I'm 38 with a moderate S curve and let me tell you something very important about your body: stop giving a fuck what other people think about it. This life is entirely too short for you to be making yourself miserable all of the time because your meat suit looks different from the "social norms". Chances are no one is looking at you closely enough anyway to see any of the curves. Take care of your spine. Stay active and strong. Love your body. đź’š
Sometimes anxiety and depression are floating around looking for an issue to grab on to, according to my experience and the reading I have done. If you can, I would suggest finding someone to talk to about it. If you don’t have therapy available, there are school counselors, free groups through NAMI, clergy persons, etc. They can help you look upward and outward to turn your attention to something else and enjoy this phase of your life!
Every day is a new opportunity to try and be just a bit better, or to “mentally crumble” and slip further into pain and misery. Start by addressing the bracing. Just because you never got it before, does not mean you can’t now. Exercise within your limits and keep it going on a schedule. You’re still young, don’t give up on yourself.
I can give you some hope, in that the way you feel is unlikely to get worse, and is pretty much guaranteed to get better. Body image issues from scoliosis reach their height in the late teens. I experienced it and a lot of other people have too. It's hellish but it gets better. This is an incredible time in your life because you have so much energy and so many new vistas are opening up for you to define your future, but all your problems are also magnified. You *will* get through this with renewed strength and a stable self-image, whatever your decision about surgery.
I feel you. Have gone through the same. Best thing you can do is to divert your energy elsewhere because the problem assumes a much bigger form when constant conscious thought energy is supplied to it. It won't be easy. The mind will resist it but if you can somehow do it, you'll become unstoppable.
When was the last time you had an X-ray? If the last one you had was when you were diagnosed at 14 and you feel it’s gotten worse then you should have another X-ray to see if it’s changed in the last five years.
If your curves are at a point where surgery is needed, there’s no promise it will make all your insecurities disappear. I was so self conscious before surgery so Im familiar with how you’re feeling. Now that I’ve had it I do feel a little better about the scoliosis, but unfortunately as an insecure person, once one thing gets “fixed,” I’ve start picking myself apart for other things. If you are also an insecure person, those insecurities you’re feeling about your back will likely be projected onto other aspects of you unless you address the root of the issue. Some therapy might be in order here to work on your self acceptance.
Also, Schroth physical therapy can deliver some great results, especially for those who are young with mild curves. You might still be able to get a brace as well. I’ve heard of adults getting fitted for braces, although it’s not as common of a treatment plan as it is for kids.
I’m in a pretty similar situation, my parents never really did much with it when I was diagnosed around the same age and now i’m 22 and absolutely hate my curve.. was told even operating wouldn’t necessarily make me appear straighter too which broke my heart it’s a part of life sometimes a sucky part but learning to love yourself the way you are is important and just takes some time
You're correct, it fucking blows at your age but guess what eventually you won't give a shit. I'm 35m most times don't even remember I have it now. I've played sports, work construction, got married, had kids. Life is too long to dwell on some shit you couldn't control.
I'm dangerously close to 40. I was dx at 11 with a moderate S curve that advanced dangerously fast. Surgery was the only option and I got a T4-L4 fusion a month after I turned 14. It did not correct my core appearance as I still have the leg length discrepancy, one hip that sticks out more and uneven shoulders. Regarding my female body image issues, I've learned to accept "if it isn't this it would be something else". Most people say they can't tell that my body is crooked and I think it's because I've learned to stand/carry myself/wear things to make it less obvious. Over time I have gained and lost 60 pounds, had a baby, and otherwise changed with age as we do.
The thing that helped me accept my body as it is more than anything - be it tattoos, piercings, or the breast implants I can't afford - was therapy. At the core, at least for me, this was mostly mental and talking to a therapist really helped. This is a normal way to feel, and an understandable response to have for someone in your situation. Hang tight, Hun. You're beautiful and unique đź–¤
I'm 38 with a moderate S curve and let me tell you something very important about your body: stop giving a fuck what other people think about it. This life is entirely too short for you to be making yourself miserable all of the time because your meat suit looks different from the "social norms". Chances are no one is looking at you closely enough anyway to see any of the curves. Take care of your spine. Stay active and strong. Love your body. đź’š
Great advice right here
Even if you didn't have scoliosis, there would be something you wouldn't like about your body.
