"Let's Get it Straight"

June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month.

Scoliosis is an abnormal side to side curvature of the spine, displayed in either a "C" pattern, usually in the Thoracic spine, or an "S" pattern, which usually affects the Thoracic and Lumbar spine, although it could be in the Cervical (neck).

Scoliosis is a serious condition, and often painful. It is present to some degree in about half a percent of the population, and usually seen more frequently in girls than boys. Often there is no known cause (known as idiopathic).

As someone who was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 10, it is something I am very passionate about. Most of my childhood, I spent seeing doctors every few months, sleeping for years in a hard plastic brace, various therapies and swimming to "strengthen" my spine and surrounding muscles, and my curve still progressed. I had a 54 degree thoracic curve, and a 42 degree lumbar curve (look it up... it was crazy). Fortunately, my scoliosis often went unnoticed by a lot of people because of my dance and cheerleading background, I was "balanced looking" from front on. I did have a very prominent shoulder hump, and most people thought of it as me just having poor posture. Quite the contrary!

As many of you know, I had surgery in September (by the most amazing surgeon! Thanks Dr. Von Rueden!!). It was a HUGE surgery, but I bounced back and was shopping two and a half weeks later. Back to training dogs within a month. My nearly entire thoracic spine was fused and instrumentation was inserted. I am proud to announce my "curve" really isn't any more, and it's now at 13 degrees (I can BREATHE!!). Because of the flexibility of my lumbar spine, no surgical intervention was needed, and it self-corrected. Pretty amazing, huh?

So why I I telling you this "blah blah" stuff? Please be aware of this condition. For those of you who have kids, CHECK their spine. Scoliosis is painful and not fun! Make sure your school is doing checks on the kids. You only have one spine...

In the mean time, since June is Awareness month, I encourage you to do some research!

www.scoliosis.org
www.scoliosiscare.org
www.spine-health.com
www.spineaustin.com

Thanks! I'll get off my soap box now.... back to the dogs! TOMORROW IS MAVERICK'S 5TH BIRTHDAY!!! Where oh Where does the time go?