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Scoliosis is a condition that affects the spine and can be found in people of all ages. Most often diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 14, scoliosis develops gradually. More girls than boys are diagnosed with scoliosis.

It is recommended that all children are tested for scoliosis on a regular basis. The disorder, scoliosis, is explained as an abnormal curving of the spine. A scoliosis test in the U.S. is done by a child removing his shirt and leaning forward.

In Salt Lake City, UT, Axial is leading the way in scoliosis testing. Axial has been referred to as “an ideal genetic laboratory” by the New York Times. Scoliosis affects approximately 2% of the population.

It is a requirement by about half of U.S. states for scoliosis tests to be completed in public schools. Find out if your child’s school administers a regular scoliosis test to students. If scoliosis testing is not done at your child’s school, you can ask your pediatrician to do a scoliosis test during your child’s next appointment.

A history and physical exam are routinely done at the beginning of a scoliosis test. Scoliosis commonly runs in families, but doctors aren’t sure of the cause. Even though scoliosis is hereditary, there is no correlation between the severity of the curve from one generation to another.

A girl’s spinal curve is more likely to progress than a boy’s even though both girls and boys can experience scoliosis. Scoliosis is not caused by carrying a book bag exclusively on one shoulder, poor posture or poor diet. Thorough health screenings, including scoliosis tests, are given each year to specific grades.

Axial is the first company to pursue DNA-based pre-symptomatic and prognostic tests for common spinal conditions such as scoliosis. These scoliosis tests will augment current clinical and surgical practices. Johnson & Johnson Developmental Corporation will be collaborating with Axial to develop their prognostic scoliosis test.

Scoliosis is a common problem that usually just requires observation by a physician and annual scoliosis testing during the growing years. A child under 10 is more likely to progress than scoliosis in an adolescent. Scoliosis should be watched carefully for signs of worsening, but usually does not progress to the point of needing treatment. Regular scoliosis tests are recommended.

Tags: Health & Fitness //