Experts seek greater awareness on Scoliosis to boost early diagnosis, treatment

Medical experts have called for increased public awareness of scoliosis, warning that widespread misconceptions about the condition continue to delay early diagnosis and treatment, thereby exposing many patients to avoidable complications.

The experts made the call during a walk and awareness campaign to commemorate World Scoliosis Day in Lagos, where healthcare professionals, school children  advocates and other stakeholders gathered to promote better understanding of the spinal disorder and encourage early detection.

The event was organised by the Scoliosis Focus Foundation in collaboration with Gbagada General Hospital.

Speaking on the theme, “Every Spine Deserves Attention, Every Person Deserves Care,” the experts stressed that timely diagnosis remains critical to preventing severe complications associated with scoliosis.

They explained that scoliosis, characterised by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, is often misunderstood, resulting in stigma, fear and misinformation among affected individuals and their families.

Welcoming participants, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of General Hospital, Gbagada, Dr. Oseni Olugbenga, described education and public awareness as the cornerstone of effective scoliosis management.

According to him, increased awareness would enable parents, teachers and caregivers to recognise warning signs early and seek prompt medical intervention before the condition worsens.

Olugbenga commended the Scoliosis Focus Foundation for complementing government efforts through awareness campaigns, counselling services, school education programmes and support for patients requiring conservative treatment or corrective surgery.

He reiterated that early detection remains the key to successful management of the condition.

The hospital chief also highlighted the emotional and psychological burden experienced by many people living with scoliosis, urging Nigerians to replace discrimination and prejudice with compassion and support to encourage affected individuals to seek appropriate healthcare.

Founder of the Scoliosis Focus Foundation, Dr. Ayomide Akintan-Adejuwon, said World Scoliosis Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness, promote early detection and advocate improved care for people living with the condition.

She disclosed that the foundation was established about 14 years ago to provide hope for patients and their families through education, counselling and other support services.

Akintan-Adejuwon explained that about 80 per cent of scoliosis cases are classified as idiopathic, meaning the exact cause remains unknown, while other cases result from congenital spinal abnormalities or neuromuscular disorders.

She identified family history, rapid adolescent growth, certain genetic factors and congenital abnormalities as major risk factors, noting that females are generally more affected than males.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Medical Guild, Lagos, Dr. Oluwole Olusanya, emphasised that early diagnosis remains the most effective strategy for preventing scoliosis from progressing to severe stages.

Although the cause of most cases remains unknown, he said some children are born with congenital abnormalities that affect spinal development.

Olusanya urged governments at all levels to build on the efforts of organisations such as the Scoliosis Focus Foundation by introducing routine scoliosis screening in schools and expanding access to specialised treatment centres across the country to improve outcomes for affected children.