TRUNK MUSCLE ACTIVITY IS MODIFIED IN OSTEOPOROTIC VERTEBRAL FRACTURE AND THORACIC KYPHOSIS WITH POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES FOR VERTEBRAL HEALTH.

Authors: Greig AM, Briggs AM, Bennell KL, Hodges PW

Abstract


This study explored inter-relationships between vertebral fracture, thoracic kyphosis and trunk muscle control in elderly people with osteoporosis. Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are associated with increased risk of further vertebral fractures; but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Several factors may explain this association, including changes in postural alignment (thoracic kyphosis) and altered trunk muscle contraction patterns. Both factors may increase risk of further fracture because of increased vertebral loading and impaired balance, which may increase falls risk. This study compared postural adjustments in 24 individuals with osteoporosis with and without vertebral fracture and with varying degrees of thoracic kyphosis.

Trunk muscle electromyographic activity (EMG) associated with voluntary arm movements was recorded and compared between individuals with and without vertebral fracture, and between those with low and high thoracic kyphosis. Overall, elderly participants in the study demonstrated co-contraction of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles during forwards arm movements, but those with vertebral fractures demonstrated a more pronounced co-contraction than those without fracture. Individuals with high thoracic kyphosis demonstrated more pronounced alternating flexor and extensor EMG bursts than those with less kyphosis. Co-contraction of trunk flexor and extensor muscles in older individuals contrasts the alternating bursts of antagonist muscle activity in previous studies of young individuals. This may have several consequences, including altered balance efficacy and the potential for increased compressive loads through the spine. Both of these outcomes may have consequences in a population with fragile vertebrae who are susceptible to fracture.


Source : London Spine , 23rd Dec 2015 

Two-level cement augmentation may decrease the rate of acute proximal junctional fractures

Researchers evaluated potential methods to prevent acute proximal junction fractures in patients with adult spinal deformity and found use of two-level cement augmentation was linked with a significant reduction in the incidence of proximal junction fractures and revision procedures.

Researchers retrospectively studied data on 51 patients with adult spinal deformity after thoracolumbar fusion from the pelvis to thoracolumbar junction with at least 6 months of follow-up. Health-related quality of life outcomes (HRQoL), demographics and radiograph parameters of deformity were compared for patients who underwent the following procedures: no cement; two-level cement augmentation at upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) and vertebra one level proximal to UIV (UIV+1); and cement at another location (other).

A total of 19 patients underwent two-level cement augmentation at UIV, 23 patients had no cement and nine patients underwent cement at another location.

Researchers noted two-level procedures without cement had a 19% revision rate for proximal junctional fractures (PJF) compared with a 0% revision rate for two-level procedures with cement. When adjusted for UIV, the risk of proximal junction fracture revision surgery increased by 13.1-times for the “other” category of patients. In addition, two-level cement procedures increased HRQoLs in all patients, while only back and leg pain significantly improved in non-two-level cement procedures, researchers wrote. – by Robert Linnehan

Disclosure: The researchers reported receiving funds from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, through UCSF-CTSI



Source : Healio , 22nd Dec 2015 

Spine Surgeons Say New Device, ApiFix®, Makes Kids’ Scoliosis Surgery Minimally Invasive

ApiFix® Ltd. announced today that the company is helping the parents of children from Australia, Canada and the United States who have Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) to identify spine surgeons in Europe and Israel who have adopted the ApiFix® system to treat AIS. ApiFix is approved for sale in Europe and Israel.

(Click here for video.)

“There is an acute need for an alternative to today’s standard for scoliosis correction in children and adolescents, which is the most aggressive and invasive procedure in spine surgery,” said Uri Arnin, CEO. “Therefore we are grateful to be able to introduce the parents of children with AIS to spine surgeons who have adopted ApiFix and are treating patients in countries where ApiFix is now approved for use.”

