International Scoliosis Awareness Day Date in the current year: June 29, 2024

Scoliosis is a medical condition that affects the spine. The spine of a person affected by scoliosis has a S- or C-shaped sideways curve. Mild scoliosis rarely causes any serious problems, but severe cases of scoliosis in which the degree of the curve increases over time can cause pain in the back, neck, shoulders and ribs, limit mobility, and affect breathing.

Scoliosis is not a rare condition; it affects about 3% of people, with women being affected four times as often as men. Despite this, the exact cause of scoliosis in most cases is unclear. The condition is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In some cases, it results from another condition such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

Scoliosis most commonly develops and manifests itself between the ages of 10 and 20. Its signs includes uneven posture (one shoulder higher than the other, one hip sticking out), uneven arm or leg lengths, prominent ribs on one side or a prominent shoulder blade, and a visibly curved spine. Scoliosis may be accompanied by back pain, but it is more common in adults than in children and teenagers.

Scoliosis is not one of those conditions that may go away on their own. Its treatment depends on the severity of the curve. Minor curves that do not progress don’t need treatment; they won’t go away, but it is possible to acquire normal body posture even with scoliosis. Severe curvatures that progress may require specific exercises that decrease the rick of progression, bracing or even surgery. Adults with scoliosis who suffer from back pain many be prescribed pain medication and physical therapy.

International Scoliosis Awareness Day was created in 2013 by Scoliosis Association UK, a patient support organization that provides advice, information and support to people with scoliosis and their families, as well as raises awareness of the condition among health professionals and the general public.

The main goals of International Scoliosis Awareness Day are to raise public awareness of scoliosis, highlight the importance of early screening and detection, promote education and dispel myths about the condition, bring together people affected by scoliosis and encourage them to share their inspirational stories of living healthy, active and fulfilling lives despite their condition.

Since the inception of the holiday, the entire month of June has been designated as Scoliosis Awareness Month, with events held not only on the last Saturday of June, but all month long. You can participate in #InternationalScoliosisAwarenessDay and Scoliosis Awareness Month by spreading information about the condition, sharing your story if you’ve been living with scoliosis, donating to a scoliosis research or patient support organization, or starting a fundraiser for a scoliosis patient who needs help.