ABOUT 3 million Filipinos are living with scoliosis, a specialist from the Philippine Orthopedic Center said.

Dr. Franklin Dizon III said that between 0.93 percent and 12 percent of the global population, mostly women, have scoliosis.

Dizon said scoliosis is "a condition where the spine curves sideways, either to the right or left, causing an obvious deformity."

He spoke during the Department of Health's roundtable last week.

Dizon said scoliosis can be categorized into congenital, neuromuscular, syndromic, degenerative, and the most common form, idiopathic.

Despite extensive research, the exact cause of idiopathic scoliosis still eludes scientists and researchers.

The roundtable was part of the celebration of Scoliosis Awareness Month this month, established by then-president Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 through Proclamation 620.

Dizon said early detection, screening and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for scoliosis patients, often allowing them to lead entire and active lives and potentially avoiding the need for surgery.

"We have to remember that scoliosis is not a disability when treated properly, but it can become a disability when neglected," he noted.

He encouraged individuals to look for early signs such as uneven shoulders, an unusual hump, abnormal posture, or leaning to one side and to consult a doctor if these signs are present.

Dizon said carrying heavy backpacks can negatively affect posture but does not cause scoliosis. Uneven loading on the back or spine also does not lead to scoliosis but can lead to poor posture.