It is recommended that all children are tested for scoliosis on a regular basis. The disorder, scoliosis, is explained as an abnormal curving of the spine. A scoliosis test in the U.S. is done by a child removing his shirt and leaning forward.

Axial specializes in scoliosis testing and is located in Salt Lake City, UT. Axial received accolades from The New York Times when they referred to Axial as “an ideal genetic laboratory.” Scoliosis affects a small share of people, around 2% of the population.

Approximately half of U.S. states require scoliosis testing to be done in public schools. It is recommended that you check with your child’s school to see if regular scoliosis tests are administered. Ask your child’s pediatrician to do a scoliosis test at their next appointment if they are not done at your child’s school.

As part of scoliosis testing, a history and physical exam are done at the beginning of a scoliosis test. The cause of scoliosis is uncertain but it is commonly found among family members. Though hereditary, there is no correlation between the severity of the scoliosis from one generation to the next.

A girl’s spinal curve is more likely to progress than a boy’s even though both girls and boys can experience scoliosis. Scoliosis is not caused by carrying a book bag exclusively on one shoulder, poor posture or poor diet. Thorough health screenings, including scoliosis tests, are given each year to specific grades.

Axial is the first company to pursue pre-symptomatic and prognostic tests, based on DNA, for scoliosis and other spinal conditions. The new tests for scoliosis will augment other clinical and surgical practices currently being used to test for scoliosis. Johnson & Johnson Developmental Corporation and Axial will be working together to develop the prognostic scoliosis tests.

Though a common problem, scoliosis usually only requires a physician’s observation and annual scoliosis tests during a child’s developmental years. Children under 10 are more likely to progress in their scoliosis than teenagers with scoliosis. Scoliosis should be monitored regularly for signs of worsening, but most likely will not progress to the point of needing treatment. It is recommended that scoliosis tests are performed regularly.