Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!sdd.hp.com!think.com!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!150!140!Joe.Chamberlain From: Joe.Chamberlain@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: Re: Scoliosis Message-ID: <19227@bunker.isc-br.com> Date: 7 May 91 16:28:05 GMT Sender: wtm@bunker.isc-br.com Reply-To: Joe.Chamberlain@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.org Organization: FidoNet node 1:150/140 - Black Bag BBS, Newark DE Lines: 24 Approved: wtm@bunker.hcap.fidonet.org Index Number: 15437 [This is from the Spinal Injury Conference] HL> What actually is scoliosis> Scoliosis is a deviation of the spine from its normal alignment, usually as a lateral bend or curvature, such that the spine takes on an "S" configuration. Scoliosis does not necessarily have neurological effects, but in severe cases can cause respiratory or cardiac compromise, as vital organs are compressed by a twisted or displaced rib cage. In such cases, respiratory insufficiency or cardiac failure can be significant. If you can't sit up straight in your wheelchair there is a good chance you have some degree of scoliosis. One shoulder higher than the other, a hump when you bend forward, one hip higher than another, are just a few tell-tale signs. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!150!140!Joe.Chamberlain Internet: Joe.Chamberlain@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.org