Saturday, February 19, 2011

Me and Scoliosis

I want to tell you a bit about my story.

It all started when my mom and dad see me walk weird and my back isn't straight. They didn't think it was scoliosis or anything, so they never really think much about it. But I soon realize my back starts to hurt every time I wash the dishes. It aches when I lift things, and even bring my school bag. And my parents started to notice that my back looks worse.

My mom thought to bring me to the doctor after she made some research on back problems. She asked the doctor if I have scoliosis, the doctor told me to bend down to see my back and I had to do a x-ray. When the x-ray was done, it is true. I got scoliosis. About 20 degrees to the side, and it is still mild.

The doctor told me to use a brace for my back, but people say 20 degrees doesn't need any brace. But because I'm still 15 years old, I'm still growing and that's when the scoliosis gets worse. I still don't have to use the brace though, but the doctor told me to swim.

So I started swimming. And I found out this exercise called Callanetics. It is sort of like yoga, but there's more to it. I do this Callanetics 3 times a week. And I start to feel my back is stronger. And yes, I see my back and it doesn't look as bad as before.

I still have to do another x-ray every 6 months, just to see the development. Oh, and have I told you? I got lordosis too.

What is Scoliosis?

So first, what is scoliosis? What causes scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person's spine is curved to the side. Usually shaped like a S or C instead a straight line.

Scoliosis could be caused by genetics, or when a person like to sit, stand, and sleep in a wrong position which is to the side.

There 2 other types:
  • Kyphosis: a curve seen from the side in which the spine is bent forward.
  • Lordosis: a curve seen from the side in which the spine is bent backward.
Both are caused from scoliosis.