Adolescent Scoliosis: A Self-Esteem Dilemma

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Karen_SC_Ashley]Karen SC Ashley
I first discovered that my daughter had scoliosis just over 2 years ago when she was just a pre-teen. My detection of a physical problem with her development happened quite by accident. Here it was that she began complaining of backaches and headaches more often than usual until 1 day I asked her to bend forward and pretend she was touching her toes. This physical examination confirmed in my mind what the problem was.
Coincidentally, I had just started one of my nursing courses on "Caring for an Adolescent with a Physical Disorder" which helped me identify my daughter's symptoms.
The next day she was officially diagnosed as having scoliosis. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is an unwanted lateral curvature of the spine with an initial onset seen more often in children, particularly girls, age 10 to maturity. It is an insidious physical defect that happens usually without prior warning with very little hope for early resolution.
Dissatisfactory Treatments Aids For Scoliosis
There are only 3 ways of treating scoliosis; all are poor choices in uplifting an adolescent's self-conscious spirit:
1. Observation: for 3-6 months, if caught at an early stage when the child's bones are still growing.
2. Back brace: if progressive curvature is observed during the 3-6 months (20-40 degrees) then a brace is recommended. Back braces are notorious for being a waste of time and only serve to diminish an adolescent's already lowered self-esteem.
3. Surgery: severe curvature in excess of 40 degrees warrants an invasive operation by the orthopedic surgeon. This option again is controversial and is not a cure.
Why it is a Psychological Issue
� Adolescent scoliosis has no known cause; its idiopathic nature affects any age group with females being the vulnerable gender. It arouses feelings of hopelessness.
� There is no satisfactory prognosis. Treatment is palliative rather than curative.
� Severe curvature can affect cardiopulmonary and neurological function along with debilitating physical defects.
How to Encourage Positive Self-esteem
� After the diagnosis have a talk about positive body image. Treat it as seriously as your first talk with your adolescent on hormonal changes and sex.
� This is the time when they are most conscious of their looks. Encourage an understanding that each person is unique and no one is created perfect. What may appear as a flaw can be used to raise the bar, overcoming personal challenges.
� Confidence and a winning smile are admirable qualities. Encourage your adolescent everyday with positive feedback and praise.
� Show your child how to dress to camouflage areas of the body that creates self-consciousness and feelings of inferiority.
� Encourage physical exercise and extracurricular activities to keep their bodies in fit condition while increasing endorphins and enhancing their mood.
There are circumstances in life that just happens and few of us have any control over it. Scoliosis is one of them. Fighting against it only creates frustration and depression. My daughter's stage of scoliosis has stabilized at age 15 while just "observing" as the doctors recommend. I have however, ensured that her mental attitude is positive, that she involves herself in outdoor activities, and I tell her every day that she is beautiful. I must say emphatically, I like the changes that I see!
Karen SC Ashley is a freelance writer and nurse who specializes in health and wellness http://about.me/karencareyashley She is passionate about providing relevant, thought- provoking information on health topics that readers will find useful. http://www.wellnesssultana.blogspot.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Adolescent-Scoliosis:-A-Self-Esteem-Dilemma&id=6691041] Adolescent Scoliosis: A Self-Esteem Dilemma