BY SANDRA GUY

If you’ve noticed a child or teen with uneven shoulders, one hip higher than the other, or one side of his rib cage jutting forward, he may be showing signs of scoliosis.

The disease, for which there is no known cause or prevention method, manifests as a sideways curvature of the spine. 

Mild curves can develop without a parent or child knowing it because they appear gradually and usually cause no pain. That’s why a teacher, friend or sports teammate might be the first to notice a problem.

Doctors monitor children who have mild scoliosis, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. Some children must wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening. Others may need surgery to straighten severe curves.

Curvature of the spine can develop in adults, too. Osteoporosis that coincides with menopause may bring on scoliosis, experts say.

People who see this starting can improve their situation with physical therapy to build strength, stamina and flexibility — but surgery can be a last resort.

Other healthy habits include doing strength training, such as weightlifting, and eating a diet adequate in calcium and Vitamin D. Among the top bone-building foods and dressings are prunes, sardines, avocados, cranberries, Skiitake mushrooms, and flaxseed and extra virgin olive oils.

It’s also important to include in your diet natural substances that fight inflammation. That can include Turmeric, a yellow perennial root belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and native to South Asia. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties have made it important to herbal medicine for the past 4,000 years.

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may help with low bone density. A preliminary study found taking a curcumin supplement for six months 

And you can stop inflammation as much as possible by staying away from foods with transfats.