“The scoliosis curve correction at up to three years follow-up is substantial for the children who have been treated with the less-invasive ApiFix procedure. We are extremely proud to be able to offer this innovation to children and adolescents from 10 to 17 years of age,” said Prof. Dr. Yizhar Floman.

A clinical study of The ApiFix® System led by Prof. Dr. Floman, past President of the Israel Spine Society, was published this year in the peer-reviewed medical journal Scoliosis, which concluded that “there are many drawbacks to the current gold standard of AIS surgery, which are almost nonexistent with the use of ApiFix.”

Now, there’s the ApiFix system,” approved for sale in Europe and designed to be a new standard for correcting scoliosis in children and adolescents.

ApiFix® is a commercial-stage company that has developed the CE-markedApiFix®System — a non-fusion minimally invasive treatment alternative for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Scoliosis surgery is the most invasive procedure in spine. The average procedure fuses 10 vertebrae together using 20 screws, resulting in significant and permanent loss of spine mobility.

(For detailed clinical data, contact ApiFix CEO Uri Arnin: uri@apifix.com.)

View source version on Business Wire 

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151217005980/en/

Source : Pharmi Web , 21st Dec 2015

How The Portland Hospital Changed the Life of a Teenage Scoliosis Patient

Leah Potton’s mum feared the worst when she noticed that her daughter’s right hip was sticking out. After a series of tests scoliosis was diagnosed, and Leah’s orthopaedic surgeon recommended spinal fusion surgery to correct the curvature of her spine.




Leah's Story - Portland Hospital

After waiting a year for life-changing surgery, Leah’s curvature was getting worse, and it was clear that the need for surgery was growing increasingly urgent. The Portland Hospital stepped in and took over Leah’s treatment, and her life has already been transformed.

This is Leah’s story.

Dawn Quinn is Leah’s mum, and she remembers the moment she noticed a potential problem with her daughter’s spine.

“As soon as I realised her right shoulder blade was looking distorted, and she seemed to be getting a rib hump as well, I began to worry.

“I developed a slight curvature of the spine when I was a teenager, which is still causing me back pain now.”

For 18 months, Leah visited the family’s GP in Surrey in an attempt to address the problem, and she was eventually referred to St Thomas’ Hospital in London for further investigation.

When Leah’s scoliosis was finally diagnosed, her surgeon recommended that she undergo spinal fusion surgery as quickly as possible. But after spending a year on the waiting list for treatment, Leah’s curvature remained untreated - and continued to worsen.

It wasn’t until Dawn’s husband started a new job with private medical insurance that the option of private healthcare arose. Leah’s parents booked a consultation with Mr Tom Ember - a consultant orthopaedic and spinal surgeon at The Portland Hospital.

Mr Ember has an excellent reputation within the field of scoliosis surgery, and he performs an average of five spinal fusions surgeries every week at The Portland Hospital, Great Ormond Street and Guy’s and St Thomas Hospitals. He immediately concluded that Leah needed surgery as soon as possible.

Mr Ember explained why Leah’s need for surgery was so pressing.

“Patients with a spinal curve measuring more than 50 degrees are likely to see an increase of another one or two degrees a year.”

“By the time I saw Leah, her curve already measured 60 degrees. Left to progress further, it would have become more and more deforming – driving her left shoulder down, leading to severe thoracic back pain and affecting her lung function.”

Leah’s posterior spinal fusion surgery was booked in almost straight away, and took place just seven weeks later.

This complex, delicate procedure involves peeling back muscles to fully expose the spine. The painstaking process of twisting each vertebra back into its correct position then begun. Mr Ember had to use a series of metal screws and attach them to two rods in order to straighten Leah’s spine. Everything was then fused together with a bone graft.

Mr Ember was delighted with the results of Leah’s procedure, and he explained that surgery in such a well-equipped hospital significantly reduces the chance of serious complications.

“Fifteen is the perfect age for this operation, as the majority of growing has already been done,” he explains.

