June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month. According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, National Scoliosis Awareness Month is meant to unite scoliosis patients, families, physicians, clinicians, institutions and related businesses in a collaborative partnership to create a positive public awareness, education, and advocacy through activities, events and media impressions throughout the year. The first declared annual Scoliosis Awareness Month was in June 2008, initiated by Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz. With that being said, I wanted to share somethings that cannot be found in a book, or through extensive research about scoliosis, only from experiencing it first hand.
1. It is not just your spine that isn't aligned.
Your shoulders are uneven, so therefore your arms don't end up appearing to be the same length. This made lead to an odd thing where one arm can reach the top shelf and the other one can't. Not only are your shoulders uneven, your hips aren't either, thus making your legs appear to be slightly different lengths. This may lead to one pant leg being longer than the other(boots are a perfect cover up for this)
2. Finding the perfect chair is a hassle.
I am not trying to be stubborn or picky in the slightest. Certain chairs are extremely uncomfortable when you have scoliosis, whether you are wearing a brace, have had a fusion, or are just trying to figure out how to accommodate your curves, sitting in a comfortable chair is important. Just like Goldilocks and The Three Bears, the chair can't be too soft, can't be too firm, it has to be just right. Don't even get me started on sitting in the car, I could go on for hours. If you are going on a long road trip with someone who has scoliosis, just let them pick their seat first, trust me, it will save them hours of unnecessary pain.
3. Getting a hair cut.
You may be wondering, what does getting a hair cut have to do with scoliosis? Well when you get a hair cut, they usually base the ends off of your shoulders and with scoliosis, your shoulders are uneven. If you want your hair to be even, you have to do your best to sit a certain way so that you are sitting as straight as you possibly can. It is easier said than done.
4. Dress alterations.
Similar to getting a hair cut, you have to be very aware of how you are standing. Fortunately, I have found someone who took notice of my scoliosis and for my prom dress she made the bottom perfectly "even" for me.
5. There isn't a day without pain.
Most days the pain is tolerable, some it's a bit much, others it is unbearable to even get out of bed. Yes you can tell me until, you are blue in the face to take something for the pain, but it won't even take the edge off. Scoliosis pain, isn't a simple muscle pain that can be treated with Tylenol, it is a deep bone pain that I myself haven't figured out how to treat, if you have any suggestions, please help a girl out.
6. My scoliosis is beautiful.
I love my scoliosis, every inch of my curve, every scar that I have. I am proud to show off my scar. It shows how strong I am. Ask me about it, I will gladly tell you about it.
If there is one thing that you take away from this, let it be this, scoliosis does not only affect your back, it affects your entire life, it can be good or bad, it is up to you to decide.
