Scoliosis is a highly-variable condition that can develop at any age and with different severity levels. That’s why it’s so important for effective treatment to be scoliosis-specific and customized to suit the unique patient and condition characteristics shaping each case. No two patients will experience their condition in exactly the same way, which is why it can be so beneficial to listen to patients sharing the benchmarks of their scoliosis journeys.
Scoliosis success stories can be a great resource for those recently diagnosed, or for those supporting a loved one recently diagnosed. We all have a story to tell, and through patients sharing their scoliosis journeys, we can open up a dialogue by shedding light on what it’s like to live with, and treat, scoliosis.
We spend a lot of time discussing the specifics of diagnosis and treatment, which is informative, but what is it really like to face life with scoliosis? Only my patients can tell us that, so I’ve collected some experiences to share and spread a better collective understanding of the condition, and my treatment process.
The Importance of Scoliosis Success Stories
Being diagnosed with an incurable progressive spinal condition, like scoliosis, can add a lot of stress and uncertainty into a person’s life.
Feelings of powerlessness and a loss of control over one’s own body can be emotionally debilitating, and when physical symptoms start to develop, it can be hard to stay positive about life’s possibilities.
For family members, especially parents of loved ones recently diagnosed, there are also a lot of difficult emotions to grapple with. Wanting to say the right things, do the right things, somehow lessen the loved one’s burden, but having little ability to do so, can feel all-consuming.
I’m here to tell patients and their families that there are lots of resources in terms of support and answers, and there is always hope: hope for empowerment, treatment success, and hope for the future. The stories I’ve chosen to share do just that, they spread hope.
In addition, these stories show that sometimes the best way to support a loved one is to advocate for them by making sure every treatment option is being explored and that they aren’t being passively funneled in one direction.
Here at the Scoliosis Reduction Center®, I make it a priority to spend as much time answering questions as each patient needs. I want them to fully understand the treatment process, as well as where a condition can end up if not treated proactively, or by an approach that doesn’t prioritize function.
As scoliosis can affect all ages from infants to the elderly, let’s start with Abby, a story of child scoliosis.
Child Scoliosis Success Story: Abby
When Abby was diagnosed at the age of 6, she was already at a 48-degree curve, which put her in the ‘severe scoliosis’ classification.
Abby’s mom was shocked by the discovery and, like many parents, felt like it came out of nowhere. She was frustrated by the orthopedic response of bracing, with little guidance other than that, and likely surgery.
Abby’s mom was thrilled when I took the time to present and explain a different path of treatment: an effective conservative program that has the potential to reduce the curve without surgery.
Within three months of treatment here at the Center, Abby’s curvature was reduced from 48 to 30 degrees, and the plan is not to stop there; we will continue working towards reducing it further.
The goal is to get her under 20, or even 10 degrees, and then wean her off active treatment and monitor her as she approaches and goes through adolescence.
Abby’s full success story can be found 
Bella is happier and more confident with her body as the postural changes that used to make her self-conscious have been reduced along with her curvature.
My elderly patient, Margie, is a great success story to share because it shows that it’s never too late to seek out treatment and make an improvement.