“Complications are rare, and reduced even further in units like The Portland Hospital, where there are state-of-the-art operating facilities, spinal cord monitoring and intensive care.

“Within just three hours we were able to achieve a lovely correction for Leah, which has virtually eliminated her curve. She should go on to lead an entirely normal life with no further complications.”

Leah now faces a tough road to recovery, and although the results of surgery were not perfect, Dawn is surprised at how quickly both the shoulder protrusion and rib hump have disappeared.

Leah spent a total of five nights in The Portland Hospital before returning home, and she spent four weeks rebuilding her strength and mobility before returning to school.

The speed of Leah’s treatment and recovery, as well as the positive effect surgery has had, are testament to the facilities and the medical team at The Portland Hospital. Thanks to Mr Ember’s procedure, this teenager can look forward to a curve-free future - doing the things most teenagers take for granted.



Source : Hull Daily Mail , 17th Dec 2015 

Improving Thoracic Spine Mobility

I work with many weekend warriors, strength training enthusiasts and overhead athletes in my practice. One of the more common dysfunctions I see in this population is either asymmetrical or general thoracic spine hypomobility (decreased range of motion).

This can predispose you to shoulder, back and hip dysfunction, as well as increase the risk for overuse injuries. In addition, it may also alter the natural biomechanics of movement, thereby negatively impacting performance. With all the sitting and screen time we engage in, it is no surprise we are developing a generation of people with forward heads, rounded shoulders and kyphotic posture.

This leads to reduced thoracic spine extension. Additionally, I often encounter decreased thoracic spine rotation. If this becomes restricted, asymmetrical overhead athletes may face increased stress on the lumbar spine, hips and glenohumeral joint. Common dysfunctions I treat related to this is rotator cuff tendinopathy, labral pathology, mechanical back pain, and hip pain to name a few.

To combat stiffness and promote more optimal mobility, I encourage my clients to perform daily mobility work. I have included a video I filmed for PFP Magazine in my column ‘Functionally Fit’ below that illustrates an effective way to combat reduced T-spine extension.



Source : Brian Schiff's , 23rd Dec 2015 

Scoliosis Patients Improve Pulmonary Function with Schroth Best Practice® at Scoliosis 3DC

Dr. Marc Moramarco's new research from his outpatient scoliosis-specific back school entitled "The Influence of Short-Term Scoliosis-Specific Exercise Rehabilitation on Pulmonary Function in Patients with AIS" was recently published in Current Pediatric Reviews.

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The subjects of this recent research participated in Dr. Moramarco’s Schroth Best Practice® program which he first introduced to the U.S. in 2007. More and more parents are choosing conservative scoliosis exercise treatment for their children. At Scoliosis 3DC, patients are instructed over the course of five to seven consecutive days, the most effective way to learn the Schroth Method.

Short-term results from the group of 36 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (33 females, 3 males) participated. Overall, patients showed a statistically significant improvement in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, chest expansion, and angular trunk rotation.

As scoliosis progresses over time, surgery is often recommended in skeletally immature patients with a Cobb angle of 45° or more because of the long-term threat of reduced pulmonary function. Yet, program participants who declined scoliosis surgery reported that they had never been tested for vital capacity or chest expansion prior to enrollment in Dr. Moramarco’s program.

During the Schroth Best Practice® Program, the newest evolution of the Schroth method from Germany, patients learn three-dimensional curve-pattern specific exercises for scoliosis. The multi-faceted program includes physio-logic® exercises, mobilizations, activities of daily living (ADLs), 3-D Made Easy®, and Schroth method exercises. Power Schroth exercises are one program component which differentiates Schroth Best Practice® from other Schroth method courses. Power Schroth exercises are advanced 3D scoliosis-specific corrective exercises that help engage core muscles and utilize the special Schroth method breathing technique known as rotational angular breathing (RAB).

