Scoliosis pain questions answered

Every now and then when I tell someone I have scoliosis they will respond with, “what’s that?” and follow it up with a lot of questions. I didn’t know much about the condition before my diagnosis. All I knew was that people with it had curved spines so it’s a medical condition where the patient’s spine is curved. This is true even though there are a lot of different degrees of curves a person can have. One thing that is a constant is that as a person grows older pain will set in if scoliosis is not checked. When I say pain I mean real pain. I was diagnosed about 12 years ago and it’s been a very “interesting” journey since then. So today I’m going to answer some questions about scoliosis based on my experience and knowledge. If you have more questions drop them in the comments section or send me a dm and I will do my best to answer them. Let’s go!

What causes scoliosis

 

There’s no single cause of scoliosis. Some of the most popular causes are birth defects, cerebral palsy, spinal injuries, and muscular dystrophy which causes muscle weakness. Most cases of scoliosis are discovered in the adolescent age of children. In my case even though I went to be examined at my adolescent age the doctors misdiagnosed my condition. That’s why it’s important to see a good orthopedic doctor for examination and screening when a child complains of back pain.

 

How can you tell if you have scoliosis or normal back pain?

 

One of the indicators of scoliosis is an irregularity in a person’s body. The symmetry will be a little off. One side of the back will be bigger than the other, one hip will be higher than the other or one shoulder will be higher as well. Once these signs are noticed a screening needs to be done by a qualified orthopedic doctor or specialist. Most children with scoliosis do not even have pain yet. It only starts hurting when they grow and it’s left untreated.

 

What treatment is available?

 

After a person has been diagnosed with scoliosis next is observation, treatment, or what I call “management” for a lot of adults scoliosis cannot be treated. The curvature can be improved or maintained but not fully corrected. Because children are still growing there is a higher chance that their curvature will correct itself or can be corrected through surgery or physiotherapy. In my case, I wore a brace for a few years while taking painkillers and doing traction (stretching the spine) and later used the services of a chiropractor. I still go to a very talented chiropractor today at Nova Wellness Center in Osu. Depending on the degree of curvature the doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment. Focos Orthopedic hospital in Oyarifa specializes in this. 

 

Can you have kids if you have scoliosis?

Since I have two children the obvious answer is yes! My pregnancies had no complications either and my children both were done naturally. Most people with scoliosis live normal lives and can do normal things. Once the condition has been detected it helps. Carrying a baby for 9 months may sometimes put pressure on the spine depending on where the baby is lying but I speak for all women when I say that’s just one of the many discomforts of being pregnant and it can be experienced by anyone.

 

How do you relieve scoliosis pain naturally?

 

Physiotherapy is one of the best ways to relieve pain. Having chiropractic adjustments, massages, yoga, special stretches, and swimming are some of the things that do it for me. It’s also important to note that you need to also eliminate bad habits like bad sitting postures, standing and walking for long hours, gaining excessive weight, etc. These things will hinder your progress. You need to strengthen your back muscles!

Scoliosis is not scary. It can be treated and the sooner you detect it the better. Next time you feel back pain and notice the signs I mentioned earlier just do the needful. You can go to FOCOS hospital or any major government hospital with an orthopedic department to check. On the 27th of June 2022, Scoliosis Foundation Ghana had a free screening and awareness event at Dansoman in  Accra. Lots of people were there to give talks on scoliosis. I will be making a post on this event in the near future. If you would like to help someone living with scoliosis or you need help for yourself please reach out to the foundation.