Hi there, I also found out when I was a teenager that I had scoliosis- a back brace would really help u so much, with sitting and sleeping, if u can not get 1 asap from your dr until after your apt on the 21, it may be worth it to just get one at a store to hold u over, like a pharmacy or even a gym one would work, try them on and find one that's comfortable. Other things that help me are hot shower with water on the back area/ or even a hot bath with Epsom salt (helps relieve pain and is inexpensive) 3rd a small pillow that will conform to your back, again u will have try them out (I have one called 'my pillow' its a travel pillow and can be rolled up) U can use this while sitting in a car, tuck in to the curve of your spine, or even when going to sleep - lie flat and put in curve of back, if u lie on side put a pillow between knees and also another pillow for the arm that is opposite mattress, the pillow will help take the weight of your arm off of your spine. Even simple things Ive found at the dollar store can help like menthol muscle ache rub, or heat pads, if lets say u can not go out and but anything- then put hot water on a towel and put that where the pain is and a dry one over it, this will relieve the tension. Listen, u are in enough pain as it is, without having to worry about what ppl think of u, I understand, I know what your going through and I know it hurts that ppl do not believe u- but those ppl do not matter- and if u let them matter it will only cause u more pain, try to distract yourself from them or do not engage in pointless conversations, u do not owe them anything at all. U owe it to Yourself to take care of your health, that is your #1 priority. If lets say u cant go out and buy a small pillow try different things, even a rolled up towel or 2, or maybe a puffy coat rolled up can help support your spine while lying down or seated, TRY different things, keep repositioning. When u get the pain under control at some point, doing lower back exercises could help build up strength and support for your back- go over all issues with your dr when u see them, also write a list or important questions and key points u want to ask, because as u know when u are in pain its harder to think so the better prepared u are going in, the better outcome u will have. Best of luck to u. if u want, let me know how your dr apt goes.

ps) many helpful videos on youtube regarding brace/ exercise/ sleeping etc

Hi Sharpie693, I really admire you for finding this site and posting what you’re going through. Being 13 is so hard anyway, and even worse when you’re in pain and have scoliosis and you probably just want to fit in and not be looked at as different. That’s how I felt anyway. I was 13 too when I was diagnosed. I had an S curve that was already so bad surgery was my only option. I skipped the brace part but after surgery and when I could go back to school, I had to wear a body cast so believe me I felt different and lived in fear someone would bump into me in the hall and instead of skin they would hurt themselves when they felt a hard cast. It was pretty bad, but this was awhile ago. They have different, better options now after surgery. I don’t really have any better tips for you than what was already recommend, but when I saw your age and what you were dealing with at school, I instantly remembered exactly what it felt like. I wanted to give you hope that no matter what your Dr recommends, you can get through this. I’m not saying it’s easy, but there are some good benefits that can happen. I took a dance class after I recovered and the first day the instructor complimented my straight back. I found my passion and made my high school dance team when I never even thought I could dance. It will get better once they decide what treatment is best for you and you’re already stronger than you think. Hang in there and your true friends will stay with you and accept you:)

Hi there,

I'm new to this forum and I just read your post. I'm so sorry to hear how you're feeling but trust me that I know so well what you are going through. I was diagnosed at 12 years old when I was in the 7th grade and that summer I had surgery. It was terrifying. I don't think I had ever heard of scoliosis when the doctor told me that that was what I had. I had a very extreme curve which was pressing on my heart and lungs. It explained why I always had a very hard time running as I would lose my breath really fast. I felt so bad about myself and when I started the 8th grade I couldn't play P.E. for that whole year so I had to follow the P.E. teacher around and help distribute the equipment or whatever it was the class was doing. The kids were cruel and made fun of me and not just that but the P.E. teacher was mean. I did feel so alone. But I got through it and it made me stronger. I even tried out for the drill team in 9th grade and made the team. Is surgery an option for you at all? I'm 46 now and I've just now started to experience a small bit of pain. Please hang in there and know that you are not alone in your pain.

Can you let me know how you're doing? I noticed your post was December 2017 so I hope you're doing better.

Take care