Depending on how severe your scoliosis is, the disease may cause issues with the way your hips, back and shoulders appear. More extreme curves can result in a protruding hump, rounded shoulders, and uneven hips. If you have a teen that is experiencing scoliosis, they may also be struggling with their body image. During their teenage years is when many individuals learn to become more comfortable with themselves. While all teens are experiencing changes by way of puberty, scoliosis can make some of the changes extreme. Dealing with body issues as a teenager can quickly become frustrating. Fortunately, there are a few tips that you can use to help your teen feel more comfortable with their body while they deal with scoliosis.
Encourage Them to Stay Active
Exercise is not only good for maintaining a healthy life, but it helps to make you feel more positive about yourself. Scoliosis is something that is difficult to prevent. Therefore, a lot of families feel as though the disease is out of their control. Exercising allows your teen to feel as though they are in control of their body. If scoliosis has caused issues with their mobility and flexibility, then staying active is a good way to regain some strength, confidence, and control. In addition, you should encourage your teen to join a sports team. In many cases, teens feel negatively towards their scoliosis because they are concerned with what others think. When in reality, many people do not care. Joining a sports team will allow them to see that many people do not focus on your shortcomings or flaws.
Sign Them Up for a Support Group for Teens with Scoliosis
If your teen is the only one in their home who is experiencing scoliosis, then they may constantly feel alone in their struggle. While scoliosis is not as common as other diseases, there are still a number of teens who feel the same exact way as your child. A teen that deals with scoliosis wants to be able to feel as though they have someone they can talk or relate to. Interacting with other teens who have scoliosis will allow them to feel normal and at ease about their body. In many cases, they may encounter teens who have extreme versions of the disease. This will help them to put their struggles into perspective. You can search for scoliosis groups in your area by contacting your local hospital or health department in your county.
Body image can also be a struggle for teens who have extremely mild forms of scoliosis. Therefore, it is important to use these tips and take the time to make sure your teen feels comfortable with their body. For more information, talk to a doctor like C D Denison.
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