Redbridge SERC

Scoliosis

Description

Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine, where it is bent laterally (from side to side) into an S or C shape. 

Idiopathic scoliosis (meaning the cause is unknown) is the most common cause.

It can be either early onset (less than 5) or late-onset (accounting for about 85% of cases) which usually affects healthy girls between the ages of ten and 14, during the growth spurt of puberty.

2 % of the population have Scoliosis.

Fact sheets

Training / Help

SEaTSS can support students with this condition.

To refer to SEATSS please use this link:

https://eforms.redbridge.gov.uk/single-point-of-access-referral-form-for-education-support/

Videos

Screenshot for video: Scoliosis- 12 yr old gymnast who has Scoliosis

Scoliosis- 12 yr old gymnast who has Scoliosis

12 year-old Rebecca is a successful gymnast, who happens to be living with Scoliosis. Follow her journey here

Learning Aids

Please offer me a seat badge

Please offer me a seat badge

Available from:

TfL have recently introduced a badge to help Adults and Children who may have difficulty standing/ waiting on all TfL transport. It is designed to be supportive for hidden disabilities and medical conditions. The badges are free- you do notneed…

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why does Scoliosis occur?
    • Congenital scoliosis is when a child is born with scoliosis, for example, because they have a vertebra that is not formed properly.
    • Scoliosis can be related to other underlying conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy or Spina Bifida.
    • Scoliosis can run in families.
  • What are the signs of Scoliosis?

    Initially you may notice an uneven waist or shoulders, particularly prominent shoulder blades, elevated hips or leaning to one side.

    As scoliosis progresses it may cause back, limb or abdominal pain and may start to restrict breathing as lung cavity is distorted.

  • What is the treatment for Scoliosis?
    • Diagnosis should be made by a doctor - the scoliosis does not change when stood straight, an x-ray of the spine will confirm the diagnosis. 
    • Treatment consists of observation, bracing and surgery. If the curvature isn't severe or the child has nearly finished growing, they may simply be checked on a regular basis. Most will get better without treatment. 
    • A brace is sometimes necessary to prevent scoliosis getting worse, and must be fitted by a specialist. 
    • In severe cases, especially if the child is still growing, surgery may be necessary to straighten the spine. 
    • A special programme of exercises is recommended by some as a non-invasive way to improve posture and function. 
    • Scoliosis can get worse in adult life, causing problems with back pain and increasingly obstructing normal breathing.

Family Resources

Strongbones holiday homes

Website: 
http://www.strongbones.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=54
Description

Their respite homes are all fully adapted to accommodate wheelchairs. The homes have fantastic amenities including their own swimming pools and children's entertainment.

Many of the parents they select for a holiday have had to give up employment to become full time carers to their children.

For this reason they have decided to grant each family a one week stay with £250 spending money to cover provisions and travel expenses.

They book families in from the months of April-September each year and are always booked to maximum capacity.

Contact a family

Website: 
http://www.cafamily.org.uk/
Description

A UK wide charity providing advice, information and support to parents of all disabled children. 

Over the Wall

Website: 
http://www.otw.org.uk/
Description

Over the Wall is a holiday camp for children who have a serious illness.

Serious Illness Camp

We invite applications from children who are experiencing, or have recently experienced the challenges of a serious or life threatening condition. This includes, but is not limited to-

  • Respiratory conditions (eg Severe Asthma, Chronic Lung disease)
  • Blood disorders (eg Sickle Cell Anaemia, Haemophilia, Aplastic Anaemia)
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders (eg Crohn’s disease, Colitis)
  • Heart Conditions (eg Congenital heart disease)
  • Immunological Disorders (eg Immune Deficiencies)
  • Kidney Disease (eg Nephrotic Syndrome, Polycystic Kidney Disease)
  • Liver Disease (eg Biliary Atresia, Liver Transplant)
  • Neurological Disorders (eg Epilepsy, Spina Bifida)
  • Neuromuscular Disorders (eg Muscular Dystrophy)
  • Autoimmune Diseases (eg Juvenile Arthritis, Lupus, Dermatomyositis)

Children must be between the age of 8 and 17 when attending our camps. Presently, we only accept applications from children living in the UK. The child must be able to function and participate in a group setting with children of a similar age, and must be able to communicate their needs independently. If the child is in a wheelchair they must be able to transfer independently.