I was in my sixth year at the National Ballet School of Canada, working on some posture exercises when my teacher complained that she couldn’t get my back and shoulders to align. A short pediatrician’s visit later and it was confirmed, I was one of the lucky few (and I’m talking about 1 out of 1000 to be exact), to have developed Idiopathic Scoliosis.
My parents I spent the next 8 years heavily involved in online Scoliosis research; staying up-to-date with the latest treatments and studies, chatting with other patients and doctors, participating in a plethora of fora. What we got out of this interaction and research was so valuable I have made it my master’s focus to understand how Internet communication in the medical field affects in-person relationships, and to determine how the system can be improved to better help both patients and doctors.
Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person's spine is curved (rotated) from side to side, shaped like an "S”. Idiopathic refers to the unknown cause, although most doctors attribute some responsibility to genetics (Thanks mom!)
The traditional medical management of scoliosis is complex and is determined by the severity of the curvature and skeletal maturity, which together help predict the likelihood of progression.
The conventional options are, in order:
- Observation: Or as physicians call it the ever so popular “wait and see” method
- Bracing: Absolute hell for a teenager (and you thought dental braces were bad!)
- Surgery: Destroy my childhood dreams of dancing, but give me a 4 cm growth spurt in a day
Bracing is normally done when the adolescent has bone growth remaining, and is generally implemented in order to hold the curve and prevent it from progressing to the point where surgery is indicated. Bracing involves fitting the patient with a device that covers the torso, and in some cases it extends to the neck. The most commonly used is a Boston brace, a corset-like appliance that fits from armpits to hips and is custom-made from fiberglass or plastic. It is usually worn 24/7 minus shower time.
Here’s a mug shot of my 4th (they make more to fit you as you grow), and favorite (did you not see the butterflies) brace.
