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Scoliosis Changed My Whole Life — Like It Does Many, Many Women

When I tell people I have Scoliosis I’m surprised by two things. First, by how many people do not know what it is. Second, by the number of women I know who have some form of this condition. The best way I can think to describe Scoliosis is simply a curvature of the spine. Girls are at a much higher risk for developing this condition than boys. There is no definitive cause for Scoliosis. Studies have been done relating to many factors such as heredity, ethnicity, and age, but none have conclusively determined a cause.

My journey with Scoliosis began the day I went to the doctor following a bout with Lyme Disease at 12 years old. A routine physical exam exposed a small curvature in…

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Featured

  Searching for the best treatment for early-onset scoliosis

Serial casting and surgically implanted growing rods are both effective treatments but new research aims to show if one supports a higher quality of life for patients and families.

 Princess Eugenie wanted wedding dress to show scoliosis

The gown, designed by UK-based label Peter Pilotto, turned out to feature a surprising design element: It prominently revealed the princess’s scar from a back operation she underwent for scoliosis, a condition that causes the spine to misalign and make the back appear hunched.

Articles of Interest

Hope for an S-Shaped Back

Some orthopedists have recommended surgery; others have suggested conventional physical therapy. None can say whether either protocol will eliminate pain, and until recently these were my only options. Now there may be another: an exercise regimen called the Schroth method. Developed in the 1920s in Germany by Katharina Schroth, the technique is a standard treatment for scoliosis in children and adults in several European countries.

New Treatments for Scoliosis

Scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, affects about six million Americans. Several new treatments have been developed, and researchers are trying to understand who benefits most from which therapy,

Study Affirms Benefit of Back Braces as Scoliosis Treatment

A new study provides the best evidence yet that wearing a back brace will slow the progression of the most common form of scoliosis in adolescents, helping them avoid painful spine surgery.

A Dangerous  Curve: The Role of History in America's Scoliosis Screening Programs

That more than half of US states still conduct school-based scoliosis screening, despite the USPSTF's recommendation against it, points to the examination's deep historical roots.

Bracing For Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Is Effective At Preventing Surgery, Study Suggests

Children and teens with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (where the cause of the spine curvature is unknown) might be able to avoid spinal correction surgery if they wear a back brace, according to a new study that involved a trial considered so successful by researchers that it was able to be stopped early.

Fish With Creepy Curved Backbones Could Help Explain Scoliosis

Other mysteries, like why scoliosis mostly afflicts teenage girls, still remain. “With scoliosis, we’re not in the dark ages, but we’re catching up to a lot of other disorders,” says Gurnett. Defective cilia may explain only some cases of scoliosis, but the theory is at least chipping away at the maddening label of “idiopathic.”

How Ballerina And Scoliosis Advocate Paige Fraser Stays Disciplined, Determined And Hired

Fraser's personal history is also testament to discipline and dedication. On top of her many accolades, she's living with scoliosis, which is no easy feat, considering much of her work is physical. She also uses her platform to celebrate the space she occupies as a black woman in dance and regularly advocates for representation in the industry.

Is Your Terrible Back Pain Actually Adult Scoliosis?

Sitting hunched at your desk all day isn't going to "give" you scoliosis. But there are two types of adult scoliosis that doctors see, and one does develop as you age, Dr. Gelb says (the other is leftover from adolescence).

Parenting Through Chronic Physical Pain

I’ve had back pain for much of my life caused by scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. And that afternoon, I felt my back would break if I cradled my daughter’s squirming 25-pound body any longer. I had to give up. My miserable best was to leave the room.

Scoliosis Can Hit Well Past Adolescence

Although scoliosis is generally thought of as a problem of adolescents, who often require bracing or surgery to correct the curvature, the condition is actually far more prevalent in older adults.

Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents

People of all ages can have scoliosis. The most common type (idiopathic) is caused by unknown factors and typically occurs in children ages 10 to 12 and in their early teens.

Scoliosis: Go With the Curve -- How You Can Increase Your Flexibility and Strength and Reduce Pain Through Brain Change

Saturday, June 29, 2013, was the first International Scoliosis Awareness Day. It's a day to "create positive, public awareness about scoliosis, promote education, advocacy campaigns, and bring people together with the condition." In honor of this day, I'd like to share with you new possibilities for breakthrough improvements in mobility, strength, balance, breathing and pain relief for people with scoliosis...

Scoliosis: Review of diagnosis and treatment

The causes of scoliosis vary and are classified broadly as congenital, neuromuscular, syndrome-related, idiopathic and spinal curvature due to secondary reasons. The majority of scoliosis cases encountered by the general practitioner will be idiopathic.

Study: Doing the Side Plank Reduced Spinal Curving in Scoliosis Patients

Performing a basic yoga pose for a few minutes a day reduced spinal curving by as much as 50% in scoliosis patients, according to a small but intriguing study in the current issue of Global Advances in Health and Medicine. Researchers suggest practicing the side plank, or vasisthasana, pose on the curved side can strengthen muscles in the lower back, abdomen and spine that allow the spine to straighten.

Resources

Spiral Spine

Erin Myers is a leading name in the world of Pilates with the creation of Spiral Spine, a series of resources designed to inspire, inform, and ignite the scoliosis world.