Rotational angular breathing supports the improvement of angular trunk rotation and is the core component of Schroth therapy. The process provides the patient with proprioceptive reinforcement of the sensation of spinal derotation and is the essential component which helps a patient improve vital capacity. The subjects involved in this study achieved a wide range of results. This was expected due to the individual nature of idiopathic scoliosis. Several factors play a role in the treatment success of a conservative scoliosis treatment program including spinal flexibility, scoliosis curve pattern, body awareness, muscle tone, program compliance and more. 

For the original version on PRWeb visit:http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/09/prweb12937121.htm

Source : Press Release Rocket , 24th Nov 2015

Poppy is back on song after scoliosis exercises avoided surgery

                                            Poppy Musgrove - Scoliosis SOS

WHEN teenager Poppy Musgrove found herself suddenly struggling to breathe and was diagnosed with a spinal condition, she feared her dreams of becoming a singer were in jeopardy.

She tells AASMA DAY how a set of exercises helped her avoid a dangerous operation and how she now plans to audition for next year’s X Factor.

FROM a young age, Poppy Musgrove adored singing and dancing and would belt out songs with her amazing voice at any opportunity.

Poppy Musgrove - Scoliosis SOS

Poppy, 13, who lives in Fulwood, Preston, had always been very fit and active throughout her life - until her mother Mary started to notice that Poppy’s hips were protruding on one side.

Poppy had also begun complaining about backache and shortness of breath during her singing lessons.

This was highly unusual for Poppy as she had always pushed herself really hard and was not the type to give up on anything easily.

In a state of panic, mum Mary made an emergency appointment to see the family GP who immediately gave Poppy a devastating diagnosis.

Poppy was told she had a condition called scoliosis, which means curvature of the spine. Poppy was told she would be referred to a specialist but that it was likely to 
be a good three to six months wait.

Throughout this wait Poppy’s pain got worse and she was struggling to sing at all. She couldn’t hit the same notes and became very disinterested in attending singing lessons.

Poppy had always been adamant she was going to be a professional singer and that she would make herself stand out but this determination was disappearing fast.

When Poppy returned home, her family decided to do a bit of their own research into the symptoms of scoliosis as they were all very keen to find out how this condition would affect Poppy’s dream of becoming a professional singer.

The more Mary read on the Internet, the more alarmed she became.

She explains: “I discovered scoliosis was a progressive condition and that it needed to be treated as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.

“I decided to take matters into my own hands. I could see my daughter was deteriorating fast and knew she would be told she needed an operation so I saw no point in waiting to see a consultant and decided to be proactive in our treatment approach.

“This was just the beginning and the search for alternative treatment was not easy.”

Scoliosis causes the spine to excessively curve sideways. The condition affects more than four per cent of the population and if left untreated, it can lead to fatal heart and lung problems.

Current treatment in this country is to wait until the curve becomes so severe, that the only option left is to operate.

The major operation is a risky procedure which involves metal rods being inserted either side of the spine, before the spine is fused solid.

Poppy loved singing and the attention that came with it and would practice very competitively every day until her health started to deteriorate.

Not only did the condition cause her flexibility to be reduced, she also lost a huge amount of confidence.

Poppy’s life fell apart. She was facing the prospect that major surgery was probably her only option and that being a successful singer was not going to be possible.

In a desperate last attempt to help her daughter, Mary started to search the Internet for alternative treatments. She then discovered Scoliosis SOS.

Founded and run by Erika Maude, who has scoliosis herself, the clinic opened nine years ago and has since brought relief to hundreds of sufferers.

Located in central London, it is the only clinic in the world to offer treatment following the ScolioGold method, which is the combination of internationally renowned non-surgical treatments which have been practiced separately in Europe for several decades.

Mary decided this treatment couldn’t harm her daughter and that if it worked, it could change her life.

She booked her on to a four-week treatment course and was overwhelmed by the results.

Within weeks of being on the course, Poppy’s condition dramatically improved. She was no longer getting short of breath when exercising and her bubbly, confident personality returned.

