SCOLIOSIS INDIA FOUNDATION
SIF is a initiative taken by a group of spine surgeons working together at every level with an objective of eliminating Scoliosis which results into physical deformity if left untreated using various surgical and non surgical methods.
The purpose of SIF is to help the parents of children with scoliosis.
These objectives are:
- Screening & Identification of children with deformity
- Providing Information and guidance of parents
- Giving patients best modality of treatment- conservative/bracing/surgical
- Educating and spreading awareness about scoliosis
Around 2-3 percent population of the India live with the deformity and stigma of untreated scoliosis, a common birth and adolescent problem that affects 1 in 1000 globally.
SIF is on a mission to eliminate this leading cause of physical disability in India. We partner with Mumbai institute of spine surgery and Centre of excellence in spine surgery to bring the low-cost solution to children who need it today and for generations.
The aim and focus of the initiative is to provide treatment facilities to one who are socio-economically backward.
SIF is bringing the low-cost, surgical and nonsurgical standard of care, routinely provided in advanced health systems, to low-income children. SIF helps children from screening till the post treatment part.
Many of the cases are treated by bracing, serial casting, observing patients. We partner to the local institute to observe the child during this process. With support of SIF the care is free or minimum for the families who receive it.
Our Vision
SIF’s vision is to provide all children born with scoliosis receive treatment and hence enabling them to live fully productive, active and healthy lives.
Our Mission
SIF mission is to give scoliosi patients with low economic strata access to proper treatment.
About Us
SIF is run by a group of spine surgeons who have been providing services for all kind of spine treatments now have come together with their skillsets and vision to provide and extend their services to the needy.
- Dr Vishal Kundnani
- Dr Ram Chaddha
SIF is open to partnership with any organisations who share our goals and we would love to hear from you – contact us
About scoliosis
Scoliosis symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the degree of scoliosis. Common symptoms associated with scoliosis include:
- one shoulder blade that’s higher than the other
- one shoulder blade that sticks out more than the other
- uneven hips
- problems breathing because of reduced area in the chest for lungs to expand
- back pain
Treatment options for scoliosis?
Treatment depends on numerous factors — the degree of spine curvature being a major one
your age.
- whether you’re likely to continue growing
- the amount and type of curvature
- the type of the scoliosis
The primary treatment options are bracing and surgery.
Bracing
Person with scoliosis may need to use a brace if they’re still growing and the curvature is more than 25 to 40 degrees.
Braces won’t straighten the spine, but they can prevent the curvature from increasing. This method of treatment is more effective for cases that are detected early.
Those requiring a brace need to wear it 16 to 23 hours a day until they stop growing. A brace’s effectiveness increases with the number of hours they wear it per day.
Doctors usually recommend that children wear their braces until they reach adolescence and are no longer growing.
Surgery
Surgery is usually reserved for people with curves greater than 40 degrees. However, talk to your doctor about this option if you’ve been diagnosed with scoliosis and feel the curvature is interrupting your daily life or causing you discomfort.
Spinal fusion is the standard scoliosis surgery. In this procedure, the doctor fuses your vertebrae together using a bone graft, rods, and screws. The bone graft consists of bone or a material like it.
The rods keep your spine in a straight position, and the l screws hold them in place. Eventually, the bone graft and vertebrae fuse into a single bone. Rods can be adjusted in children as they grow.
Pain management
Certain therapies can aid in managing scoliosis pain, though they won’t help to correct the curvature itself.
Some techniques need more research but may be recommended by your doctor, such as hydrotherapy, massage, electrical stimulation, and back braces.
These methods are most likely to aid in reducing pain and discomfort:
Exercise
Exercise and stretching for scoliosis pain symptoms can’t fix the underlying issue, but it’s important for general wellness and can help keep you flexible.
Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations for exercise and stretches to help keep your muscles strong and supportive.
Medication
Pain medications can help to reduce pain. Talk to your doctor about options for pain and inflammation reduction.