The Scoliosis Foundation, in conjunction with Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, has trained teachers and health workers on the early detection of scoliosis ahead of this year’s World Scoliosis Day on June 26.

Founder of the foundation and Senior Medical Officer II at Gbagada General Hospital, Dr Ayomide Akintan-Adejuwon, said the training was organised to help teachers, nurses and doctors identify signs of the condition early and refer affected children for treatment before it progresses.

The training, held at Gbagada General Hospital, featured lectures, case discussions and practical sessions using a scoliometer, a device used to assess spinal curvature. The programme focused on the definition, causes, symptoms and management of scoliosis, while participants also received hands-on training on screening techniques.

“We are marking World Scoliosis Day alongside the international community. Before the commemoration, we decided to organise a screening training programme focusing on doctors, nurses and school teachers because early detection remains key to preventing the progression of the condition,” Akintan-Adejuwon said.

She explained that teachers from private schools and representatives of the Lagos State education sector were invited to strengthen awareness and early identification of scoliosis among schoolchildren.

Akintan-Adejuwon added that the training was also aimed at reducing the stigma faced by people living with scoliosis and encouraging them to seek treatment and support.

She disclosed that the foundation would hold an awareness walk and conference on June 26 as part of activities marking World Scoliosis Day.

According to her, between 50 and 60 students from about five or six schools are expected to attend the event, alongside teachers, doctors, nurses, family members and members of the public.

“We are expecting over 250 people. The day will begin with an awareness walk within the Gbagada community before the conference,” she said.

Speaking during the training, orthopaedic surgeon and Secretary-General of the Medical Guild, Dr Charles Aisudo, described scoliosis as a three-dimensional deformity of the spine.

He said carrying heavy school bags does not cause scoliosis, contrary to a common belief, although it may contribute to other back-related problems.

“There is a common misconception that heavy backpacks cause scoliosis. They do not. However, they can lead to other back problems and discomfort,” he said.

Aisudo explained that genetics is one of the major risk factors for scoliosis and that adolescents undergoing rapid growth are more likely to develop the condition.

He noted that scoliosis is often painless in its early stages and is usually detected through visible signs such as uneven shoulders, an uneven waistline and abnormal curvature of the spine.

According to him, treatment options depend on the severity of the condition and may include observation, bracing or surgery.

He added that severe cases can affect the chest cavity and interfere with breathing, increasing the risk of respiratory complications.

The orthopaedic surgeon also conducted a practical clinical training session with a scoliometer for doctors attending the programme.

Joining virtually from Harvard University, spine surgeon and researcher, Dr Mutaleeb Ayodele Shobode, delivered a keynote presentation on scoliosis.

Shobode educated attendees on the causes, symptoms and management of the condition, shared presentations on people living with scoliosis and debunked several myths surrounding the disorder.

Doctors from the physiotherapy, paediatrics and psychiatry departments also delivered presentations on caring for people living with scoliosis and the support available to them.