25/09/2026
Getting my scoliosis diagnosis two weeks ago was an incredibly challenging reality to face. Don't get me wrong, I always knew I had scoliosis. It's something I inherited and was always pointed out by my mother... but sadly, was never acted upon. This means all of those early years of possible intervention are wasted.
After years of increasing chronic pain, light gaslighting from bad physiotherapists, and imbalances in my back composition - I decided to finally get an X-ray. The results were confronting to say the least.
I have both a thoracic and lumbar curve, which significantly impact my posture, my abilities and my comfort. It's a lifelong condition that only progressively worsens with age, and there's basically no quick fix for my spine. I have been gripping with this haunting realisation that my back and body are becoming more limited over time.
Which brings us to today. I went to a stretch class, and my instructor said we were working on our back flexibility. Inside I shuddered. Feeling all the negative things I had been experiencing for the past few weeks, rising to the surface. Though, by the end of the class, I had this overwhelming feeling of pride. I began to realise, I had one of the more flexible and strong backs in my class.
Growing up, these back bends didn't come naturally to me. These skills hurt more, and I had to push twice as hard as all the other kids in my cohort in both gymnastics and dance. But I never stopped working on my flexibility. I practiced all the time at home and in my spare time, determined to do the things everyone else thought would be impossible.
Today, I have been looking back (no pun intended) at all the times I have utilised my wonky, beautiful spine in my performances and realise it's one of my favourite parts of me. Yes, I wish it was straight so I didn't have to spend 2+ days being horizontal to recover from intense performances. Yes, I wish it didn't cost me so much money and time in rehab and health appointments. Yes, it would be nice not to worry about my posture all the time.
But hopefully this is just a cool reminder to us all that you can achieve more than you think and nothing is impossible 😊
