hi! welcome to your scoliosis information page! please choose one to begin
what is scoliosis?
scoliosis is defined as a sideways curvature of the spine. cases can range from extremely slight, which is very common, to dangerous and can require some form of surgery or bracing. common symptoms of scoliosis are frequent back pain and uneven shoulders / hips.
other information
often, scoliosis arises or is found in adolescent teens who are growing
the curvature will follow an S or C shaped curve
scoliosis can restrict organs such as the lungs and heart
it's more common in people born as females, but can occur in everyone
some forms of scoliosis are genetic
what do i do if i think i have scoliosis?
mild forms of scoliosis are very common! more than 3 million cases are diagnosed in the united states per year, and it is estimated that it affects 2-3% of the world's population.
please note: I AM NOT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, NOR DO I CLAIM TO BE ONE.
if it is available to you, please go see a doctor! often they will do some form of imaging, such as an x-ray, and be able to easily determine if there is curvature in your spine. from there, they will be able to determine the proper steps to take to ensure that you stay comfortable and healthy.
this is not something to be worried about! scoliosis is not a disability, and it will not decrease your quality of life.
treatment
unfortunately, scoliosis is not a medical condition that can be easily cured. there is no permanent solution that can "fix" you for the long term. however, there are many options that can help you stay healthy and grow properly.
again, please note that i am not a doctor. please consult a doctor who will know what treatment is right for you. this is just to inform you about the options.
| treatment | pain level | reason | other information |
|---|---|---|---|
| physical therapy | almost none | pain, trouble functioning | n/a |
| bracing | very uncomfortable, painful | curve larger than 25 degrees | worn throughout the day and night |
| surgery | extreme | last resort, cannot be resolved | long recovery process, very painful |
ways to support
if you have a friend or family member who has scoliosis / recently learned they have scoliosis, don't worry! they will be fine and will be able to live out their lives fully. it can be a scary and tough journey, so be a shoulder to cry on and let them complain to you if they need it. some people might not want to talk about it, so don't pressure them to reveal information that they're uncomfortable with.
for someone going through a period of bracing or surgery, the consequences can be more serious. if someone you know is wearing a brace, DO NOT tease them. wearing a brace is an incredibly painful and humiliating experience, and it really helps if they know they have someone to support them. if they need anything, such as a place to sit, or help picking someone up, please help them. often, braces prevent people from being able to pick something up easily, and it can be a difficult experience.
jokes about having bad posture, being a shrimp, and other things of that sort are not funny and can be harmful. there is a difference between patients talking about having a rock hard shell and bullies purposely talking about someone's struggles. stand up against people who hurt those you love.