At Scoliosis SOS Clinics, we use a radiation-free back scanning technology known as the Formetric system. This helps us to clinically measure and document patients’ progress before, during and after treatment. We also use it at any subsequent check-up appointments they may attend.  The advantages of this scoliosis measurement system are that unlike x-rays, which use harmful radiation, a Formetric scan is completely non-invasive and carries no risks regardless of how many times it is repeated.

Formetric radiation-free back scanning system

How does scoliosis Formetric measurement work?

A Formetric scan is a radiation-free surface topography measurement that enables a 3D reconstruction of the spine.  During a scan, a light projects a pattern of parallel lines onto the patient’s back and this is recorded by the inbuilt camera.  The scan is taken over a 10 second period to allow for minor differences in standing position and therefore produces a highly reliable measurement.  Biomedical software then analyses this captured image and generates a three-dimensional model of the patient’s posture and will highlight any asymmetries that may be present.

Why is radiation-free scoliosis measurement beneficial?

The average scoliosis patient who is diagnosed with the condition as an adolescent will have upwards of 25 full spinal x-rays during their lifetime. There are scientific concerns that repeated exposure to radiation increases the risk of breast cancer by 140%.  X-rays are commonly used to diagnose a scoliosis. However, non-invasive measurements have proven effective at monitoring the condition to detect any significant progression.

scoliosis measurement analysis

What can a Formetric scan measure?

From a scan your therapist will be able to calculate:

  • Spinal alignment
  • Any leg length discrepancies
  • Posture-related pain symptoms
  • Pelvic or spinal rotation
  • Hyper-kyphosis or lordosis
  • Muscular imbalances

Where can I get a scoliosis measurement scan taken?

All of our clinics have a Formetric scanner installed. Therefore, regardless of your location you can be sure of your therapist having access to a fast, clinically-accurate measuring system.  We offer a Formetric scan as part of our Initial Consultation. Patients attending for treatment will typically have a scan taken weekly (on our intensive courses) or every 10-20 sessions (for 1:1 care).

Call us on 0207 488 4428 to book an appointment for your radiation-free postural assessment.

Scoliosis Explained Infographic

The World Wide Web makes it relatively easy to find factual information about scoliosis, its symptoms, and the available treatment options. But fictional tales about people with scoliosis are a little harder to find. Today (11 June) is Empathy Day, and with the accompanying #ReadForEmpathy campaign, the organisers are hoping to highlight the power of stories to help us understand each other’s lived experiences. In that spirit, then, here’s our all-ages guide to stories about scoliosis and what it’s like to live with a curved spine:  

Scoliosis Books for Children

Ideal for younger readers, these books can be a great aid for parents who are looking to help their young children understand scoliosis and the effects it can have on one’s body. Better still, they also help to highlight the fact that a scoliosis diagnosis isn’t the end of the world, and that courage and perseverance can help to overcome even the biggest obstacles.

Being Grace Scoliosis Story

Being Grace by June Hyjek

Ideal for educating young children about the ins and outs of scoliosis, Being Grace follows the story of a Grace, a young giraffe who has a curved neck.

As in the Christmas story of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, Grace the Giraffe is singled out and ridiculed for being different. Despite this, Grace’s crooked neck allows her to do things the other giraffes can’t.

Grace ultimately learns to be happy in her own skin, accept her differences, and appreciate the way they make her unique. The author June Hyjek has scoliosis herself, adding authenticity to the story and its message.

View on Goodreads >>

 

The Bravest Thing

The Bravest Thing by Donna Jo Napoli

The Bravest Thing centres around pet-loving 10-year-old Laurel and her pet rabbit. When the rabbit has babies, the rabbit’s unwillingness to feed her offspring leaves Laurel (who has scoliosis) to take the lead and keep them healthy herself.

The book focuses on optimism in the face of adversity, providing a good introduction to the effects of scoliosis for children.

View on Goodreads >>

 

S on My Back scoliosis book

There’s an S on My Back by Mary Mahony

Mary Mahony’s 1999 book There’s an S on My Back is a great way to educate pre-adolescent readers about the implications of scoliosis while also reinforcing hope, instilling courage, and dispelling anxiety.

Written as a first-person narrative from the perspective of lead character Maisey MacGuire, There’s an S… provides children with an enlightening insight into scoliosis, from diagnosis to treatment, including brace fitting and the social situations around it.

