Combatting the Curvature: What is Scoliosis?

Everything to know about scoliosis, from a scoliosis patient

people don’t know exactly what scoliosis is.

Has someone ever mentioned they were tested for scoliosis, or maybe you were? Have you heard any jokes about scoliosis?

As someone who has the condition, I have heard both, and have done enough research to know that a lot of

Scoliosis is, by simple definition, the abnormal curve of the spine, often a “C” or “S” shape. It affects approximately 2-4 per cent of the population and is most common in adolescents.

People have described it as “fear that millions go through,” “pain and fear, but also beauty, bravery, growth and not giving up,” and “a challenge that only the strong-willed can go against.”

There are three categories, as well as three ranges. Idiopathic (which means unknown cause) is the most common category, as approximately 80 per cent of all cases are diagnosed as idiopathic scoliosis.

Congenital scoliosis is often diagnosed in childhood and is usually due to malformed vertebrae. Neuromuscular scoliosis is often caused by other neuromuscular disorders, which affect the spine.

Children with spina bifida, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy are susceptible to scoliosis, due to weakened muscles around the spine. Scoliosis has three severity ranges: mild, moderate, and severe.

Mild is a curve that measures 10-25°, moderate is 25-45° and severe is over 45° (I have 2 curves, both 50-60). Mild scoliosis is often treated as “watchand-wait,” as well as exercise, depending on the severity.

Moderate is often treated the same, although with more intense exercise and sometimes bracing.

Last year, I was diag - nosed with moderate scoliosis, and I had to wear a Boston brace. Unfortunately, the brace doesn’t always work. In my case, the curves jumped a lot, and I now have severe scoliosis.

Severe scoliosis often needs surgery to be corrected, as it can cause other health problems, such as increased risk of pneumonia, heart failure, and more.

Two of the most common surgeries performed are spinal fusion, which is, as the name suggests, the connection or fusion of two or more vertebrae, and VBT (vertebral body tethering), which is when surgeons use a rope-like device, called a tether, is attached to the vertebrae to hold it in place.

Teenagers with scoliosis are also more susceptible to mental health issues, with approximately 30 per cent of patients reportedly feeling “empty.” Rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are often higher in patients than in their peers.

There are several misconceptions about scoliosis, and quite a few of them are false. For example, many people think that it’s caused by bad posture, but this is far from true.

Bad posture can certainly be a side effect, but it doesn’t cause it.

Another myth is that scoliosis only affects children and dissipates with age.

This is also a lie, as scoliosis affects children, teens, adults, and seniors alike, and scoliosis does not typically heal with age. In fact, it often worsens with age, but it generally stays in the same position once the individual reaches adulthood.

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