Free Chart Helps Parents Monitor Child's Growth And Spine Health During Spine Health Awareness Month

CHICAGO, Oct. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- October is Spine Health Awareness Month and the Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR) pediatric spine physicians want parents to understand the importance of scoliosis monitoring and early detection.

MOR is the first center in the Midwest to develop and offer a new tool to measure your child's growth and monitor spine health. This chart provides guidance for at-home scoliosis testing and helps in the early detection of this progressive spine disease. You can order the free spine growth chart at www.rushortho.com.

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine has an abnormal side-to-side "S" or "C"-shaped curvature (10 degrees or greater) and is also rotated or twisted, pulling the ribs along with it.  Three to five children out of every 1,000 develop spinal curves that are over 50 degrees, large enough to require treatment.  Untreated scoliosis can lead to heart and lung problems. Early detection is important. 

This free, nine by 38.8 inch chart features a life size spine graphic, height indication markers, scoliosis warning signs and directions for the Adams Forward Bend Test, an at-home assessment for detecting scoliosis.   If you detect any scoliosis signs, visit the spine specialists at MOR.  Drs. Howard An and Christopher DeWald are among the nation's best to diagnose, evaluate, treat and monitor young patients with scoliosis.

About the Pediatric Spine Specialists at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush

Dr. Howard An, orthopedic surgeon at MOR, is one of the leading authorities on spinal surgery and has published more than 280 articles, 100 chapters and 15 books on spinal surgery and instrumentation.  He is Director of Spine Surgery and Spine Fellowship Program at Rush University Medical Center.

Dr. Christopher DeWald, orthopedic surgeon and head of the spinal deformity division at MOR, specializes in advanced techniques in spinal surgery.  Dr. DeWald is an active member of the prestigious Scoliosis Research Society and serves on the editorial board of major peer reviewed journals.  Dr. DeWald, son of scoliosis surgeon Dr. Ronald DeWald, has lectured both nationally and internationally on the treatment of scoliosis and is involved in training fellows who specialize in scoliosis treatment.  

To learn more about scoliosis or make an appointment, call or log on to www.rushortho.com.

YouTube Video: Detect Scoliosis in Your Child

SOURCE Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, Pediatric Spine Specialists