Back Story is personal. As a young adolescent I was a competitor. I competed at a high level in gymnastics and dance. The onset of back pain at aged 11 was put down to intensive training on hard floors – a fair trade for my ambition to be a professional dancer - no pain, no gain as they say. The cause of pain went undiagnosed for many months, possibly because I trained so hard, until physio made way for specialist investigation and a diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Scoliosis comes in different forms with the adolescent idiopathic version being potentially the most devastating. It affects young adolescents, particularly girls. The condition involves young spines, as they grow, developing abnormal twists and curves. Even though approximately 1 in 300 adolescents are diagnosed annually, most parents are unaware of it. For many the condition does not progress and remains benign, for others, the curvature can progress quickly, even painlessly, to a totally disabling and even life-threatening extent.
The diagnosis was not only devastating for me, I know the effect it had on my parents. They always had to appear positive whilst dealing with an adolescent who was often in pain and distressed at their life seemingly in ruins. My parents needed and sought advice and guidance, but there can be a haze of internet based conflicting and sometimes misleading information.
My diagnosis resulted in surgery, an operation known as spinal fusion.
My spine was straightened in a five hour operation with rods and screws and my vertebrae fused into what is now solid bone. I sit up straight because I have no choice. From one who knows, for parents and adolescents, a diagnosis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis can be a devastating experience. The objective of Back Story is to raise awareness of the condition, inform and provide comfort and inspiration.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by scoliosis visit Scoliosis Association UK or call their helpline on 0208 964 1166 for support and advice.
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