View on Goodreads >>

 

Scoliosis Books for Older Kids & Teens

For older children who have just entered their teenage years (or soon will), the following books provide a more mature analysis of scoliosis while still effectively maintaining engagement in younger readers. Centred around early adolescent characters, these books are a great way to improve a child’s knowledge of scoliosis while still capturing their imagination.

Abby's Twin

Abby’s Twin by Ann M. Martin

Part of the Baby-Sitters Club series, Abby’s Twin tells the story of twin sisters Abby and Anna. Anna is diagnosed with scoliosis after a routine school screening, and the twins are left to come to grips with the revelation in their own way, with Abby’s excessive attempts to comfort her sister ultimately leading to a falling out.

Bridging the gap between children’s literature and teen reading, Abby’s Twin is a good introduction to scoliosis for young teens and pre-adolescents, highlighting the importance of communication and family.

View on Goodreads >>

 

Braced scoliosis book

Braced by Alyson Gerber

Braced is the debut novel from Alyson Gerber (who has scoliosis herself). It tells the tale of Rachel Brooks, a 7th-grade student with a place on the school soccer team, a crush on a boy named Tate, and a great year ahead of her…until she’s told that she has to wear a scoliosis brace for 23 hours a day.

Told from an authentic and honest perspective, this heartfelt story recounts the trials and tribulations of a maturing teen coping with scoliosis, with great underlying messages of compassion and triumph over adversity.

Published in 2017, Braced came as a welcome modern addition to the realm of scoliosis fiction, and it has been repeatedly praised online as a great read for teens and young adults alike.

View on Goodreads >>

 

Dear Isaac Newton Book

Dear Isaac Newton, You’re Ruining My Life by Rachel Hruza

Another recent publication to add to the growing list of scoliosis novels, Dear Isaac Newton… was originally published in early 2018 and follows the story of Truth Trendon, a 12-year-old with scoliosis.

The main protagonist in this scoliosis story aims to keep her scoliosis a secret from her classmates. Of course, the lies soon start to snowball, and disaster looms…

Touching and quick-witted, this book is full of adolescent angst and important life lessons, with the scoliosis theme prevalent throughout. Another great read for early teens.

View on Goodreads >>

 

Straight Talk with the Curvy Girls

Straight Talk with the Curvy Girls by Theresa E. Mulvaney and Robin Stoltz

Billed as ‘a journey into the trials, tribulations and triumphs of child and adolescent scoliosis’, Straight Talk features contributions from a number of young people with scoliosis (and their parents). Most of the other books on our list are fictional, but if you’re looking for real-life tales of what it’s like to grow up with scoliosis, this one is a must-read.

You can order a copy of Straight Talk with the Curvy Girls from straighttalkscoliosis.com. We’d also strongly recommend reading our interviews with Curvy Girls founder Leah Stoltz and vice president Rachel Mulvaney, both of whom have been living with scoliosis since childhood.

View on Goodreads >

 

Young Adult Books About Scoliosis

These books focus on a variety of themes and plotlines, and while they are predominantly aimed at young adults, they are just as suitable for those that fall outside of that category, providing a good literary experience for adults too – particularly those with an interest in scoliosis.

Deenie

Deenie by Judy Blume

Perhaps the most famous book on this list, Deenie is considered somewhat of a cult classic, achieving both critical acclaim and controversy.

First published back in 1973, Deenie has seen its fair share of controversy, primarily due to its sexual references. As a result, Deenie has been banned in countless schools, even landing on the American Library Association’s list of the ‘100 Most Frequently-Challenged Books’ in the 1990s.

However, this was nothing new for author Judy Blume, who has had numerous other books on the same list over the years. And none of this has impacted the book’s popularity; Deenie is still held in high regard and frequently cited as a ‘coming of age’ classic, and it’s a great scoliosis story to boot.

View on Goodreads >>

 

Mannequin Girl

Mannequin Girl by Ellen Litman

The second novel from Ellen Litman, Mannequin Girl is another coming-of-age story, but this one is set in 1980s Moscow.

The action – which takes place within a boarding school that’s specifically for children with scoliosis – centres around lead character Kat, who enters first grade at the age of six as the book begins. We then see Kat’s experiences over the eight years that follow.

