Happy Scoliosis Awareness Month 

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine twists or curves to the side and it’s normally appears between the ages of 10 to 15 years. 

I was officially diagnosed as a teenager and was told my Scoliosis was mild. That I would not need to have any surgery and that if I did have the surgery it would only be down to cosmetics. A the time I decided not have the surgery as it was very daunting and I was also about 13 and would be coming up to do SATS/GCSE’s. 

One of the other reasons I did not have it done was due to all my other health conditions. Due to them not thinking it would get any worse we decided not to have it done. 

However, as I got older I found myself experiencing more and more pain. To the point at which it became a daily occurrence. 

I think had I had known that my Scoliosis would turn from mild to severe I would have opted to have the surgery. When you have a lot of health conditions it can be hard to navigate and manage them all. 

If you or someone you know has Scoliosis it is important to really consider having the surgery. It took me along time to decide against it. If you can, speak to people who have had it done. Speak to a surgeon and get as much information as you can. 

There are support groups available and you can find information online. Here is a link to the NHS page about Scoliosis. This page, Scoliosis Support and Research is all about general help and support, including pain management and finding a specialist. 

Now I manage my pain through a mixture of exercises, sport massages and physio. I also take painkillers. 

Living with scoliosis is hard and just because you have had the surgery does not mean all the pain disappears. You will always be living with some level of pain. 

Thank you, 

Philippa B.