Helping those affected by Scoliosis achieve a better quality of life

Outline of Information aboutScoliosis

SWS CymruSupport With Scoliosis

What Is Scoliosis?

There are over 30,000 people in Wales

who are affected by Scoliosis so you

are not alone in this.

Although the spine naturally has 2

curves that run back to front, a spine

with Scoliosis also has a sideways

curve and sometime a twist. This can

happen at different points along your

spine.

In many cases the causes of this are

unknown (Idiopathic) and can leave

the person frightened and unsure

where to turn.

Other types of scoliosis in children

are:

• Congenital/inherited

• Neuromuscular - such as Cerebral

Palsy or Muscular Dystrophy

It is important to know that

no one is to blame.

Touch Your Toes To Diagnose

Ask your child to stand with feet together and legs straight

Place hands together and raise arms to shoulder height in front of them

Bend from the waist until the back is horizontal (90 degrees)

• Is the back symmetrical?

• Is one shoulder blade different from the other?

• Is there any bulging either side of the spine?

With your child standing, check for the following:

• Is their head central with the head in a straight line to the pelvis?

• Is one shoulder higher than the other?

• Is the gap from the arm to the body larger on one side?

• Is one shoulder blade higher or more prominent?

• Is there a crease on one side of the body but not the other?

• Does the waist appear uneven?

• Does the body seem shifted to one side?

Check the back when your child is bending forward for any visible signs of a curve in the spine.

If you think that a scoliosis is present, please see your family GP, who will be able to refer you to a scoliosis specialist.

Touch Your Toes To Diagnose

How Can SWS Cymru Help You?Being told that you or your child has scoliosis can be confusing and scary.

SWS Cymru has been registered as a charity by a patient and the spinal consultants so our information is relevant to the treatment you will receive.

Many of our volunteers have the condition so really do understand and can advise based on their own experiences.

Our Aims are:• To raise awareness and understanding of Scoliosis

• Offer advice and information

• Lobby the Welsh Government and National Screening Committee to re-instate the Touch Your Toes Test to help diagnose scoliosis earlier

• Provide local self help groups

• Create a positive peer group for young people with scoliosis

• Produce information in Welsh/English format

• Help share experiences and forge friendships

Membership To SWS CymruAt SWS Cymru we value your membership. It is free to join and you will receive:

• Advice from people who understand what you are going through.

• Information based on the treatment choices available in Wales.

• Notification of local events and meetings.

If you would like to become a member, please contact us via:

Website: www.swscymru.org.uk

Email: info@swscymru.org.uk

Telephone: 02920 694 105

Write to: SWS Cymru, 9 Kyle Avenue, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 1SR.

Booklet produced by:

SWS Cymru Support With Scoliosis

Publication reviewed by:

Mr. Paul Davies, Consultant Spinal Surgeon

Mr Alwyn Jones, Consultant Spinal Surgeon

Mrs Kim Salmon, Trustee SWS Cymru Support With Scoliosis

Mrs Lynda Williams, Chair SWS Cymru Support With Scoliosis

Registered charity No.1120096

www.swscymru.org.uk