Spinal/Scoliosis Screening
Every year school nurses in Alabama offer an optional screening to students for spinal problems (Scoliosis, Kyphosis, and Lordosis) in grades 5th through 9th (ages 10-14). Decatur City Schools conducts it's optional spinal/scoliosis screenings between January and April. The school nurse will send a letter home, prior to the screening, informing parents/guardians when the screening will be conducted. This is an opt-in screening, if you would like for your child to be screened the form must be returned to your child's school nurse prior to the date of the screening.
The procedure is a very simple one. The nurse will observe the child’s posture while standing and bending forward. It is suggested that girls wear a halter top or bra/sports bra during screening, and boys remove their shirts. The child's privacy will be maintained and the school nurse will try to eliminate all embarrassment. If any abnormality is suspected, you will receive a notification letter indicating the need for further evaluation by your child’s physician.
What is Scoliosis?
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of spinal curvature and is manifested primarily during adolescent growth prior to skeletal maturity. Since there is no known cause, prevention, or cure for this lateral bending of the spine, treatment consists of trying to stabilize curvatures after they have developed by bracing or by partially correcting and stabilizing the curves with surgically placed metal rods attached to the spine. The disorder appears to be transmitted within families, but its exact mode of inheritance is still in question. Adolescent scoliosis is further complicated by rotation of the spine in addition to lateral curving. Ribs on the convex side of the rotation move posteriorly, causing a prominence along the back, while ribs on the concave side are carried forward to create a prominence of the chest wall. Both curving and rotation are inseparable and sometimes are associated with kyphosis (humpback) and lordosis (swayback).
If you have any questions, please contact your health care provider or your child's school nurse.
DISCLAIMER: Decatur City School nurses do not take the place of a doctor. None of the information provided on this website is meant to replace a doctor. Every student should have their own health care provider. The information on this website is meant for informational purposes only. Decatur City Schools, it's staff, teachers, and nurses are not responsible for anyone who does not follow the advice of their own physician or health care provider.