LAKE LINDEN -- Five out every 1,000 kids are at risk for developing scoliosis, but most local schools have gotten away from performing regular checks.
Thanks to one Hubbell boy, that could be changing.
Logan Muljo was only nine years old when Dr. Bonnie Hafeman discovered he had congenital scoliosis. He was born without a C-1 vertebra in his neck, which had caused a permanent curve in his spine and increasing pain.
After undergoing surgery a year and a half ago, Logan is back to being a normal kid who loves to run around.
"Back then I was in a lot of pain from my back, but now, after having surgery, I’ve been feeling 100 percent better," said Logan.
Though you may think scoliosis is an elderly person's condition, it can also be very common among adolescents who've gone through a major growth spurt.
At Logan’s insistence, Dr. Hafeman and two other physicians from Aspirus Keweenaw performed a school-wide screening in Lake Linden.
"Some of the kids were nervous and saying, 'I don't want to end up like Logan having to have surgery,' but I told them mine's really rare and they might not have it so bad if they have scoliosis," Logan said.
For the few students who did have varying degrees of scoliosis, the doctors wrote a note to parents, letting them know that it should be monitored to make sure it doesn't become more severe.
"The problem is if you let it go, you can end up with some significant back problems when you're older," said Hafeman. "Most kids don't have problems bad enough that warrant any intervention other than some physical therapy."
Dr. Hafeman said she'd love to do similar checks at other area schools though nothing has been worked out just yet.
In the meantime, if parents have any concerns, they should definitely ask their doctor to do a quick check, because it could save their kids unnecessary pain.
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