Themes of identity, independence and rebellion emerge; Litman herself grew up in Moscow, allowing her to draw upon her real-life experiences for a narrative that’s authentic, engaging and heartfelt despite being written in third person.

View on Goodreads >>

 

Heaven Sent book

Heaven Sent by S.J. Morgan

The most recent entry on this list, Heaven Sent is the debut novel of British ex-pat S.J. Morgan. A trained occupational therapist, Morgan has real knowledge of scoliosis, and she uses this knowledge to great effect throughout Heaven Sent.

Another coming-of-age novel, relationships are the key theme here, with particular focus on friendship, family and love. The well-developed characters and thought-provoking narrative make Heaven Sent a solid read that’s even more appealing to those with firsthand experience of scoliosis.

View on Goodreads >>

Scoliosis SOS is a specialist clinic in London, UK for people with scoliosis and other spinal conditions. Learn more about us here, and if you’d like to arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

X-rays of people with scoliosis

As you may already be aware, June is Scoliosis Awareness Month (culminating in International Scoliosis Awareness Day on Saturday 29 June). If you’re looking to help fly the scoliosis flag this month, there are lots of ways to help raise awareness – here are just a few ideas to get your cogs turning:  

1. Social Media

It’s no secret that social media is an incredibly powerful tool. This applies just as much to your personal social media accounts as it does to those owned by businesses, brands and celebrities. If you want to get the word out to your friends, followers and family members, a simple Facebook update, tweet or Instagram post can go a surprisingly long way. Including a ‘please share’ request within your post will encourage people to spread the word to their own social spheres.  

2. Flyers

If you’re not big on social media, offline methods can work too. Printed flyers can be extremely impactful when it comes to informing and educating your community. Producing flyers can be surprisingly economical, too – particularly if you shop around. Once you’ve got a stack of flyers ready, distribution can be as simple as standing in the centre of town and handing them out. You may also be able to place your flyers in local cafés, shops and other locations (but be sure to ask permission first).  

3. Viral Challenges

Remember the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? It was a sensation back in 2014: countless people, including a number of politicians and celebrities, shared videos of themselves getting soaked in order to raise awareness and funds for motor neurone disease charities across the globe. We’re not suggesting that you subject yourself to a bucket of ice-cold water, but you could definitely look to the viral success of the Ice Bucket Challenge for inspiration. Why not think of your own unique challenge, give it a catchy name, and get filming? Then post the video online, challenge three of your friends, and see where it leads!  

4. Posters

A memorable, well-designed poster can be a great way to get a point across. If you’re not much of a designer yourself, it’s well worth paying a professional to put something together for you – posters work best when they’re really eye-catching! Strategic placement is important to make sure your poster is seen. Ask you family and friends to help you get your posters in densely-populated, high-footfall areas like busy streets, community centres, and places of business.  

5. Speeches

If you’re a confident public speaker, Scoliosis Awareness Month is a great time to put that talent to use. Giving a talk at – for example – a local school is a superb way to get the message out to people who might not otherwise have heard it. This is especially true if you yourself have scoliosis and can comment on what it’s like to live with a curved spine. If appropriate, you could even follow up your speech with a collection bucket to make the most of your platform and raise funds for a scoliosis charity of your choosing.  

6. Merchandise

Pens, badges, hats, T-shirts…branded merchandise is a great way to promote a cause, and if you can afford it, you may want to consider using customised merch to raise awareness of scoliosis. You could give your merchandise away for free as a promotional exercise, or sell it to raise funds for a worthy charity – either way, don’t be afraid to get creative!  

7. School / Work

Whether you’re in school, university, or the world of work, getting your classmates / colleagues involved in your quest to boost scoliosis awareness will help you to cover a lot more ground. Here’s the golden rule: the simpler the task, the more likely people are to participate. Try to keep your requests nice and straightforward – for instance, you could encourage everyone to wear green for scoliosis, or change their email signature in recognition of Scoliosis Awareness Month. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even organise a bake sale and donate the proceeds to a scoliosis charity.  

8. Local News

Even in this ultra-connected era, lots of people still read the local paper – or indeed the local paper’s website. Journalists are always looking for ideas, and they love local interest stories that focus on real people and the challenges they face. If you have struggled with scoliosis and achieved something special, now is the perfect time to celebrate it. In a world that can sometimes feel like it’s bursting with bad news, a slice of positivity should be an easy sell that your local journos welcome with open arms.

