Scoliosis doesn’t slow fourth grader
By Staff
Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Dakota Goff is accustomed to answering questions about scoliosis.
With the ease of someone much older, the 10-year old fields questions from fellow Barkley Bridge Elementary students without any hesitation.
How did you know you had scoliosis? It was found during a physical, she tells them.
Does scoliosis hurt? No, she said.
Is it getting better? Yes, she’s one of the lucky ones, she adds.
Dakota spoke to BBES fifth graders Monday about the school’s annual scoliosis testing, the same type of testing that caught her condition early enough so she can be successfully treated. The checks coincide with Scoliosis Awareness Week March 4-10.
Scoliosis is lateral curvature of the spine. If the problem is treated early, the condition causes few problems. If it’s not treated, it can lead to major health issues, including respiratory problems and back pain. Some doctors think the condition is genetic; others think it is a disease. Most of the time, it’s classified as idiopathic, or no known cause.
Dakota’s scoliosis was found when she was 8-years-old and went in for a physical for cheerleading. Doctors put her in a brace for 23-hours a day to prevent the spinal curvature from worsening. Her condition has improved and now Dakota wears the brace at night and on the weekends.
Dakota said her doctor’s are pleased with the progress she’s making. Her spinal curvature has lessened.
When she was diagnosed in 2005, Dakota had an S curve with 23 degrees thoracic and 24 degrees lumbar. She received a Boston brace and after a year of constant wear, the curve had lessened to 14 degrees each. She went into her second brace - this one adorned with the American flag – in 2006 and her curvature had improved to 5 degrees each. Her doctor plans another check in April to see if the lighter brace schedule is sufficient.
Surgery is required for those who can’t be treated with a brace. The surgery involves metal rods being placed along the spine.
The spinal checks are simple and painless. Children simply bend over as if touching their toes and the alignment of their shoulder blades and spine is checked. In the case of the school checks, parents are notified to contact their family physician if any irregularities are found.
Dakota said she’s a believer in early spinal checks so that kids like her can receive treatment. She’s also a proponent of spreading the word about scoliosis.
