By Maggie Victoria

As a parent when a Child is diagnosed with Scoliosis, the emotional impact can be concerning.

Understand that there are emotional impacts in a child’s ability to cope with the treatment elects for their child. In writing this, article, it is my hope that you have done your research and opted for a non-surgical scoliosis treatment approach, such as CLEAR scoliosis treatment Centers. 

Children are often diagnosed at a time in their lives when they are trying to define their “emotional self”, trying to build their identity, forming their peer groups and self-image is everything.

We as parents and treatment teams must give more merit to the emotional support of the scoliosis child and be more aware of just how it impacts, their emotional well-being.

At an age when body image, is everything, and the spine betrays the body by twisting and bending, the self-image can become distorted and self-esteem, and feelings of hopelessness can quickly change a child’s disposition from a happy going, fun loving pre-teen to a sad and disillusioned child.

It is important, although, your child may not welcome it, to keep the communication lines open, to be able to read body language, and watch for the emotional changes in your child.

You can expect a lot of tears, you can expect anger and you can expect silence from your normally talkative child. They will try to shut you and shut you down. We as parents must take the time to allow our children the time and space to come to terms with the initial diagnosis and let them have that time and space while being aware of how they are coping.

Some children at this age are very private, and they want and demand their privacy and having to remove ones shirt, to expose the spine for even an evaluation may be an emotional strain on the child. Respect the child’s privacy, and kindly ask for a gown so the child may disrobe with dignity. Ask your child in advance of examination what their wishes are, and do your best to support them.

Find a neutral forum to talk to your child and have heart to hearts. Do not try to patronize your child as they are so much smarter than we give them credit for. Start with a funny joke or general topic and slowly move in to the topic you wish to discuss. We use our long car ride to the CLEAR scoliosis treatment center to talk about all sorts of things, and it isn’t always all about scoliosis. Sometimes, it really is a good thing, to talk about other things that make them happy and discussions should never only be solely over focused on the not so pleasant topic of scoliosis. Try to never tell your child, “well you could be worse”. To them it somehow diminishes their experience in their own minds.

Respect your child’s wishes, support them, and give them space, and time to come to terms with the diagnosis and then slowing and indirectly begin dialog that will support them through their journey. Do not be dishonest with them, share as much information with them as you feel comfortable sharing. You know your child’s ability to cope so do not overwhelm them with too much information.

Since there is no cure for Scoliosis, and there is so much information, making the right treatment for your child can be overwhelming and the pressure to perform scoliosis surgery as the only treatment can leave a parent feeling lost and the child caught in the middle.

We as parents can never be quite sure that the treatment outcomes will be as we expect or hope and just how effective it will be as there is no cure for scoliosis and the so many varying professional opinions on how to treat the symptoms. My approach was to select CLEAR scoliosis treatment methods, as it was the least invasive, and did no harm, and I have come to respect the knowledge and dedication of these professionals as the endeavor to treat the scoliosis child. Expect that the child will feel overwhelmed sometimes, by the repeated visits, the constant and consistent treatment and expect there will be sad times and happy times as the child progresses through their treatment.

One of the most important things as a parent is STAY POSITIVE. Do not focus on the NEGATIVE, the DOOM and GLOOM. It is not easy but do not allow your child to sense or feel your anxiety as it will affect them as well.

Constant positive re-enforcement, that you can see your child’s progress through the CLEAR scoliosis treatment protocol will uplift them. CLEAR institute professionals are there to support their patients and utilize their input and expertise to help your child cope better. They understand and they treat these children every day. While each child is very different there are common bonds that tie, and generalizations of the emotional support that each child requires to be successful with CLEAR scoliosis treatment. It isn’t just about treating that nasty curve it is also about keeping the mind body and spirit intact and whole.

Help your child understand, that it is like anything else, that one is diagnosed with, and something that can be treated, something that can be stabilized and maintained, through their life time, and they will soon look back with appreciation for the decisions their parents made in bringing them to CLEAR scoliosis treatment. This will take years, of course, but trust me, it will come.

Your child will adjust to CLEAR scoliosis treatment, and celebrate with them their milestones, at mid-point with a special gesture, celebrate when they achieve maintenance, and are able to come back for periodic follow-up. Do not feel you have to over compensate like providing extravagant gifts, etc. but small gestures to celebrate the milestones will be memorable and further build the child parent bond and provide the path for a trusting relationship.

CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment methods have provided both my daughter and I with peace of mind, with an attitude that we can maintain her, keep her out of surgery for her best chance at a healthy productive life without chronic pain. It isn’t easy, it is hard work but with the support and dedication of the CLEAR Institute team, I am happy and confident in our decision.