More on Scoliosis Awareness Month   About Scoliosis SOS

Inspirational scoliosis quote

Scoliosis is a condition that affects people from all walks of life. Countless people with scoliosis use social media, blogs and other media outlets to share their personal experiences and offer support to others. Here are just a few scoliosis quotes from people who have dealt with their condition in the public eye:

Celebrities

A number of well-known public figures have used their positions of influence to raise awareness about scoliosis and to be positive role models for others with the condition.

Princess Eugenie of York, British Royal

Here’s what Princess Eugenie said after her wedding to Jack Brooksbank, during which she wore a dress that showed off the scar from her spinal fusion surgery:
“I believe scars are like memories that tell a story on your body, that remind you of how strong you had to be, and that you survived to talk about it. Your scars are a way of communicating, and sharing a trauma can be healing in so many ways – it can release the stigma you might have given to yourself, and by talking about it, you can show people how they can heal too.”

Kurt Cobain, American Musician

Here is an excerpt from an interview that the troubled Nirvana frontman gave in 1993:
“When I stand, everything is sideways, it’s weird…I go to a chiropractor every once in a while…most people have a small curvature in their spine anyhow, though some people have it really bad and have to wear metal braces. It gives me back pain all the time. That really adds the pain to our music. It really does. I’m kind of grateful for it.”

Usain Bolt, Jamaican Athlete

Here’s what Bolt had to say when asked about his scoliosis in a 2011 interview with ESPN:
“When I was younger it wasn’t really a problem. But you grow and it gets worse. My spine’s really curved bad…but if I keep my core and back strong, the scoliosis doesn’t really bother me. So I don’t have to worry about it as long as I work hard.”

 See Also: Famous People with Scoliosis

Scoliosis Influencers

We at Scoliosis SOS have been lucky enough to speak with a number of inspiring people who are working to raise awareness of scoliosis and provide support for those who have it. Here is some of their advice for people with scoliosis:

Leah Stoltz, Founder of Curvy Girls

“Talk about how you’re feeling! Don’t keep it bundled inside. Find support: a trusted friend, a parent, an online forum, Instagram page, Facebook group, book…there are so many ways to feel supported and to talk with other girls who are going though what you are going through.”

Read Full Interview >

Rachel Mulvaney, Vice President of Curvy Girls

“Throughout my bracing years, I was told that my chronic back pain did not exist because scoliosis ‘does not cause any pain’. I was one of many patients who was spoken to in this way. But after learning a programme [the Schroth method] that both validated and eliminated my pain, I was determined to spread the word. I wanted to make sure all Curvy Girl families had the opportunity to know that this treatment existed.”

Read Full Interview >

Louise Laurie, Scoliosis Blogger

“Every case is different, but I would say that mindset is everything. I used to feel so down about my back, but I’ve realised that having scoliosis does not have to hold you back – you can achieve anything you put your mind to.”

Read Full Interview >

@scolilife, Scoliosis Tweeter

“As cheesy as it sounds, things get better. When I was diagnosed, I thought my life was over – it was the biggest deal, and no matter what, everything seemed like bad news or just another complication to add to my growing list. But soon enough, you adjust to the brace. The X-rays become fun. The appointments become bonding time with your family. Your scoliosis becomes a point of pride rather than disappointment, and you become stronger and more independent because of it.”

Read Full Interview >

Chloe Donhou, Spinal Fusion Patient

Chloe underwent spinal fusion surgery live on Channel 5 earlier this year, a spectacle that gave viewers a real insight into what scoliosis surgery actually entails. Here’s something she said after sitting for a painting that was featured on scoliosis blog The Curvy Truth:
“I have always felt the need to cover up my scoliosis as I hated the way my back looked. Wearing clothes was difficult as I felt they sat weirdly on my back. I became so annoyed with myself that I couldn’t just accept it, so I felt that having this piece [a painting of her back] done would allow me to see that it really isn’t that bad after all. The painting is now hung up on my bedroom wall and I see it every day. Seeing it all the time really allowed me to come to terms with it – I accept who I am and I love me for it!”
If you are suffering from scoliosis, don’t think you are alone. There are people all around who are willing to help and support you – for instance, take a look at our list of scoliosis support groups around the world.

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