11/08/2025

MONDAY | AUG 11, 2025

26

HEALTH

Scoliosis beyond spine W HEN people think of scoliosis, they tend to picture a curved spine and posture issues but o How curvature can affect patients’ breathing, digestion, self-esteem exceeding 45 degrees that require surgical correction. making it harder for patients to breathe deeply.

For thoracic curves, an angle of 70 degrees or more may start limiting lung expansion while a curve of more than 100 degrees can lead to severe pulmonary restriction and thus, difficulty in breathing or decreased effort tolerance. Similarly, severe deformity (such as lumbar curves above 90 degrees) can compress the abdominal cavity which may lead to bloating, acid reflux or constipation – symptoms that can be commonly misattributed to gastrointestinal issues. Overlooked psychological impact Beyond physical discomfort and limitations, the emotional and psychological toll of scoliosis is just as real and often goes unnoticed. For many patients, the condition’s effects extend beyond posture or movement. Those living with scoliosis face challenges that can extend to persistent pain, fatigue and diminished mobility. Daily struggles such as these are often internalised, especially when scoliosis is not outwardly visible. Over time, the emotional strain of “coping in silence” can be as challenging as the condition itself – particularly when misunderstood by peers, teachers or family members. Patients with mild scoliosis are

The spinal column, however, is not an isolated structure – it connects and interacts with vital organs, muscles and systems throughout the body. Especially in moderate to severe curvature cases, patients could potentially experience respiratory restrictions, gastrointestinal disruptions and mental health challenges. Patients with mild scoliosis (typically between 20 and 40 degrees) often remain asymptomatic aside from visible postural differences. Secondary health effects tend to occur when curvature becomes severe, generally between 70 to 100 degrees. At this stage, the impact can vary depending on several factors which include the age and overall health of the patient. The location of the curve and the type of scoliosis also influence whether respiratory or digestive complications arise. How breathing and digestion are affected As scoliosis progresses, it can begin to influence key physiological functions – starting with two of the most commonly affected areas: breathing and digestion. When the spine curves abnormally, it can rotate or twist the ribcage. This reduces lung volume and causes restrictive lung disease,

in reality, the condition often extends far beyond the back, quietly affecting breathing, digestion and mental well-being. In Malaysia, idiopathic scoliosis – the most common form – affects roughly 2–3% of Malaysians, translating to 600,000 to 900,000 individuals nationwide. Other forms of scoliosis include congenital scoliosis (present from birth), degenerative scoliosis (common in the elderly) and neuromuscular scoliosis (linked to conditions like cerebral palsy and spina bifida). While many associate scoliosis with adolescence, its effects often extend far beyond the teenage years. The condition, especially in moderate to severe cases, can have a profound effect on the quality of life that is frequently overlooked in mainstream health conversations. Understanding scoliosis and its systemic effects Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, often accompanied by vertebral rotation. Most cases are diagnosed during adolescence, and severity varies – from mild asymmetry to curvatures RESEARCHERS at the University of Edinburgh said last week that they have discovered differences in the DNA of people with chronic fatigue syndrome that should help dispel the notion that the debilitating condition is psychological or driven by laziness. Their study found eight areas of genetic code that are different in people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) than in healthy volunteers. The finding provides “the first robust evidence that genes contribute to a person’s chance of developing the disease”, the researchers said in a statement. The key features of the condition include worsening of fatigue, pain and brain fog after even minor physical or mental activity. Very little has been known about the causes of ME/CFS, and there is no diagnostic test or cure. The condition is believed to affect around 67 million people worldwide, the researchers said. The DecodeME study analysed DNA samples from 15,579 people who reported having chronic fatigue on a questionnaire and 259,909 people without it, all of European descent. Gene variants that were more common in people reporting ME/CFS were linked to the immune and nervous systems, according to a report of the study that has not yet been peer-reviewed.

An X-ray showing the curved spine of a patient with scoliosis.

The decision to move forward with bracing should always consider both physical outcomes and psychosocial well-being. There is no one-size-fits all answer; it has to be a shared, well informed decision. Scoliosis may start in the spine, but its impact reaches far beyond. Recognising these hidden effects is key to changing how we approach care and public awareness. This article is contributed by Sunway Medical Centre Damansara consultant orthopaedic and spine surgeon Dr Tan Jin Aun.

A NATURAL compound in the syrup from maple tree sap can help fight tooth decay, according to new findings that might lead to oral care products with no alcohol and fewer chemicals, researchers said. The compound known as epicatechin gallate, or ECG, prevents cavity-causing bacteria from growing on teeth and “is a powerful and safe alternative to traditional plaque fighting agents,” the researchers said in a statement. “Its natural abundance, affordability and lack of toxicity make it especially promising for inclusion in oral care products such as mouthwashes, offering a safer option for young children, who often accidentally swallow mouthwash,” they added. The idea for their study grew from their discovery in an unrelated experiment that the Listeria bacteria – a common cause of food poisoning – can grow and form biofilms on most plants and wood but not on maple. Working with maple sap and diluted maple syrup, the researchers isolated the compound that inhibits Listeria attachment and experimented to see whether it would have similar effects on Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria that cause biofilms on teeth, also known as plaque, and dental cavities. The researchers first tested their theory in computer models, according to a report in Microbiology Spectrum. Next, they confirmed that ECG inhibits the cavity-causing bacteria in test tube experiments. Finally, they determined that it blocks S. mutans generally healthy and often unaware of the condition. They usually do not present with anxiety or depression linked directly to scoliosis. That said, self-esteem issues do arise, especially in cases where bracing is required. Bracing – while medically beneficial – can have a social and emotional impact, particularly for younger patients such as school going children. With daily wear time reaching up to 23 hours over several years, it can be a physically and emotionally demanding experience. It is important to prepare both the patient and their parents beforehand.

Researchers link eight genetic codes to chronic fatigue syndrome

Compound in maple syrup can fight tooth decay, study finds

ECG in maple syrup can prevent cavity-causing bacteria from growing on teeth. – 123RFPIC from forming biofilms on plastic teeth and on disks made from hydroxyapatite, the substance in real tooth enamel. ECG is also present in green and black tea, in much higher amounts than in maple sap or syrup. Drinking green tea has long been associated with lower rates of cavities, the authors said. “Our findings suggest that ECG or (similar compounds with similar effects) could be added to dental products to help prevent cavities through an antibiofilm mechanism,“ study leader Mark Gomelsky of the University of Wyoming said in a statement. “This is different from traditional approaches, which rely on killing bacteria with alcohol, disinfectants or essential oils, or on fluoride to remineralise enamel.” – Reuters

Chronic fatigue syndrome affects 67 million people worldwide. – 123RFPIC

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At least two of the gene regions relate to how the body responds to infection, which align with reports that the symptoms often start after an infectious illness, the researchers said. Another gene region has previously been identified in people with chronic pain, another common symptom of the condition. The findings “align with decades of patients reporting on their experiences,“ researcher Andy Devereux-Cooke said in a statement, adding that they “should prove game changing in the ME/CFS research field”. “These results will not mean that a test or cure will be developed straight away, but they

understanding,” he said. Scientists who were not involved in the study said using volunteers who self-reported chronic fatigue syndrome rather than restricting participation to those with a diagnosis from a medical professional somewhat weakened its conclusions. They called for larger studies to replicate the results. Substantial work will be necessary “to translate these findings into new treatments,” said Dr Jackie Cliff, who studies infection and immunity in ME/CFS at Brunel University of London. “This will take considerable investment in academia and by industry,” she said. – Reuters