1 in 300 hundred adolescents are diagnosed with scoliosis annually and of those 1 in 3 ultimately undergo surgery.
For many parents there is a sense of fog and confusion when they are given the diagnosis. They may have assumed their child’s discomfort were simply “growing pains”; an assumption, as in my case, that a number of GPs are prone to make. Or perhaps in an increasingly competitive world, as a consequence of the high intensity sports training that adolescents frequently undertake. However, scoliosis can progress painlessly or perhaps the child although uncomfortable fails to mention it. It is the time when children, young teenagers, are becoming more self-aware. They are starting to cover up.
Listen to Adrian Simpson, my father, explain the shock of my diagnosis.
Scoliosis in its early stages is a condition that if you are looking for it, can be obvious. The majority of parents, unaware of the condition, are simply not looking for it. They may have noticed their child’s spine or shoulders look a little odd, but if they are otherwise fit and uncomplaining, do not consider it anything malign. Perhaps even telling them to stand up straight rather than offset to one side – in scoliosis something known as truncal shift.
The Adams Forward Bend Test - a simple examination that checks for scoliosis
Parents, as they scramble to come to terms with a diagnosis, can be left with a feeling of guilt that they should have somehow known. They should not reproach themselves. They can also be left feeling many different emotions; sadness, frustration and even anger. If Back Story has one purpose, it would be to provide comfort that they are most likely in the same position as so many others.
Natalie Cooper, a representative for Scoliosis Association, explains the guilt parents can feel for failing to spot their child's scoliosis earlier.
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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