Psychological Effects of Scoliosis
Not only do scoliosis side effects take on physical aspects of the body, they can take a toll on the body psychologically – especially when diagnosed at a young age. Getting children the mental scoliosis support needed is important during their developmental years.
Children who are diagnosed with scoliosis may experience self-esteem issues, negative body image, a decline in emotional health, and self-consciousness. With support tools in place, many of these concerns can be mitigated to help your child continue to live a happy and healthy life.
Supporting Children with Scoliosis
Parents of children with scoliosis may not know how best to support their child immediately following diagnosis. Here are some things you can do to support them:
- Encourage Open Communication: Ensure your child understands that you are a safe person to communicate their feelings with regarding their diagnosis. Provide them reassurance and comfort in the early stages so they know they have a support system behind them.
- Create or Join Support Groups: There are many scoliosis support groups available around the country. Ask your provider how to get in contact with a group best for you. If one is not available in your area, consider starting one to help your child and future children with scoliosis in your community.
- Seek Help from Counselors or Therapists: Counselors or therapists who specialize in scoliosis or medical-based counseling are a great support system as well. Your medical provider should be able to point you in the right direction for finding this type of support.
- Educate Peers: Most negative emotional effects from a scoliosis diagnosis in children stem from how their peers will view them and how they will fit in. A way to combat this is educating their friends and family and teaching them how to support your child.
- Encourage Positive Self Talk: Promoting a positive body image and self-talk is important for helping children with scoliosis handle their emotions towards the condition. By doing so, children will be more confident in themselves and we can help them retain a higher quality of life.
- Encourage Continued Participation in Sports and Activities: A scoliosis diagnosis does not mean that children must stop the sports and activities that they enjoy. Encouraging them to continue participating in these activities and find modifications for their condition instead of stopping altogether will help them socially and emotionally.
Support for Wearing a Scoliosis Brace
Wearing a scoliosis brace can add additional stress to children living with scoliosis. The thought that it draws attention to their condition or feeling like they are the only child in school wearing one can be nerve-wracking.
It is important to help your child understand the importance of wearing a scoliosis brace as prescribed to avoid further curving of the spine and reduce additional long-term effects.
Consider the following ways to help support your child who wears a scoliosis brace:
- View the Brace Differently: Think of your brace like wearing braces on your teeth, they are just temporary and have a specific purpose to better your future. Many kids have braces while growing up and we don’t think much of it.
- Make the Brace Match Your Personality: Embellish the brace by adding stickers and other items that express your personality. Fun designs are also available for braces, which can make the idea of wearing a brace easier.
- Choose Comfortable Clothing: Have fun shopping for new clothing that fits the brace well. It’s understood that scoliosis braces add extra bulk to your wardrobe. By finding clothes that work with the brace and fit comfortably when everything is worn together, your child can find it easier to feel comfortable in their brace.
Manage Scoliosis at Neuroscience Group
Helping children with scoliosis get the treatment and medical support required is crucial, but so is supporting children with scoliosis psychologically. Ensuring your child has support while navigating the hardships of scoliosis can make a huge difference in their life as a whole. Neuroscience Group has resources to help families of those navigating scoliosis both physically and emotionally in our Ahead of the Curve treatment program. The clinic has robust preoperative education, pain management specialists, spine-certified physical therapists, advanced practice clinicians with 20+ years of spine experience, and fellowship-trained surgeons to help you effectively manage scoliosis. Contact us today to get started.
For a more in-depth review of scoliosis, diagnosis and treatment options download our Scoliosis Treatment Guide.