Poppy made some great friends and understood why it was so important to exercise and keep her curve under control. She saw how bad some of the other patients’ spinal curves were and she also met a patient who had her spine fused solid. This made her more determined to work hard and get her scoliosis under control.

Poppy learnt a set of exercises which strengthened the muscles surrounding her spine and meant her scoliosis stabilised.

She also made huge improvements to her cosmetic appearance and learnt her condition would not ruin her life if she kept up the exercises.

Poppy’s lung capacity increased and for the first time in months, Poppy started singing again. First of all it would just be in the shower or in her bedroom but gradually her confidence returned and Poppy started singing anywhere she could just like she did before her diagnosis.

Mary felt a massive sense of relief her daughter was not going to need to have surgery. She knew the recovery following surgery would have been long and painful and that Poppy would probably have had to give up singing all together.

Since completing a course of ScolioGold treatment, Poppy has returned home and been able to attend her singing lessons again for the first time in months.

She has regained all of her confidence and bounced back to her normal sociable self.

Poppy is now religiously watching television’s X Factor in the hope she will be able to join all the contestants in next year’s competition.

Poppy says: “I can finally sing again.

“My lungs no longer feel like they are being crushed and I can hit the high notes again.

“My back will never be perfect but at least now I can focus on perfecting my voice.

“I am so excited for what the future might hold.

“I am looking to apply for X Factor next year and fingers crossed the judges will like my voice.

“I hope they will be able to see how determined I am and how much I want this.

“I have a year to prepare myself now and in the meantime I can watch this year’s competition!”

SCOLIOSIS SOS was established by clinic principal Erika Maude in 2006 following her own experiences with the condition.

Diagnosed at the age of 13, after spending two years in a back brace with no improvement, she faced the prospect of complex spinal surgery to correct the curve in her back.

Instead, after travelling to Europe to receive intensive exercise therapy, she returned home inspired to bring the amazing non-surgical treatment to the English-speaking community.

Nearly 10 years on, the clinic’s team of medical specialists have changed the lives of thousands of patients in the treatment of scoliosis and other spinal conditions.

• For more information, visit: www.scoliosisSOS.com or call: 0207 4884428




Source : LEP , 24th Nov 2015

2012 Olympian shooter Sarah Scherer hopes to make most of second chance at Rio

At one time, Sarah Scherer was almost sure her shooting career was over.

But a shift in the 2016 Rio qualifying schedule and a quicker-than-expected return to international form has the 2012 Olympian using this weekend's winter airgun championships and Olympic team trials at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center as an opportunity to thrust herself into the hunt.

It was natural that the Woburn, Mass., native and two-time NCAA champion for Texas Christian thought her competitive days were over. Two back surgeries in nine months forced her to miss most of two competitive seasons. Considering her health problems, waiting until 2020 for her second Olympic berth seemed unlikely.

The 24-year-old registered dietitian was only a week from competing in the 2014 world championships when the Colorado Springs resident noticed tingling in her right foot during a practice session.

Scherer, who has scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, alerted the national team training staff. Doctors discovered three of her lower lumbar vertebrae had deteriorated and become herniated. Physical therapy was not enough and she withdrew from competition and underwent her first surgery in late September 2014, about six months after she garnered the World Cup bronze medal.

She needed a second surgery in March on her lower back. Also, four vertebrae in her neck are herniated but do not require surgery. There is no known cause, beyond genetics, she said. She is pretty matter of fact about it.

"I have always had days where there is pain," she said. "That's life with scoliosis. I have more accelerated disc degeneration than most. Scoliosis doesn't help."

After the second surgery, she was considering retirement from competitive shooting. But three months later, Bangkok announced it would add a March 2016 World Cup event, giving the Colorado Springs resident a second international competition during the 2015-16 season she could use to qualify for the Olympics.

A strong showing this weekend and in Bangkok should be enough to reach Rio, Scherer said. She resumed practice Sept. 26 and her body held up well. She was cleared by her doctors to compete Oct. 28.