All the cool kids have scoliosis

A happy and positive group for kids (of all ages!) with scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis! Having a spinal condition may suck at times, but it also makes you strong and resilient. Parents are welcome too!

Brace Yourself

Hey, I'm Katie! This is my experience with scoliosis, and I want to help any of you who have it by providing some tips and helping you know what to expect from bracing to surgery. So when life throws you a curve... brace yourself!

CLEAR Scoliosis Institute

Our mission is “to implement an effective chiropractic system of scoliosis care to help people worldwide through research and spinal rehabilitation.”

Curvy Girls

Curvy Girls is a network of peer-led support groups that reduce the emotional impact of scoliosis by empowering girls through mutual support and acceptance to become leaders, make healthy lifestyle choices, and improve self-esteem.

Infantile Scoliosis Outreach Program

The Infantile Scoliosis Outreach Program (ISOP) provides information and resources about progressive infantile scoliosis and advocates for Early Treatment with Mehta’s Growth Guidance Casting.

Living with Scoliosis

I'm Louise, I'm 27 and had scoliosis surgery In 2010. This blog provides an honest account of what I went through and how I now cope post scoliosis surgery. It's a work in progress but hopefully will provide help, advice and information on how a 20 something girl lives life with scoliosis.

My Troubled Bones

This blog was created so that my family and friends, near and far, would be able to come along with me as I embarked on a life changing decision. Scoliosis affects 5-7 million people in the United States, and I am one of them. Diagnosed at age 12, I have been battling this strange and insidious deformity for many years.

National Scoliosis Foundation

The National Scoliosis Foundation (NSF) is a patient-led nonprofit organization dedicated since 1976 to helping children, parents, adults, and health-care providers to understand the complexities of spinal deformities such as scoliosis.

Right-Angle Girl

I live in New Zealand. I'm homeschooled. I have a large number of sisters. I can make a good donut. But, probably most relevant to this blog, I have scoliosis. I underwent a spinal fusion on December 13, 2011, to correct a curve in my spine of 95 degrees. I'm Right-Angle Girl.

Sami's Scoliosis Story

Hi I am Sami. I am having surgery on Septmeber 12th to fix my scoliosis. I started a blog so I could keep all of my freinds and family updated and also so I can help others who are going through the same thing as I am know that they aren’t alone.

Scoliosis "How to Look Good Twisted"

A place for all Scoliosis patients to talk, share and make new friends. This support group will offer your guidance whether it be emotional or physical.

Scoliosis 3DC

Our mission is to empower patients, and their parents, and to eliminate feelings of victimization or helplessness. This is accomplished by providing patients with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to actively manage scoliosis on a daily basis. We invite you to browse our website for more in-depth information and to learn more about the updated Schroth approach we use to help patients.

Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders

Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders is an open access, multidisciplinary journal that encompasses all aspects of research on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, outcomes and cost-analyses of conservative and surgical management of all spinal deformities and disorders.

Scoliosis Care Foundation

The Scoliosis Care Foundation is a national non-profit organization founded to: Engage in scientific research into the cause, detection and non-surgical correction of scoliosis; Conduct educational activities to train healthcare professionals on methods of early detection and correction; and Increase public awareness about early detection and treatment options.

Scoliosis Family Adventures

Supporting families of scoliosis patients.

Scoliosis Rehab

Scoliosis Rehab Inc. was founded by two mothers who unexpectedly found themselves dealing with adolescents with scoliosis. No strong family history, no previous fears - just one day it was discovered and they were thrown into the system.

Scoliosis Research Society

The purpose of the Scoliosis Research Society is to foster the optimal care of all patients with spinal deformities.

Scoliosis Siblings

Yo, yo, yo, so you got scolio?

Scoliosis Support Network

Welcome to your Scoliosis Support Network! I have created this page to provide opportunities for friendship and support among those who have Scoliosis and for the parents of a child with Scoliosis.

ScoliosisNutty

Here you will find a section of articles that is constantly being updated with articles from various places and medical experts, some have even been written by the ScoliosisNutty Support Group on Yahoo!. Please check back periodically for the latest articles from around the World.

Style for Scoliosis

A support blog for those dealing with Scoliosis!

British Scoliosis Society

The British Scoliosis Society represents surgeons, healthcare workers and researchers interested in the nature of and treatment of scoliosis and complex spine disorders.

New Zealand Scoliosis Support group

This site is a support and information site for those suffering from Scoliosis. Please feel free to join and ask questions.

Scoliosis Association UK

The Scoliosis Association (UK) (SAUK) aims to provide advice, support and information to people with scoliosis and other spinal conditions, including kyphosis and lordosis.

Scoliosis Australia

This website provides useful information for patients with scoliosis and their parents. It covers the causes, symptoms and treatment of scoliosis, including brace treatment, scoliosis surgery, correction rods, x-ray, inheritance and details of the National Self-Detection Program for Scoliosis together with a self-detection brochure. It offers an Australian directory of spinal specialists who have a particular interest in the management of scoliosis.

MedlinePlus

Treatment depends on your age, how much more you're likely to grow, how much curving there is, and whether the curve is temporary or permanent. People with mild scoliosis might only need checkups to see if the curve is getting worse. Others might need to wear a brace or have surgery.

ScienceDaily

Your source for the latest research news.