Myths and Misconceptions

1. Scoliosis is not a big deal.

There are so many reasons why this is not true. For some reason, many people don't even know what scoliosis is. Therefore, it's not a big deal, right? Or not. Severe curves can cause serious damage if left untreated. This includes organ problems (heart, lungs, etc.), serious deformity, paralysis, etc. That's why every time you had those physicals way back in school, they had you bend forward and touch your toes. They were looking for scoliosis. When diagnosed, it's not something to be left untreated.

2. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine.

Actually, scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine. Basically, your spine looks like a cork screw. So, yes, scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine, but it also includes a rotation of the spine, as well.

3. Scoliosis is rare. There's no way I have that.

First of all, scoliosis is not rare. Out of every 1,000 people, 3-5 will have scoliosis of more than 10 degrees. Ok, that sounds pretty rare. But not rare enough for me to avoid it. Secondly, you most likely have scoliosis. The chances of having zero degrees is pretty slim, if not impossible. Most people have between 1-5  or 1-10 degrees (which, in reality, is basically undetectable without an x-ray reading the degree numbers). So guess what. You probably have scoliosis, and you didn't even know it! Now we have something in common.

4. Poor posture can cause scoliosis.

Nope-- at least, not according to research. But it can cause kyphosis (hunchback).

5. Maybe after my surgery, I can get my rods taken out and get my flexibility back.

Well... You could get your rods out, but you won't get your flexibility back. Most people think the loss of flexibility is because long rods are screwed into your spine. But in reality, the rods' only purpose is to stabilize the spine after surgery. The spine has been cranked and stretched, and then fused together with a bone graft. Your spine lost its range of motion due to the fusion-- not the rods. So getting those rods out won't change anything-- except add another whole surgery.