Scoliosis can be entirely misunderstood. From my experience on social media and being in high school, some people truly take it as a joke. I've heard everything from "you're basic if you have scoliosis" to "dating someone with scoliosis is gross". But people who say things like this don't actually know anything about the condition. So don't ever listen to that, educate yourself so you can hit 'em with facts!
No one is exactly sure what causes scoliosis! Some have a relative who has scoliosis, making it seem like it could be genetic, but there are plenty who don't have any relatives with the condition either. The cause is unknown, but we do know it is quite common, affecting about 3 million people in the U.S each year. Scoliosis is most common amongst adolescents, a larger percentage of those being girls, and a lot of times goes unnoticed until after puberty (this unfortunately was my case; after puberty I was done growing, so bracing was not even an option since they are used for patients who are still growing).
Though it is common, a much smaller percentage of scoliosis cases are severe and/or require surgery. But even though smaller curves are less serious-which leads me to my first tip-it is important to try to do what you can to improve the curve because it is highly likely that the curve could increase over time. Typically if a curve is going to increase, it will about 1 to 2 degrees each year. A lot of elderly people who were never treated for scoliosis complain about pain due to their curve as well. I've also read that it can be destructive to organs in your body due to the spine sort of getting in the way.
My next tip is that if you are unsure about whether you have scoliosis-maybe you've looked in the mirror and noticed that a shoulder blade is sticking out or your hips appear uneven-tell your mom! Tell whoever you live with, or tell a school nurse or your regular doctor or pediatrician! Even if you're pretty sure it's not scoliosis it's super necessary to at least find out and prevent it from getting worse if it does turn out to be scoliosis. Not only when the curve worsens does it become more dangerous and sometimes more painful, it can greatly effect the way your body looks too.
Tip #3 is rock your curve! Joke about it if it helps, be confident! Tell people! This honestly made me feel soo much better! Just learn to love this special aspect of yourself! Typically scoliosis doesn't affect what you do daily (unless you're experiencing quite a bit of pain, which I would suggest finding out what is best for you to eliminate or lessen the pain). Typically, you can keep doing the things you love, and hey, maybe it can make you better! If you think about it, you can work harder because you have scoliosis! You can sprint a little harder on that last 100 yards in the race to prove that people with scoliosis are just as capable! Wouldn't it be amazing to hear someone say, "Wow! Eric has scoliosis but he outran James who has a straight spine! Nothing gets him down!" Or if you're a cheerleader, gymnast, or dancer, maybe you're a little extra flexible than most because of that curve in your spine, or maybe you can touch your toes comfortably or for longer than others! Have you thought about what advantages scoliosis might have given you? Have you realized that it can be a really cool fun fact about yourself or an ice-breaker? And there are tons of other people out there who have scoliosis, go find them! Talking to others who are just like you feels great!
Tip #4-If you're uncomfortable wearing tight clothes or a bathing suit because of your scoliosis, remember that it's more than likely much less noticeable than you think. I was especially self conscious in my cheer uniform. At football games we would stand facing the players when we weren't performing a cheer which meant my back was towards the audience the majority of the time. I would keep my hands and arms resting on my back so that no one would notice, or I would keep my hands on my hips to cover the crease on my left side. But what I didn't know until after I talked to my friends about it, was that they never noticed, that you couldn't really tell unless you really looked, and 98% of people never did. But hey, if people do point it out or question it, just tell them!
Tip #5-Get connected with other people that have scoliosis!! When I first learned of my condition, I found several support groups on Facebook to join filled with tons of others from all over the world who have scoliosis or who have a loved one with scoliosis, and I am still in one to this day! It's called Scoliosis Warriors if you'd like to check it out ;). In the group, there is someone that has dealt with each problem scoliosis could ever throw at you, and curves of all sizes, large and small. No matter the size of your curve, you're important and you belong in a group where people relate to you and can lift you up when you need support. And believe it or not, I bet you go to school with at least a handful of people who have scoliosis too.
Tip #6-Don't freak when you find out your treatment plan! Whether you're advised by your doctor to wear a brace, try ScoliSMART, or have the surgery, know that you are on the road to healing. You might think that any of those options sound terrible, but you grow through what you go through, and you are going to get better! If you try the ScoliSMART or the brace and it doesn't work, your doctor will help you get the right form of treatment to correct your scoliosis. If your doctor doesn't seem helpful and you seem more concerned than they are, maybe it is best to find another doctor that will work with you and help you find what is best for your cure. Do your research! There are lots of great doctors and hospitals you can visit. Talk to people in your support group. Help is most certainly out there. As far as the surgery, don't be afraid. If it comes down to surgery and sounds like it will prove the most beneficial to you, YOU WILL CONQUER. No one will ever be more afraid than I was of having the surgery. If you want more advice and information on the surgery read my article, Surgery!! (My Experience, Advice and More).
Tip #7-God made you this way. I constantly questioned "Why me? Why did God allow this to happen to me of all people!" But I've come to realize that it could be much much worse. I could have cancer or be paralyzed. I could have ALS or Parkinson's disease. I could literally have the most dangerous illness or disease in the world, but instead my spine is a little crooked. I could get through that! And you can too! God is letting you go through this because he wants you to grow. He wants you to have a testimony. He wants you to help find a better cure. He wants you to help find the unknown link to scoliosis. He wants you to travel the world encouraging and helping other people who battle scoliosis. He wants you to look back at your life and say "I did it. I had the surgery and look how much better I look and feel thanks to the amazing doctors and people who cared about me." Or "I did the physical therapy and I wore the brace and worked hard to look this good and now the curve in my spine is down 20° less." Or even "I did it, I got through high school and drama and my career while dealing with scoliosis and didn't let it get me down."You were created with a purpose. Always remember that.