Stopping Scoliosis

Contending that ""the more you know about scoliosis, and the sooner you know it, the more likely you are to stop it from progressing,'' science writer Schommer presents a compassionate, informative guide to the diagnosis and treatment of curvature of the spine. ``Because of ignorance, pride, and fear, my family and I allowed my scoliosis to reach a point where it took a total of eight hours on an operating table, 16 months in a plaster body cast, and untold hours of anxiety to straighten it out,'' explains Schommer, stressing the importance of early detection through school screening programs, followed by early treatment. She discusses the various surgical as well as nonsurgical treatments (Milwaukee and underarm braces, electronic stimulator) and briefly addresses current research into alternative methods. The personal case histories are gripping. Appendixes list books and brochures, scoliosis organizations and physicians who specialize in the field. Illustrations. (September)