Anyone of any age can develop scoliosis, but the most common type is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. That means that mostly people between the ages of 11 and 18 have it, and usually the cause is unknown. There’s also a higher risk for girls to develop the condition.
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature and twisting of the spine. It may cause your spine to look like an S or a C when you’re standing up straight. The experts at Louis Keppler & Associates are well-acquainted with diagnosing scoliosis, as well as identifying the most appropriate treatments.
One impact of scoliosis that our team pays close attention to is the potential damage to your self-esteem, particularly for adolescents. That is a turbulent time for most people, but adding a visible physical difference can make it even more difficult.
Fitting in
It’s human nature to want to fit in, and this is never as apparent as it is during adolescence. Scoliosis can make it difficult to feel as if you do fit in. Your clothes may not fit the way you want them to, or you may have to wear a brace that dictates when you can do certain things like exercise or shower.
Getting treatment
Some studies have shown that people with scoliosis are at a greater risk of having lower self-esteem and developing depression regardless of treatment. However, understanding your condition and the treatment can help correct the deformity and help you feel more motivated to comply with your doctor’s treatment plan.
Depending on the severity of the curvature of your spine, our team may not even suggest a treatment. For example, if the curve is less than 10 degrees, you may not need immediate treatment, and we’ll simply monitor you. However, even mild scoliosis can affect your self-esteem.
Support
One of the most important factors in dealing with the potential damage to your self-esteem that scoliosis can cause is being aware of it. If you know that it’s possible, you can self-monitor and try to gauge whether your feelings are related to your condition.
Getting support from our team, your family, and your friends is important, too. Talking about how you’re feeling with someone you trust can help you work through the emotions.
If you find that the treatment is part of the problem, talk to us about it. We may be able to offer suggestions to help you deal with something like an uncomfortable brace or the anxiety of a future surgical procedure.
A team approach
If one of our providers notices signs or symptoms of depression, we’ll provide a referral for mental health services. Your mental health matters, and getting care for depression is as important as getting care for scoliosis.
If you have questions about scoliosis and your mental health or your child’s mental health, book an appointment with one of the experts at Louis Keppler & Associates today. We’re available from 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday. Call our office in Indepence, Ohio, at 234-430-0079 to schedule.
