FAQ

Scoliosis was originally a Greek word meaning curved or bent. Today it is a word used to describe the most common type of spinal curvature. Scoliosis is simply a descriptive term, like headache, and not a precise diagnosis.

When a scoliosis develops the spine bends sideways and rotates along its vertical axis. These changes have cosmetic and physiological effects with long-term consequences which may result in significant health problems with severe curves.

A scoliometer app is a mobile application designed to measure the degree of lateral curvature of the spine, similar to a traditional scoliometer device. Instead of using a physical inclinometer or bubble level, these apps utilize the sensors present in smartphones or tablets to assess spinal curvature.

Scoliometer apps typically work by having the user place the device on specific points along their back while standing in a certain position. The app then calculates the angle of deviation from the vertical axis, providing a measurement of spinal curvature.

These apps can be useful for individuals with scoliosis, as well as healthcare professionals, for monitoring changes in spinal curvature over time, assessing the effectiveness of treatments, and tracking progress.

Scoliometer App integrates the benefits of a scoliometer which measures the Angle of Trunk Rotation (ATR).

An Scoliometer measures distortions of the torso. The patient is asked to bend over, with arms dangling and palms pressed together, until a curve can be observed in the thoracic area (the upper back). The Scoliometer is placed on the back and used to measure the apex (the highest point) of the curve. The patient is then asked to continue bending until the curve in the lower back can be seen; the apex of this curve is then measured.

A scoliometer app is a mobile application designed to measure the degree of lateral curvature of the spine, similar to a traditional scoliometer device. Instead of using a physical inclinometer or bubble level, these apps utilize the sensors present in smartphones or tablets to assess spinal curvature.
Scoliometer apps typically work by having the user place the device on specific points along their back while standing in a certain position. The app then calculates the angle of deviation from the vertical axis, providing a measurement of spinal curvature.

These apps can be useful for individuals with scoliosis, as well as healthcare professionals, for monitoring changes in spinal curvature over time, assessing the effectiveness of treatments, and tracking progress.

The test for scoliosis screening is simple. Most parents are capable of doing the screening test with a high degree of accuracy. The standard test for scoliosis is termed the Adam’s Forward Bend Test. Kids are asked to bend over at the waist as if they were touching their toes. The examiner gets their eyes level with the back and looks for one side being higher than the other, or any asymmetry of the back. Even parents with no medical training can detect relatively small curves if they look carefully.

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional condition which involves not only a sideward bending of the spine but also rotation. Escoliómetro as well as the traditional Scoliometer measure this twisting of the spine.

It is advisable to track a child’s scoliosis at least two times a month. This is because scoliosis most commonly occurs during the adolescent growth spurt.

Adults can track their scoliosis once a month to monitor degenerative or age-related changes.

Please watch the tutorial video where Dr. Kevin Lau walks through the features and functions of Scoliometer himself found inside the app in the MORE page. On this page click the top left button labelled “Play Tutorial”.

The generally accepted guideline is to refer when the scoliometer reads 7°. Recently studies have shown that scoliosis is increasingly being missed in obese children. In some cases, scoliosis that measures over 40° presents with a scoliometer reading of only 7° in an obese child. Therefore, refer overweight children with the scoliometer reading of 5°.

A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL SHOULD BE CONSULTED IMMEDIATELY IF IN DOUBT.

Research suggest that patients with a 5° scoliometer reading have an 11° scoliosis, and patients with a 7° scoliometer reading are likely to have a Cobb Angle of 20°. Refer to a physician with a scoliometer reading of 5° or greater if they are not already under observation.

For monthly increases of five along with postural changes using the posture assessment tool in Scoliometer then refer to your health professional for a review.

Remember to bring along your Scoliometer to show the physician your records.

The management options for scoliosis fall into three main categories: observation of the scoliosis, non-operative therapy and surgical.

1. Observation: This is for curves that have a small degree measurement when you are growing (adolescent scoliosis), or for moderate size curves (< 40-45 degrees) when you are done growing. For adults, observation and physical therapy are for those patients who have mild symptoms and have curves which are not large.
2. Bracing: This is for curves between 25 and 45 degrees in growing children to prevent further progression of the curve while growth of the spine continues. The goal of bracing is to prevent further progression since the brace cannot correct curves.
3. Surgery: This is reserved for curves that are generally greater than 50 degrees for adolescent patients and adults. Surgery can be performed for smaller curves if the appearance of the curvature is bothersome to the patient or if symptoms are associated with scoliosis in the adult patient. The goals of surgery are to obtain curve correction and to prevent curve progression. This is generally achieved by placing metal implants onto the spine which are then attached to rods which correct the spine curvature and hold it in the corrected position until fusion, or knitting of the spine elements together.
4. Non-Surgical Treatment: Dr. Kevin Lau offers an innovative and new therapy option for scoliosis which focuses on trying to control how the scoliosis gene is expressed using diet and exercise. To find out more read his book: ScolioLife – Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment.

Go to your doctor if you notice signs of scoliosis in your child. Mild curves can develop without you or your child knowing it because they appear gradually and usually don’t cause pain. Occasionally, teachers, friends and sports teammates are the first to notice a child’s scoliosis.

Scoliometer supports multi-lingual versions.

We currently serve in English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Indonesian, Portuguese, Russian, Finnish, Swedish, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Vietnamese, Thai, and Korean.

The language is automatically selected based on the iPhone’s language. The language of Scoliometer can be changed through the iPhone’s settings.

Setting the language:

Settings > General > International > Language

Choose the language you want to use, and tap Done.

Once you purchase an application, you can download it without charge.

Application update is a new release that can be purchased or downloaded through App Store on iPhone or Android device App Stores.

If you were charged for Scoliometer by Apple iTunes after purchasing a subscription within the Scoliometer app on your phone and would like a refund, you must contact Apple or Google directly, as they do not provide us with the ability to process refunds. Only Apple or Google customer support can process refunds for purchases made through their App Stores account.

There may be times when you accidentally delete a purchased app before you get a chance to back up your purchase. See the steps to re-download your App Store purchase.

In this case, you can re-download what you have purchased previously through your phones App store.