How severe is it?
Most cases of scoliosis are not severe. In fact, 90% of scoliosis cases don’t require surgery. Those with the condition can perform daily tasks with little issues. If necessary, patients with scoliosis will wear braces to keep it under control.
If not treated, though, scoliosis can become a problem. More specifically, it can cause other health issues, affect a person’s self-esteem, and may require surgery.
Other health issues…
With uneven shoulders and hips, a person could have difficulty breathing, be unbalanced, and have back pain. The mobility in their back decreases, and pain can appear in other parts of the body. As a result, those suffering from scoliosis feel very limited in what they can do.
Self-esteem…
Scoliosis can damage a person’s self-esteem. Especially for young girls.
Since scoliosis develops just before puberty, teens can feel more self-conscious about their bodies. This makes them uncomfortable about wearing braces underneath their clothes. Deciding to wear the brace or not adds more stress, too.
With many physical, emotional and social changes happening at once, along with being diagnosed with scoliosis, any teen can feel insecure, angry and afraid.
Surgery…
Some patients think about doing spinal surgery to avoid further pain. This is not always the case. Instead, they could experience more pain and other complications.
If surgery is required, the most common type is a spinal fusion. Surgeons will connect two or more vertebrae bones together. Pieces of bone, metal rods and screws will be used to help keep the spine in line.