HIALEAH, Fla. -- Good posture is important for good health, but for those who suffer with scoliosis, sitting up straight isn't that easy.

"Scoliosis leads to a structural imbalance in the bones, but there's also a neurological component," said chiropractic neurologist Dr. Marc Lamantia.

Scoliosis is typically seen in children starting around the age of 10, although it can occur even earlier in life.

"Correcting the problem as soon as it presents itself is vital to a good outcome," said Lamantia.

Since most schools no longer screen for scoliosis, parents need to be aware of the signs said chiropractor Dr. Gary Deutchman.

"Keep any eye out for a shoulder rolled forward, one shoulder blade sticking up higher than the other, or an imbalance in the hips," said Deutchman.

Maidelin Fernandez noticed a change in her daughter, Cynthia, about three years ago.

"She just wasn't sitting up right and she was complaining of headaches and dizziness," said Fernandez.

For decades, children diagnosed with scoliosis have been forced into hard body braces that are both hot and uncomfortable.

Fortunately, Fernandez found a newer soft-brace called Spine-Cor.

"Once I saw that I thought it might work for Cynthia," said Fernandez.

The brace looks like a harness that's wrapped and secured with snaps around the middle of the body. It's both light-weight and flexible.

"I don't even notice it," said Cynthia.

The brace should be worn for 22 hours a day until the curvature resolves.

"Patients also need to do exercises to strengthen the muscles, which in turn helps the spine," said Deutchman.

The brace won't benefit all scoliosis patients.

"Some will still need surgery and even that might not resolve the entire problem. But at least they have a non-invasive first line of defense," said Lamantia.

To find out more, go to www.scoliosiscare.org or call 800-391-8837.