Myths and Facts About Idiopathic Scoliosis

Myth: Scoliosis is only a genetic condition.

Fact: Idiopathic Scoliosis is the most common type of Scoliosis. 'Idiopathic' means that the cause of the curves is unknown. The other types of Scoliosis are: Congenital, Neuromuscular/Syndromic, and Degenerative.

Myth: Backpacks cause Scoliosis.

Fact: This couldn't be further from the truth. The main problem with backpacks is that if they're heavy, it will most likely compromise the posture of the person wearing them, as it's not natural to stand perfectly straight with a hefty object on our backs. It also depends how low or high someone carries their backpack because it can lead to issues or injury. If someone has Scoliosis and wears a backpack with a considerable amount of weight (or even carries heavy objects often), it's probably not the best decision, as it definitely won't be benefiting your spinal health. Does wearing a backpack itself cause a curve to develop in the spine? No. Since children usually have backpacks for school and are also within the age range for Idiopathic Scoliosis to be diagnosed, it's a misconception that a backpack can ultimately cause your spine to bend. In my experience, if I've been lifting large objects, I will definitely feel soreness in my back for the next few days. If I have a heavy backpack, my back muscles usually tend to spasm, which is extremely uncomfortable, so I stopped allowing myself to carry backpack that weigh a ton! Regardless if someone has Scoliosis or not, they should definitely pay attention to how they wear their backpack.

Diehm, J. (2014). What Heavy Backpacks are Doing to Kids' Bodies [Model]. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/what-heavy-backpacks-are-doing-to-kids-bodies_us_5700485

Myth: Scoliosis only occurs in children.

Fact: Scoliosis can be diagnosed at any age; however, Idiopathic Scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed in children aged 10-12 and also young teens. Many researchers and physicians believe that Idiopathic Scoliosis is diagnosed around this age because it's usually a period where children are rapidly growing (before and during puberty).

Myth: Back braces can 'cure' Scoliosis completely.

Fact: Back braces aren't usually implemented to 'cure' the curve(s) of the spine - they're used to slow or stop the curves from progressing when the patient is still growing. There's little use to get a back brace if your body has finished growing. I choose to think of the effects of back braces on your spine like bracing a tree: if a tree starts growing crooked, it's braced with wires (connected to the ground for stability) to help correct it into growing in the right direction. Below is an x-ray of my spine, and it's VERY CLEAR that the back brace I wore (more information in next post) did not fix my spinal curvatures.

This is a relatively recent x-ray of my spine, and my surgeon added the black line to show where my spine's natural alignment should be.

Myth: Spinal fusion surgery completely fixes Scoliosis.

Fact: When a surgeon is performing spinal fusion surgery, they will obviously do the best that they can to straighten the spine as much as possible. In most cases, patients don't come out of surgery with a perfectly straight spine. Depending on the severity, only so much can be done.

Myth: Scoliosis makes you super fragile and delicate.

Fact: People with Scoliosis can be, and are, super active. I played competitive soccer for eight years, and I had absolutely no problem getting into tackles and being aggressive on the pitch. For as long as I can remember, I've been active all my life and never shied away from an activity because my spine didn't allow me to do it. In my daily life I function the exact same as anyone without Scoliosis does. Since being told I need surgery I have become more cautious about certain movements or exercises I do, as I don't want to compromise my body or get injured. I'd like to enter and leave the operating room with my health being the best it can be. Yes, it is true that some movements or activities can cause me pain, and I may be more prone to injury in a few instances, but I've quickly learned alternative exercises that workout the same muscle groups and have adapted quite nicely.

Myth: Once you're diagnosed with Scoliosis, the curve(s) will continue to progress forever.

Fact: Even though measurements of spinal curvature have an error of +/- five degrees, my spinal curvatures (measured by the same physician from the same vertebrae) have not really progressed for the past four years. That being said, my surgeon anticipates that in time my spinal curves will likely worsen by one degree per year. In mild cases, especially ones diagnosed after puberty, it's rare for the curvature to quickly progress, as the individual has been functioning fine all their life and is unlikely to drastically change their spinal health. This does not mean that the Scoliosis may or may not affect the individual as time goes on, but curvatures most often worsen during, or before, puberty when the patient is still growing. That being said, severe cases of Scoliosis are more unpredictable, and there isn't enough research to suggest exactly what will happen if treatment isn't sought.

This blog is my own personal experience and journey with Scoliosis. It is not a medical blog, and if anyone has concerns about their own health, they should see a physician.