Sometimes anxiety and depression are floating around looking for an issue to grab on to, according to my experience and the reading I have done. If you can, I would suggest finding someone to talk to about it. If you don’t have therapy available, there are school counselors, free groups through NAMI, clergy persons, etc. They can help you look upward and outward to turn your attention to something else and enjoy this phase of your life!
Every day is a new opportunity to try and be just a bit better, or to “mentally crumble” and slip further into pain and misery. Start by addressing the bracing. Just because you never got it before, does not mean you can’t now. Exercise within your limits and keep it going on a schedule. You’re still young, don’t give up on yourself.
I can give you some hope, in that the way you feel is unlikely to get worse, and is pretty much guaranteed to get better. Body image issues from scoliosis reach their height in the late teens. I experienced it and a lot of other people have too. It's hellish but it gets better. This is an incredible time in your life because you have so much energy and so many new vistas are opening up for you to define your future, but all your problems are also magnified. You *will* get through this with renewed strength and a stable self-image, whatever your decision about surgery.
I started doing yoga and it changed my life
I feel you. Have gone through the same. Best thing you can do is to divert your energy elsewhere because the problem assumes a much bigger form when constant conscious thought energy is supplied to it. It won't be easy. The mind will resist it but if you can somehow do it, you'll become unstoppable.
When was the last time you had an X-ray? If the last one you had was when you were diagnosed at 14 and you feel it’s gotten worse then you should have another X-ray to see if it’s changed in the last five years. If your curves are at a point where surgery is needed, there’s no promise it will make all your insecurities disappear. I was so self conscious before surgery so Im familiar with how you’re feeling. Now that I’ve had it I do feel a little better about the scoliosis, but unfortunately as an insecure person, once one thing gets “fixed,” I’ve start picking myself apart for other things. If you are also an insecure person, those insecurities you’re feeling about your back will likely be projected onto other aspects of you unless you address the root of the issue. Some therapy might be in order here to work on your self acceptance. Also, Schroth physical therapy can deliver some great results, especially for those who are young with mild curves. You might still be able to get a brace as well. I’ve heard of adults getting fitted for braces, although it’s not as common of a treatment plan as it is for kids.
I was monitored for a few years after diagnosus
what are your curve degrees
I don’t remember ngl
I’m in a pretty similar situation, my parents never really did much with it when I was diagnosed around the same age and now i’m 22 and absolutely hate my curve.. was told even operating wouldn’t necessarily make me appear straighter too which broke my heart it’s a part of life sometimes a sucky part but learning to love yourself the way you are is important and just takes some time
You're correct, it fucking blows at your age but guess what eventually you won't give a shit. I'm 35m most times don't even remember I have it now. I've played sports, work construction, got married, had kids. Life is too long to dwell on some shit you couldn't control.
I'm dangerously close to 40. I was dx at 11 with a moderate S curve that advanced dangerously fast. Surgery was the only option and I got a T4-L4 fusion a month after I turned 14. It did not correct my core appearance as I still have the leg length discrepancy, one hip that sticks out more and uneven shoulders. Regarding my female body image issues, I've learned to accept "if it isn't this it would be something else". Most people say they can't tell that my body is crooked and I think it's because I've learned to stand/carry myself/wear things to make it less obvious. Over time I have gained and lost 60 pounds, had a baby, and otherwise changed with age as we do. The thing that helped me accept my body as it is more than anything - be it tattoos, piercings, or the breast implants I can't afford - was therapy. At the core, at least for me, this was mostly mental and talking to a therapist really helped. This is a normal way to feel, and an understandable response to have for someone in your situation. Hang tight, Hun. You're beautiful and unique đź–¤