Scoliosis Bracing: Emotional Effects of Scoliosis

Over the past two years, school closures were supposed to keep the children safe from the coronavirus. However, for some children, closures have had a completely opposite effect. A recent study revealed that student anxiety and depression levels went up since lockdown.
Dealing with emotions is hard for any teenager. However, it's especially hard when that teenager is dealing with scoliosis bracing.  For many students, including myself, having to wear a brace is a constant reminder that you're different from your peers.
There are a lot of articles dealing with the physical effects of scoliosis out there. Let's discuss some of the emotional and social effects of scoliosis bracing, and see how you can help your child deal with them.
Body Image Problems
Due to the discomfort and awkwardness of scoliosis bracing, young children can develop body image problems. They may feel self-conscious about wearing a brace and begin avoiding social situations. A decline in confidence and a lack of self-esteem can happen as a consequence, especially as the brace becomes more noticeable during adolescence.
There are many ways you can help your child deal with body image problems from scoliosis bracing. First, make sure your child understands that the brace doesn't define who they are. Scoliosis is just one part of your child, not the entire person. Second, encourage them to speak with their doctor about potential weight loss options if necessary. 
Finally, help them find other outlets in life that don't involve appearance. For example, you could take up a sport together or attempt cooking lessons.
Social Isolation
Due to the nature of scoliosis surgery and recovery, many children will be forced to miss a few months of school. That can lead to social isolation when returning to school.
Since your child is already feeling isolated from wearing the brace, try to find friends in similar situations. That could mean finding a patient support group for scoliosis surgery or joining a club at school. Often, children suffering from scoliosis bracing issues won't seek out help themselves, so this is where you can be proactive in protecting their social life.
As far as how your child should react when meeting someone new, there's no exact science. However, it's important that they're honest about the situation. Your child shouldn't lie about their scoliosis, but they should also avoid talking too much about it. If your child is comfortable enough to speak on the subject, encourage them to focus on positive aspects of scoliosis bracing such as physical improvements and how it allows them to be stronger.
Self-Esteem Issues
A common misconception is that bracing alone leads to low self-esteem. Many children wearing scoliosis braces feel like their condition makes them less social and more awkward. This, in turn, can lead to low self-esteem issues.
You can help your young one deal with self-esteem issues from scoliosis bracing by making sure you are a constant source of support. During the day, talk with them about their condition and encourage them during physical therapy appointments. At night, work on strengthening your child's mental health by building up their self-esteem through compliments and doing activities they enjoy.
As far as how your child should react when meeting someone new, there's no exact science. However, it's important that they're honest about the situation. Your child shouldn't lie about their scoliosis, but they should also avoid talking too much about it. If your child is comfortable enough to speak on the subject, encourage them to focus on positive aspects of bracing such as physical improvements and how it allows them to be stronger.
Emotional Effects on Family Life
Suffering from a condition that requires bracing can also have an emotional effect on the family as a whole. Your child may become discouraged during times of scoliosis pain, leading to tension at home.
The best way you can help your family deal with the emotional effects of scoliosis bracing is to be direct and open about your feelings. Don't hide your emotions from each other, as this can lead to misunderstandings and false hope. Instead, work on communicating with one another during times of distress.
Self-Worth Issues
​While scoliosis bracing can cause self-esteem issues, it can also cause self-worth issues. Many children with scoliosis feel like their bodies will never be acceptable because of the brace.
You can help your child deal with self-worth issues by ensuring that you are a constant source of support. During the day, talk with them about their condition and encourage them during physical therapy appointments. At night, work on strengthening your child's mental health by building up their self-esteem through compliments and doing activities they enjoy.
There is no easy answer to how a child should react when meeting someone new, but many children find it easier to be straightforward from the beginning. That is especially true if the other children in their social circle already know about their condition.
Encourage your child to be honest, but not overshare. If they are comfortable enough to speak on the subject, encourage them to focus on positive aspects of scoliosis bracing such as physical improvements and how it allows them to be stronger.
Coping With the Emotional Effects of Scoliosis Bracing
Scoliosis is a condition that many children must deal with on a daily basis. Because there are no easy answers when it comes to the emotional effects of scoliosis bracing, here are some suggestions for helping your child deal with negative emotions:

• Be there for them: Just because your child is coping well with bracing on the outside doesn't mean they are coping well on the inside. Their condition is complicated and so are their emotions. Make sure that you are there for your child throughout this process, giving them plenty of support.
• Be honest: Don't avoid difficult conversations with your child just because it makes you uncomfortable to think about. Honesty is important in any relationship, and that includes the one you have with your child.
• Talk about it: While scoliosis bracing can be intimidating to speak about, it can also help to clear the air between you and your child. Talk about the condition and how it affects them on a mental level to get a better understanding of what they might be going through.

Speak to a Medical Professional
Talking to a professional will help both the child and the parents cope with the challenges that come with dealing with scoliosis bracing. A medical professional can support you and your child and give you the resources you need to deal with the situation. If you need any assistance, make sure to contact the Align Clinic today and schedule an appointment. 

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