Scoliosis: Life, Support & Friends

Ugly Betty star Vanessa Williams has Scoliosis. Before Vanessa became a famous star through her seasons of Ugly Betty she was to be a dancer. Vanessa was recently nominated for an Emmy for the 2nd time for her role as the wicked diva Wilhelmina Slater in Ugly Betty. For those of you who have not heard of Ugly Betty, it is an ABS comedy hit show dedicated to Mode magazine and the world of fashion. Vanessa Williams wanted to be a professional dander with the Joffrey Ballet until those plans were cut short by Scoliosis. (curvature of the spine) Vanessa is reported to have said "It derailed me for a while,". "It was so severe I had to have a spinal fusion where they put 8-inch metal rods and screws in my spine. I just took off one year where I didn't do any physical activity. But then, of course, I was terrified. It's so strange … It felt like having an operation and then healing and going back to your real body. It was really like having a new center of gravity and ...

I have noticed just recently that I seem to be leaning left again and walking is becoming a real struggle, I only noticed this the other day when I had my jeans on and I saw myself in the mirror (not something I do very often especially as it is cold). I was shocked, my right side is fairly straight and flat (not too much flab) - my left side is almost folded in half and I can wedge my hand in between the fold that appears there - I look awful!!!!! Is it even possible for me to start curving again and my Scoliosis show signs again after a Harrington rod surgery 19 years ago? I never used to be conscious over my body years ago and I know it changes the older I get but I am no bigger than I was when I got married at age 24 and I am now 31, I hate my clothes I do not feel comfortable at all and I hate it when people look at me when I am walking down the street in a sideways crab walk!! I have even added a picture of my back, I never thought I would share that with the world because I am ...

There is more than one type of curvature that can occur in people with Scoliosis, more often than not we think of a curved spine when we hear someone has Scoliosis. If you are diagnosed with scoliosis, your doctor will use x-rays to determine how great the curve in your spine is, and to determine what type of curve you have, you may also be given the Adam's Forward Bend Test which is another way of your Dr determining Scoliosis. If the normal rounding of your back is too great, then you have a condition known as kyphosis. The term kyphosis means that there is a “hyper” or excessive forward curvature in your thoracic spine. Your thoracic spine is the part of your spine that is located in your chest and connects to your ribs. The normal degrees range from 30 to 40 average. In scoliosis, the spine column is also different in the basic mechanics. If the curve in your lower back is too great, then you have a condition known as lordosis and many people who had surgery in the early 80...