Scoliosis Early Detection Coalition

Scoliosis Early Detection Coalition Our objective: To establish early mandatory detection/screening of children and adolescents for scoliosis and other spinal disorders.
3.

Parents and patients group to raise awareness of scoliosis and the importance of scoliosis screening, early detection and timely treatment of AIS and adult scoliosis. Scoliosis Early Detection Coalition (SEDC)

Vision statement: The availability and access for young people to early detection/screening of scoliosis and other spinal disorders in Ontario and eventually nationally.
1. Who we are: People with scoliosis, parents of children and adolescents with scoliosis, practitioners, and other parties interested in having early detection/screening of scoliosis in young people reinstated.
2. What is scoliosis screening: The Adams Forward Bend Test is a 30-second screening test of the spine and a diagnostic test for scoliosis. It involves placing a scoliometer, a small, non-invasive device, on a person’s back, while they bend as far as possible at the waist, with straight legs, arms hanging, and palms touching. This device measures the angle of trunk rotation. In addition to the scoliometer, one can also measure this angle using an App available on smartphones.
4. Background:
The United States (USA) introduced school-based scoliosis screening (SSS) in 1963. In Canada, it was established in the 1970s; however, screening was discontinued due to recommendations made by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination, and a1985 Quebec study by Morais and colleagues, who questioned the cost of mass screening for scoliosis. Over the last 15 years, our understanding of scoliosis and its treatment options have changed (e.g., Dr. Jean-Philippe Pialasse, Laval University and Dr. Eric Parent, University of Alberta). The rate of success for using bracing as a treatment was recently measured at 75%, specifically preventing curve progression and the need for surgery. Mandatory early scoliosis detection is found in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore, while some countries have a voluntary program, such as Greece, Italy and Spain. The Curvy Girls Support Group of Ottawa (CGO) has been working to increase the awareness of scoliosis and towards improving scoliosis detection for young people in the Ottawa region by approaching schools, hospitals, public health agencies and practitioners. However, this work has not led to the introduction of a standardized early detection/screening program across the province. We believe a provincially-mandated policy or program is required to ensure consistent and widespread detection of scoliosis early enough to maintain curves at a manageable degree and preventing surgery and other long-term back issues related to more severe scoliosis and other spinal conditions. Early screening and prevention will also contribute to health care system savings if costly surgeries can be avoided. Dr. Pialasse has also called for mandatory, early scoliosis screening across Quebec with the help of province’s chiropractors.
5. Our initiative: We would like to engage individuals, partners, colleagues associations, organizations, and anyone interested in joining our efforts to reinstate mandatory screening for scoliosis. Contact Information:
231 McCleod Street
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K2P 0Z8
Email: scoliosiscoalition@gmail.com
Telephone: 613 233-1235
Fax: 613 233- 9710

02/22/2026

What is your postal code? It is very important when scoliosis treatment is needed in Canada. When to start bracing, which brace, how long will be braced and how much it will cost the family, it will all depend which province you live in. More Canadian teens are falling through the cracks than before and end up in surgery. Scoliosis progression can be prevented in most cases with early diagnosis and timely treatment, consequently spinal surgery can be avoided. Long wait list for surgery and getting spinal fusion is free in Canada but preventative care comes with a high cost for families. Bracing remains the cornerstone of non-surgical management for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with an aim to minimize the risk of progression and to avoid spine surgery. In Canada however, one third to half of patients present with curve magnitudes too severe for optimal brace treatment, resulting in higher than necessary surgical volumes. High-cost spine surgeries are fully funded while non-surgical management is not. This Professional Opinion article highlights systemic barriers to early detection that limit opportunity for non-surgical management in Canada and ultimately drive up healthcare spending. In Canada, there is an urgent need for a coordinated national strategy to re-establish routine scoliosis screening, ensure equitable public funding for treatment and expand professional training in non-surgical spinal care. Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/46590/34720 How To Cite: Lebel A, Kline M, Boucher J, Carberry J, Adulovic N, Dermott JA. Bracing and non-surgical management of scoliosis in Canada: Early detection, access inequities, and the need for interdisciplinary reform. Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal. 2025; Volume 8, Issue 2, No. 9. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v8i2.46590 Corresponding Author: Andrea Lebel, MSc, PT Affiliation: Scoliosis Physiotherapy & Posture Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada. E-Mail: scoliosisphysiotherapy@gmail.com ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9488-4291 schrothmethod scoliosisbrace

12/31/2025
08/12/2025

A video summary of Scoliosis Awareness Month in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - June 2025Thank you to everyone who helped make our events a success.

08/08/2025
07/17/2025
07/16/2025

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Scoliosis Awareness events in Ottawa during the month of June, and to all our donors. We couldn't have done this without you! 💚

06/22/2025

Last call! Don't miss out! Our Scoliosis Awareness silent auction closes soon (on June 22nd at 8pm), but you still have time to bid on the amazing items from our generous donors including a charcuterie board, an original art print, a voucher for a one-week kids musical theatre performance summer camp, personal training, a table for 10 at Yuk Yuk's, vouchers for theatre tickets and more!

To bid go to:
https://www.32auctions.com/ScoliosisAwareness2025

To make a donation directly to the CHEO Foundation for scoliosis research, go to:
https://cheofoundation.donordrive.com/campaign/ScoliosisAwarenessOttawa

All proceeds from the auction go directly to CHEO Foundation for scoliosis support and research.

For more information about Scoliosis, don't miss our Scoliosis Information Night on Monday, June 23rd from 6-7:30pm at the Richmond branch of the Ottawa Public Library (6240 Perth Street). Find out more about scoliosis, the signs to watch for and treatment options, and get a free screening.

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month!
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine of over 10 degrees and is sometimes accompanied by an abnormal rotation. Between 2-4% of children and teens are diagnosed with scoliosis, and up to 30% of older adults will develop it as they age. Scoliosis affects 8-10 times as many girls as boys. Schools in Canada stopped screening for scoliosis in the early 1980's so many cases are caught late where surgery becomes the only option. Early detection allows for more non-surgical treatment options such as bracing and scoliosis specific physiotherapy in mild and moderate cases.

06/18/2025

Our Scoliosis Awareness silent auction still has one week left before bidding closes on our amazing items. One of these is a voucher for a one-week kids' musical theatre summer camp with ASNY Productions. The camp takes place July 28-August 1 at City View United Church in Nepean, and this year they'll be putting on Disney's Finding Nemo Kids.

To bid on this item, go to:
https://www.32auctions.com/ScoliosisAwareness2025

To make a donation directly to the CHEO Foundation for scoliosis research, go to:
https://cheofoundation.donordrive.com/campaign/ScoliosisAwarenessOttawa

All proceeds from the auction go directly to CHEO Foundation for scoliosis support and research.

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month!
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine of over 10 degrees and is sometimes accompanied by an abnormal rotation. Between 2-4% of children and teens are diagnosed with scoliosis, and up to 30% of older adults will develop it as they age. Scoliosis affects 8-10 times as many girls as boys. Schools in Canada stopped screening for scoliosis in the early 1980's so many cases are caught late where surgery becomes the only option. Early detection allows for more non-surgical treatment options such as bracing and scoliosis specific physiotherapy in mild and moderate cases.

https://asnyproductions.com/

06/16/2025

Free event free scoliosis screening in the Richmond Branch of Public Library no registration needed just show come on Monday June 23rd 6pm!

Address

231 McLeod Street
Ottawa, ON
K2P0Z8

Telephone

6132337182

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