She competed in a small event two weeks ago but this weekend will be her first top-tier competition.

"I know I will do better that the first time I came to compete at the OTC (as a teen)," she said. "I was in such awe about being at the center that I finished second to last; only because the women who did was ill and vomiting in between shoots."

Scherer has reason to be confident. Her skills did not erode while away from the range and a few practices helped her regain her consistency.

She also knows she has overcome much. A fractured elbow from a fall a few weeks before the London Olympics did not keep her from competing. The driven competitor placed seventh and set herself up as one of the sport's rising stars.

That was only two years after her older brother, Stephen, who she learned the sport alongside for a decade, died in 2010, two years after he competed in the 2008 Olympics. Putting that kind of pain behind her was a sterner test than back problems.

"I am confident I will do well," she said. "I have done everything I can to be ready and as long as my body holds up I should be right there with everyone else."

This surprise second chance gave the 2013 national champion, who prides herself on having an active life beyond shooting, a different perspective. Instead of expecting to compete for years to come, she is enjoying every minute she has in the sport she first learned with an old BB gun at age 9.

"I could slip and fall on the ice and it could be over," she said. "A sneeze could cause a disc to slip. I have an attitude now that I will compete as long as my body allows me. I am going to enjoy every minute."

Source : Gazette , 3rd Dec 2015 

Yoga For Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition where an individual has side-to-side spinal curves along with normal curves due to which the lower portion of the back tends to curve inwards. This is a condition that has got numerous treatments but Yoga For Scoliosis is considered the best treatment. Yoga means union or yoke. It is ancient physical, spiritual and mental practice which has been practiced in India for 5000 years now. Different yoga postures can effectively be combined with breathing alertness for developing structural alignment and for creating symmetrical alignment. Through yoga, an individual can get hold of the balance point which allows scoliosis curves to easily coexist with gravity and this automatically activates the natural plumb line of the body.

Healing Scoliosis by the Use of Yoga

Choosing Yoga For Scoliosis requires inner awareness and commitment. It is very empowering and it gives people the hope that they can at least do something for improving their condition as well their quality of life. The spine of a human being is made of numerous vertebrae protecting and supporting the spinal cord. These are the set of bones that give people the ability to stand straight. If the spinal curvature of an individual is more than ten degrees to the back or front or left or right, he could be suffering from scoliosis. Scoliosis can be very painful and it even restricts the movement capabilities of an individual. Surgery is the most popular option among people who suffer from this condition but they are also suggested on looking for other corrective measures prior to going for a surgery. Yoga is considered one of the corrective measures for sufferers of scoliosis.

Most of the body weight of an individual is borne by the spine and therefore the spine always remains under stress. This stress further worsens the pain in case of scoliosis. Yoga helps in strengthening the muscles of the legs and thus helps in taking off quite a good amount of stress from the spine. It is actually a mix of different postures and breathing techniques aimed towards correcting the shape of the spine. Trying certain yoga postures might be painful initially until the body completely adjusts to the postures. The pain subsides eventually and helps the sufferer in getting long time relief from scoliosis pain. Some of the simplest of yoga postures that can help you in getting the shape of your spine back and will also help you in getting rid of scoliosis are as follows:

Warrior Pose or Veerbhadrasana

Very true to its name, this pose brings in grace, peace and courage to the human body. This pose improves the body balance, enhances stamina and strengthens the lower portion of the back. It helps you get a very strong back which is of good help in treating scoliosis.

Triangle Pose or Trikonasana

It is a kind of standing pose that helps in stretching the spine and at the same time it increases physical and mental equilibrium. This pose also helps in reducing back pain and stress allowing the pain to subside gradually.

Cat Pose or Marjariasana

You need to use both your hands and your legs for doing this pose. Cat pose helps in increasing the flexibility of the spine, relaxes the body and the mind, improves the circulation of blood within the body and is considered one of the best yoga poses for treating scoliosis.

