized by the lateral curvature of the spine, which can be corrected to prevent serious and even fatal complications.
It can already be present in young people aged 10 to 15 years and may further develop as they age, Madayag said.
No record is available for Ilocos Region at present since there is still no proper case finding or screening method available, she said, but advised individuals who suspect they have scoliosis to seek medical attention from licensed physicians before undergoing any treatment.
"It cannot be cured but it is a corrective disease. Management will depend on the angle of the curve," she said.
For mild cases of scoliosis, theraphy is important while braces are recommended for moderate cases and surgery for severe cases, she said.
"Early diagnosis for children is important," Madayag said, as "severe cases may cause heart, lungs, stomach (digestive system), and spinal cord problems."
June has been declared as the “Scoliosis Awareness Month” in the country since 2018. (PNA)
