Trainee dental nurses Scarlett Turrell, 19, from Lowestoft, outlined her experience of living with scoliosis.
When did you first realise something wasn’t quite right? What were the first signs?
I accidentally fell over on some ice in school during a PE lesson. I had a bit of pain but nothing unbearable. I did end up playing on this to get an extra day off school. My mum asked me to touch my toes and then noticed that something wasn’t quite right. My grandad has scoliosis so she grew up up knowing what it was. I was then taken to the GP and sent for an X-ray which confirmed it.
When people hear scoliosis they often don’t know what it means. How would you explain it?
When talking about scoliosis not many people know or understand what it is. I explain it by saying there’s a curve within the spine. Sometimes it can be noticeable however sometimes it’s hidden depending on the degrees. I also try to mention that not everyone has the same thing as there’s different types of curves such as rotational, an S Bend or a C bend - these aren’t the correct terminology but this is how I’d describe them to people who aren’t necessarily familiar with the terminology.
Did you notice changes in posture, pain, clothing fit, confidence, sport?
Clothing was my biggest issue as I felt very insecure and my confidence decreased massively once I knowing I had scoliosis. I couldn’t wear tight tops as I felt like everyone could notice it.
How often have you needed scans or X‑rays to monitor your spine over the years?
When I was first diagnosed there were quite a few scans as it was all new. To monitor the curve I then went once or twice a year. When I put my name down for my operation I think it progressed to going twice a year and then it was a bit more before my surgery.
How has it affected your school and working life?
My appointments would usually be during school hours but I wouldn’t say it affected my school life massively as it would only be one or two lessons that I missed. However, now I’m working it is a bit difficult trying to get the time off for these appointments as they’re usually in the middle of the day.