Scoliosis: Treating the Spinal Condition
Scoliosis affects roughly 3 out of every 100 people, and is more common in women than in men. The name of the condition is derived from the Greek word for “crooked” or “bent,” and, as such, the condition consists of the curving of the spine in an “S” or a “C” shape. No cures exist for it currently, but exercise and bracing could help improve the condition, or prevent it from progressing. Surgery, although quite complicated, has alleviated scoliosis greatly in people with a severe version of the condition. Use this guide to learn what scoliosis is, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and where to find support if you or a loved one have it.
Expand All Guide SectionsOverview of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves one or more times. It isn’t life ... read more »
Scoliosis Symtoms and Diagnosis
Children are routinely screened for scoliosis at school but it’s important for parents to ... read more »
Treatment for Scoliosis
Scoliosis treatments fall into two categories: nonsurgical and surgical. Nonsurgical treatments may ... read more »
Support Groups for Scoliosis
Scoliosis tends to develop during adolescence, and can be a heavy burden on teens during these already-emotional years. However, those with scoliosis are not alone; the Web has many resources that connect people with shared experiences for support.
Dulcinea's Insight
- A great way to stay in touch with the scoliosis community is by joining a foundation. By doing so, you can receive newsletters and updates on the developments with scoliosis research, and you can gain access to many support groups throughout the country.
- This can’t be repeated too many times: when chatting online and in forums, be careful about how much personal information you give out, and remember that what someone else is writing may not be the truth.
Dulcinea's Picks
For foundations and societies …
The National Scoliosis Foundation
has a brochure written by a teenage girl called “Fashion Rescue.” It gives tips for wearing clothes to disguise braces. Take a look at a list of “Frequently asked questions”submitted by users and answered by the NSF staff, or find medical updates in the site’s “Resources” section.
The Scoliosis Association, Inc.
is a nonprofit organization that specializes in support groups and information lines. Find support groups that meet throughout the nation, along with a newsletter called “BackTalk”, that has articles from doctors and patients on current scoliosis news. You’ll need to become a member of the organization (for a $20 annual fee) to access the newsletter.
The Infantile Scoliosis Outreach Program
was created to bring together the parents of children who have progressive infantile scoliosis, so they can share information about the best possible treatment for their kids. The organization offers an online support group, information, and the opportunity to read about others’ stories.
For forums …
Daily Strength
has an online support community for scoliosis. After creating an account, a process that is quick and free, users can access Daily Strength message boards, exchange messages and virtual hugs, and share their experiences.
The National Scoliosis Foundation
has an active forum where people can discuss matters related to scoliosis. Discussions are diverse and deal with issues as varied as rating scoliosis doctors and deciding what clothes to wear.
Research and Writing about Scoliosis
For the most part, the information provided so far in this guide comes from organizations and Web ... read more »
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