SR0810 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0810 LRB104 21980 ECR 37948 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Scoliosis is a progressive condition causing an abnormal curvature of the spine that affects approximately 300,000 Illinoisans, with the most common form, Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), typically appearing between the ages of 10 and 15; and

WHEREAS, National data indicates that 2% to 3% of adolescents will develop scoliosis, yet in states without mandatory school screenings, such as Illinois, which ended its mandate in 2010, the rate of late-stage detection is significantly higher; and

WHEREAS, Early detection is critical, as clinical studies show that non-invasive bracing is 72% effective at preventing curve progression to the surgical threshold of 50 degrees when identified early, whereas late-stage discovery often necessitates spinal fusion surgery; and

WHEREAS, A study by the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that patients diagnosed via clinical screening were 3.5 times less likely to require surgery than those whose condition was discovered by chance or after physical symptoms became obvious; and

WHEREAS, While Illinois law requires physical examinations for students entering the sixth and ninth grades, many constituents report that standardized spinal "Forward Bend Tests" are frequently omitted during busy well-child visits, leading to missed diagnoses during the peak of adolescent growth spurts; and

WHEREAS, The cost of spinal fusion surgery can exceed $150,000, placing a massive financial burden on Illinois families and the healthcare system compared to the negligible cost of a 30-second physical screening; and

WHEREAS, June is recognized as National Scoliosis Awareness Month to promote the importance of early detection and to support the millions of families navigating this diagnosis; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare June 2026 as Scoliosis Awareness Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to issue updated guidance to all Illinois-licensed pediatricians and school health professionals emphasizing the clinical necessity of scoliometer use and spinal checks during all mandated sixth and ninth-grade physicals; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Director of IDPH as a formal expression of our commitment to the spinal health of Illinois youth.