Scoliosis

A curvature of the spine.

Derived from the Greek word skolios meaning ‘bent’, scoliosis is the given name for a curvature of the spine. It can come in different forms and at various degrees. Usually, when the curvature is 40 degrees or more, surgery is required to help correct the condition. If you are diagnosed during your early teen years, you are likely to be given a brace of some kind to realign your posture as you grow.

Although the above treatments can help, there is no cure for scoliosis, just like there is no known cause. Some believe it is due to genetics, others believe hormonal imbalances, whilst there are those that believe it is caused by physical trauma.

However, some of you may be in my situation. Now, each case of scoliosis is different. How it affects one person, it may not affect you in that same way. For me, there is no treatment.

However, some of you may be in my situation. Now, each case of scoliosis is different. How it affects one person, it may not affect you in that same way. For me, there is no treatment. During Christmas 2015, I was very ill and ended up in A&E on Boxing Day. The doctors took blood tests and x-rays and said two things: “you have a virus” and “how long have you had scoliosis for?” My mother and I just blinked at the doctor. “What’s that?”

“Oh, you don’t know. Well, you have scoliosis which is a curved spine.”

The x-rays that I had by chance revealed that I have two curves in my spine, one 34 degrees and the other 36. Now we had the answer to why I was in so much pain with my back.

Next, came all of the hospital appointments and GP appointments. When they made me bend over, the shape of my spine became visible and formed an ‘s’ shape. I was too old for a brace as I was nearing 18, it was unlikely that I would grow anymore. They also told me that I was not bad enough for surgery. My only options were acupuncture or physiotherapy.

Being too scared of acupuncture, I gave physiotherapy ago. I learnt the exercises and tried to do them every night, but I found that they didn’t help relieve the pain.

It was getting worse. Sleep was difficult and I woke up for school once and could not move because of the pain. I was only 4 degrees from having surgery. I got a second opinion from a doctor that specialised in scoliosis and they gave me 5 minutes to explain how much pain I was in and as I was doing so, he got up and headed to the door.

Looking online, it appeared that in every case I read someone was being treated to correct and relieve the pain. It didn’t seem like anyone had a case similar to mine. That’s when the newspaper advert appeared.

Not far from where I live, a chiropractor was offering an assessment at a discounted rate. I had nothing to lose. I explained to the chiropractor how I felt. She in turn described how I felt:

“It’s like constantly carrying a heavy backpack that you can’t put down. After a while it will start to hurt.”

She did a full body x-ray, which showed how my neck was not aligned either, and a scan that shows the tension in your muscles. It showed exactly where it hurt.

Then began my treatment. I laid down on their bed, she manipulated the muscles in my back to loosen – almost like a massage – and clicked in between my shoulder blades, doing all sorts of neat handy work until she clicked my head/neck. That took me by surprise, however, it did not hurt – none of the treatment hurt me and when I got up, my eyes filled with tears. For the first time in almost a year, I wasn’t in pain. I felt I could move freely, I felt lighter than had done in a while.

So, what is my point?

I wrote this piece to share my story for those who are in similar situations. So they know when they are looking up other cases that they aren’t all fixable. There is a stigma surrounding chiropractors, however, if you have tried everything else, it could work for you. It might not. Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different.

Scoliosis isn’t always visible to others. In the UK, it is classed as a disability (best check with your GP if you qualify). People will not always understand the struggles of it like the pain or clothes hanging funny. My spine’s shape causes my shoulder blade to be raised and I proudly call it my hump (it even has it’s own theme song which makes others laugh). Why? Because it is a part of me. At the end of the day, the struggle of scoliosis makes me both a physically and mentally stronger version of myself.