The Psychological Side Effects of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional structural deformity that is diagnosed in about 3% of the American population. We often focus on the physical side effects and overlook the psychological side effects of scoliosis. It can greatly impact the quality of a person’s life in varying degrees both physically and emotionally.
Scoliosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine. It is usually diagnosed during childhood and adolescence. The most common type of scoliosis is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Not only does the disease cause physical abnormalities, but those who are diagnosed can also experience self-esteem issues, negative body image, a decline in emotional health and self-consciousness.
What is Scoliosis?
The Cobb angle is used to measure the degree of spinal curvature. When there is at least a 10-degree angle of deviation, this is considered a case of scoliosis. Now scoliosis can present anywhere from mild curvature to severe curvature. The disease can be diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination and radiology x-rays.
Diagnosis of this condition usually takes place between the ages of 10 to 18 years old. This age group is especially vulnerable to their mental development and overall mental health. Most kids this age want to fit in with the rest of their peers. To be perceived as different in any way physically or psychologically can cause the development of emotional struggles.
Even a minor diagnosis can cause emotional challenges. Most kids grow out of the emotional struggles. But there are some who do not and are then led to a path of self-medication from substances and eventually become addicted to substances.
What are some of the Psychological Side Effects of Scoliosis?
Anxiety. Feelings of anxiety are very common in those who are diagnosed with scoliosis. The stress of having the wear a back brace or of feeling abnormal or different from others can cause high stress. This can lead to self-medicating with substances. Continued self-medication can lead to tolerance, dependence and addiction to those substances.
Depression and mood disorders. The chronic pain some experience with their diagnosis can cause rates of depression to increase. Children and teens are more likely to develop suicidal thoughts. This can be due to low self-esteem when they compare themselves to their peers. This can be due to bullying when others perceive their difference in appearance as a negative. An estimated 30% of scoliosis patients report feeling a sense of emptiness. This is a common symptom of depression. If not treated, it could lead to other attempts to cope, which most likely involve using substances.
Lack of social connection. Because they have a physical difference compared to others, a scoliosis diagnosis can cause children, teens and even adults to withdraw from others. They no longer feel comfortable in their own appearance and being around others.
Threat of body image. Physical abnormalities like a rib hump or sideways curvature that is noticeable under clothing can damage a person’s self-image. When clothes fit incorrectly with one sleeve being shorter than the other or it being rotated unusually, it can again lead to a stand out in physical differences. They can develop a poor sense of body image. They are more likely to feel ashamed of their own body, which can also lead to the development of eating disorders.
The Impact of Scoliosis on Adolescence
- Low self-esteem – They will be constantly comparing themselves to their peers who are perceived as “normal”. It can make them feel different, like an “other” and make them uncomfortable in their own skin.
- Bullying – During this period in youth development, bullying others who are different is common. Children with physical differences like scoliosis are more likely to experience bullying. This often leads to trauma and the development of mental health conditions.
- Prolonged brace wearing can limit daily activities – The brace can be bulky and gain unwanted attention and curiosity from peers at school. It can also hinder participation in school activities with other peers due to the brace’s physical limitations.
- Negative body image – The size of the curvature doesn’t always make a difference. It is the fact that there is any type of difference or physical deformation that impacts the child. They may refuse to wear certain types of clothes that enhance the look of the deformity.
- Denial – In some cases, the child can be in denial of the diagnosis and refuse to wear a brace or treatment needed for the condition.
- Pain – In severe cases of scoliosis, the condition can be very physically painful. If surgery is needed, it can add another layer of stress and fear of the outcome of surgery or the painful recovery process.
Check Your Insurance Coverage for FREE
Find out if your insurance covers addiction treatment in minutes. We accept most insurance!
The risk of Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorders and alcoholism can also develop due to mental health conditions related to scoliosis. Childhood and adolescence is a period of time in which the development of mental health issues can range from mild to severe. It’s normal to experience some anxiety and stress.
However, when it becomes intensified due to a diagnosis of a physical condition like scoliosis, it can lead to unmanageable emotions. Self-medication usually comes in the form of taking substances like drugs and alcohol in an attempt to numb and cope with their feelings. In fact, teens are more likely to turn to substance abuse in order to deal with their emotional struggles.
How to be supportive for those with Mental Health struggles caused by Scoliosis
- Formal Therapy – Seek out professional mental health support that encourages the person to speak about their struggles, understand where the emotional struggles may be coming from and find effective ways to manage uncomfortable feelings.
- Support Group – Create or join a support group for others who may be experiencing the same struggles and emotions. Having a community of others can help you feel less isolated and alone in your feelings.
- Parental Guidance – Having a parent or guardian understand and help you can be significantly empowering, especially for children, teens and adolescents.
- Encourage open and honest communication – Find a safe person to confide in about your feelings. This keeps you from bottling up your emotions. They may also be able to help you find professional help you may need.
- Education – Educating peers about the condition and how it can affect people both physically and emotionally can create less stigma and help them better understand what you may be going through.
- Positive self-talk
- Engage in appropriate activities to keep yourself fulfilled.
- Listening to music
- Getting enough sleep
- Engage in creative outlets such as writing or art
- Exercising regularly
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Scoliosis is a physical condition that is caused by a curvature of the spine. This condition can range from mild to severe in which surgery and pain management may be needed. It is most often diagnosed during adolescence and can cause both physical and psychological side effects. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are often overlooked when being associated with a physical deformity such as scoliosis. However, these mental health disorders are significant in children and adolescents and if not treated can lead to the development of behavioral issues such as addiction.
Hotel California by the Sea provides specialized treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize scientifically proven treatment methods like CBT, DBT and EMDR therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients better understand their emotions and work to effectively overcome their addiction.
References:
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/scoliosis-and-emotional-issues
https://symmetryhealthcenter.com/the-psychological-side-effects-of-scoliosis/
https://www.scoliosisreductioncenter.com/blog/how-does-scoliosis-affect-you-emotionally
https://neurosciencegroup.com/blog/the-emotional-and-psychological-effects-of-scoliosis-in-children/
https://idealspine.com/the-psychological-side-effects-of-scoliosis/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9139262