Bone disease suspected

Press, 11 September 1989, Page 2

Bone disease suspected

Osteopaths in Christchurch giving free consultations on Saturday found two patients with suspected "Scheuermanns Disease.”

The national acting president of the Register of Osteopaths and Christchurch spokesman, Mr Chris Rowse, said the disease was common in teen-age boys and girls from age 11 to 17. The disease was’ often mistaken for "growing pains,” and was caused by spinal bones which did not fit together. The consultations, have been offered at the Opawa Road and Gloucester Street clinics and at the Riccarton Road clinic.

Consultations were available at the Riccarton clinic by appointment. The disease was also often “symptomless” and did not show up until later in life, said Mr Rowse. But backache in young children was a typical sign of the disease.

Osteopaths were also checking for other injuries. The teenagers with Scheuermanns symptoms were recommended to have further X-rays.

Young babies were also being checked as part of International Osteopathic Week, held in conjunction with United States osteopaths. Osteopaths were checking baby skull structure to look for distortion caused by traumatic birth or injury. The week was intended to emphasise the early prevention of problems, and to allow people to understand osteopathic work. More free consultations for skull structure will be available this Saturday. Mr Rowse said all osteopaths in New Zealand were members of the New Zealand register and had had four years training at recognised col-