What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a spinal disorder (crooked spine) that causes the spine to grow in either a C- or S-shape. Scoliosis is a misunderstood condition, with many healthcare professionals believing it to be solely a cosmetic problem. This is not necessarily true. Most people with mild scoliosis will fortunately experience few symptoms, but some with moderate and severe scoliosis will experience back pain, and it can even develop to a degree that causes breathing difficulties and sensory disturbances.
Scoliosis is generally treated with exercise, bracing, or spinal fusion surgery. In addition, there are many smaller things you can do yourself to minimize discomfort and learn to accept scoliosis.
There can be various reasons why some people develop Scoliosis. There is partly a hereditary factor, but it is primarily due to 2 factors! Namely, the two main types of scoliosis: structural and non-structural.
Structural scoliosis can have various causes. This type can be due to congenital deformities, injuries, and diseases of the connective tissue, muscle, or nervous system, such as Cerebral Palsy and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
However, in about 80% of cases, no specific cause is found, and it is therefore called Idiopathic Scoliosis. Some people with idiopathic scoliosis have close relatives who also have this form of Scoliosis. Researchers suspect that hereditary factors are the most important for whether a child will develop scoliosis.
In non-structural (functional) scoliosis, the spine itself is normal. The crookedness is due to other factors, for example, unequal leg lengths. The condition rarely causes significant problems.
Many people suffering from scoliosis not only have pain to contend with. They are also often affected socially and mentally, as they do not always have the opportunity to participate in activities and sports, and may tend to isolate themselves, as young people especially feel they "look wrong".
Despite this being a well-known condition, there is still much taboo associated with it.
Therefore, at Seniorpleje, we have chosen to give you an insight into a young person's daily life, so it is easier to understand the struggles and challenges one can face.
Below, we would like to present a patient story:
Life with Scoliosis - A patient story by Mathilde, 22 years old
Facts about Mathilde:
22 years old, nursing student and blogger, volunteer work for the association ABMS ung KBH (Anonymous Citizens with Pain), diagnosed with Scoliosis since 2012, and has undergone 3 back surgeries.
Doctors suspect that my Scoliosis is due to another chronic condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. This syndrome is a painful condition that affects the skin, connective tissue, and internal organs, and in my case, has severely deformed my spine.
My daily life has been marked by pain, and as a young person, I have faced challenges that most young people do not know.
Here are 4 things I have learned are a great help and contribute to creating meaning in my daily life with scoliosis:
1. Get to know your body
2. Ask for help
3. Exercise
4. Find quality aids
1. Get to know your body
When you receive a diagnosis like scoliosis, you can become afraid of making things worse. At least, I did. And that's why it's important to try things out. Scoliosis generally doesn't impose limitations, which is why it's extremely important to get to know your own body. Some will be able to do everything without pain - others will be extremely bothered. So, dive in, feel it out, and learn from your experiences so you know what your body can and cannot do.
2. Ask for help
Many people with scoliosis find that they have to work harder than healthy individuals to do the same things. Therefore, it's important to practice asking for help! Maybe your colleague will carry that heavy box so you can protect your back? Maybe your sister will help with vacuuming when she's visiting anyway, so you don't have to? Most people are happy to help, but it requires you to speak up and say when something is difficult or worsens your pain.
3. Exercise
Exercise is one of the most important elements in the treatment of scoliosis. And it's the best tool for reducing pain! If you have scoliosis where the Cobb angle is over 30 degrees, you are entitled to free physiotherapy. This means you can get physiotherapy for free with a doctor's referral. Otherwise, it's really just about moving and finding what works for you. Many benefit greatly from light strength training in particular!
4. Find quality aids
There are many aids for countless problems! This could be in the form of SPS support in education, where you get your books online, so you don't have to carry them, or in the form of a grant from the municipality for a height-adjustable desk at work. But aids can also be small everyday things that can make a difference. For example, I can recommend the following products from Seniorpleje, all of which have made a difference in my daily life with scoliosis!
My top-3 aids from Seniorpleje
Pressure-relieving seat cushion
A good pressure-relieving seat cushion is absolutely indispensable when it comes to scoliosis. A seat cushion can help relieve the back and thereby reduce stiffness, pressure, and muscle pain. They have gel cushions, swivel cushions, coccyx cushions, honeycomb cushions, as well as unique wheelchair cushions. My seat cushion with cooling gel is indispensable in my daily life!
You can read more about Seniorpleje's coccyx cushions & seat cushions by clicking here!
Ergonomic pillow
An ergonomic pillow can be an important step in reducing pain from scoliosis. A good pillow can actively help prevent and reduce the discomfort that can arise when sleeping - for example, muscle pain, which is a problem for most people with scoliosis. My favorite is the Elviros pillow.
You can read more about Seniorpleje's pillows by clicking here!
Knee pillow
A knee pillow is a pillow placed between your knees when you sleep on your side. This is a good aid, as a knee pillow helps protect your spine and hips by placing your legs in a more gentle position. This one has cooling gel, which provides a better and more comfortable night's sleep.
You can read more about Seniorpleje's knee pillow by clicking here!
- There are many things to consider in life with a diagnosis. I hope these tips can spark some thoughts and provide inspiration on where to start when you want to find a way to create a meaningful daily life and quality of life with scoliosis as a companion.
Hugs
Mathilde
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- If you need personal guidance on finding the right aids, we are always ready to advise you. Discretion is a matter of course!
Best regards from Ditte & the Seniorpleje team.
Ditte Okkels Alici,
Nurse & owner
ditte@seniorpleje.dk
www.seniorpleje.dk
Mobile: 40563841