Child Pose or Shishuasana

This is a sitting pose that lightens the back and even soothes the nervous system. This pose is just perfect for people suffering from scoliosis due to neuromuscular condition.

Seated Forward Bend or Paschimottanasana

It is a pose that relieves stress by stretching the lower back. This pose also helps in reducing fatigue and anxiety and in calming the mind.

Downward Facing Dog Pose or Adho Mukha Svanasana

This yoga pose helps in bringing good strength through the human body by lengthening the spine. The strength is brought to the legs, shoulders, feet and the arms. By doing this pose, the entire body weight can easily be distributed better to the legs which helps in taking off stress from the spine.

Bridge Pose or Setu Bandhasana

This yoga posture strengthens and stretches the back muscles and the spine. It also helps in reducing stress and anxiety and calms down the brain.




Source: Yoga For Scoliosis 

Dear Back-Brace: I Didn’t Let You Ruin My Life

23 and 25. These two numbers changed my life in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. These numbers represented the degree of the top and bottom curve of my spine. I have scoliosis, which is a lateral curve of the spine. I was diagnosed when I was 10 years old and wore a back-brace after that until I was 13. Here is my open letter to that back-brace.

Dear Back-brace,

Hey old friend, long time no see, thankfully. Right now you are in my attic collecting dust, where you should be. But before, before you were around me. I wore you every day for 22 hours. When I slept you were pushy, always making me change positions. You didn't let me sleep on my side. I remember eating with you also, you were very constrictive, always making it so that when my stomach was full, it hurt because it was enclosed in your plastic walls. You made me hungry and uncomfortable; that wasn't cool.

You also made clothes pretty difficult to wear. I remember when I first put you on I couldn't button my pants so I started to cry. I was at an age when fashion was important and I felt like everyone could see you under my clothes and I felt self-conscious. I was at an age when I was trying to fit in, but with you I stood out like that one red ball among all the blue ones.

You made everything a big deal, sitting, shopping, hugging, running, everything. I couldn't run with you because you constricted my breathing. When I coughed you bruised my ribs. When I sat down you made it so I couldn't feel the top of my right thigh. But you were helping me right? You had long velcro straps and fabric on the inside and plastic on the outside. You pinched and squeezed my skin. You were the closet thing to a modern-day corset. You were helping me so I wouldn't have to have surgery. But you made my life miserable.

We've come a long way since the early days of back braces. (Ephemeral Scraps / Flickr)

See, now, I could have let you ruin me. I could have stayed up at night tossing and turning and crying because you made everything hurt. But I didn't. Instead I embraced you. I was not going to let a piece of plastic make my life miserable. I was still me. I was still Riley. I still loved photography, trying to change the world, writing, books, learning, my family, my friends, and so much more. And you could never change that. I realized fully that you were helping me. My scoliosis was treatable, I was one of the lucky ones, I didn't need surgery. There are some teenagers who have things that can't be treated and they live their lives in hospitals, but that wasn't me. I was still walking and breathing and living my life because I would not let YOU bring me down.

In closing, even though we didn't have the greatest relationship, if someone gave me the chance to never have you in my life I would say no. You shaped me, as in literally changing my spine and figuratively shaping my mentality. I realized that I was strong and that being happy is a choice. People have to choose how they look at things in life and think, "Hey, am I really going to let this define me or ruin my life?" I realized that it is more than okay to be the red ball among all the blue ones, because that makes you that much more special and unique. That, my friend, is a good thing. Because honestly, if there are a ton of blue balls and only one red one, everyone will want the red one.

I also learned, through you, that having a positive attitude isn't always an easy thing to choose, but everyone has that choice. I know you made it very difficult at times to see the positive side of things. But sometimes the most valuable things in life don't come easily.

So I guess I want to say thank you. Thank you for showing me that I can make my life whatever I want and I won't let anything or anyone clip my wings.

Sincerely,

Riley

Source : Go Kicker , 4th Dec 2015