Dispelling the myths

Having scoliosis doesn’t mean that a child can not do sport or PE. People should try to keep fit and active to keep the back muscles strong. Always consult a specialist about what sports can be done before, during and after treatment.

Having scoliosis does not mean that you will be unable to have children or will have trouble with a normal birth. Scoliosis has no effect on conception and in most cases women have no problems with pregnancy and labour. If you have metal instrumentation in your spine you should consult your midwife and obstetrician to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable delivery. For more information a small booklet is available from our online shop called 'Pregnancy and Scoliosis'.

At this time there is only one, fully researched way of correcting spinal curvature and that is through surgery. Complementary therapies, including physiotherapy, osteopathy and long term exercise plans are not cures but can help with improving posture, flexibility and helping with pain.

Having metal work in your spine will not necessarily set off the detection system at airports.

Scoliosis is not caused by carrying heavy school bags or being an exceptionally sporty person.

Scoliosis can worsen at adolescence very quickly because the child is growing fast at this time. As a parent you shouldn’t feel angry or portion unnecessary blame on yourself for not spotting the curvature sooner. The child’s scoliosis will probably have developed very quickly, and what months before was a straight spine may now show signs of curving.

After surgery many people think that they cannot participate in activities such as horse riding, sky diving and contact sports. This is not necessarily so; but patients should seek advice from their specialist to make sure they are back to full health before undertaking such activities.

With all surgery there are risks, and with spinal surgery there is a very small chance of paralysis. The important thing to remember is that this risk is very rare. The scoliosis specialists weigh up all factors in patient care and if they judge the risk to be too great they won’t do the operation.

The main indications for scoliosis surgery are to help improve the way that it looks and prevent severe problems and worsening of the curvature later in life. After having metal work inserted you should be able to resume the same life as before the operation and it won’t mean that you are in pain for the rest of your life.

Wearing a brace can be really tough but it is very important that you wear it as much as possible, otherwise the treatment will not be effective and all the hard work of the surgical team and you will be undone.