Heading Back to School With Scoliosis: Preparing Kids for the Classroom
The summer has flown by, and it’s almost time to head back to school! The start of the school year is often an emotionally challenging time for students, but it can be especially rough for kids heading back to school with scoliosis. A child who has just received their diagnosis may have trouble figuring out how to discuss their condition with friends, and they may be worried about having to wear a brace or missing out on physical activities.
Even children or teens who were diagnosed years ago may still view the start of the school year with trepidation. Walking between classes, sitting for long periods of time, and carrying heavy backpacks are all things that can cause back pain and exacerbate scoliosis symptoms.
But there are several things you can do to help your child feel confident heading into the school year. Here are a few ways to help your student prepare for another year of school with scoliosis and care for themself physically and emotionally.
Prioritize Early Diagnosis
If you suspect that your child might have scoliosis, don’t wait for them to get a screening at school. Many schools don’t even offer routine scoliosis screenings to students!
If there is any suspicion of scoliosis, take your child to their primary care physician as soon as possible to get checked. Early detection makes a significant difference when it comes to successfully treating scoliosis, and you are your child’s best advocate.
Talking About Scoliosis at School
Having scoliosis can take a toll on your child’s self-confidence. They may feel self-conscious about their curve, especially if it’s severe and/or if they need to wear a brace. Many children with scoliosis worry that their friends will judge their appearance or physical capabilities.
However, you can help your child prepare for potential discussions about their scoliosis so they feel confident and knowledgeable about their condition. Have honest conversations with your child about scoliosis, and make sure to answer all their questions.
If your child needs to wear a brace, talk with their healthcare provider to see whether it’s possible to adjust the daily bracing schedule. Perhaps your child can wear their brace outside of school hours so they don’t have to worry about the social repercussions.
It’s also important to focus on your child’s capabilities and opportunities rather than potential limitations. Maybe show them a list of successful athletes (Usain Bolt, Natalie Coughlin, and James Blake are just a few!) who have scoliosis so they can see that their condition doesn’t necessarily have to limit their participation in the physical activities they enjoy. Your child may also benefit from joining an in-person or online support group for those in school with scoliosis.
Choosing the Right Backpack
Have you noticed how heavy backpacks seem to be these days? I often see children — even elementary school students — wearing backpacks that look heavier than they are! While a backpack full of books might be a sign of academic excellence, it’s not good for a child’s developing spine — especially if they have scoliosis.
So what’s a safe backpack weight for a child with scoliosis? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your child’s backpack shouldn’t be more than 10% to 15% of their body weight. Here are some tips for keeping your child’s backpack within a safe weight range:
Purchase a fairly small backpack
Choose a design with wide, cushioned straps
Look for a backpack with a waist strap for extra support and better weight distribution
It’s also important to teach your child how to load their backpack correctly. It’s best to keep the weight as close to the body as possible. Put the heaviest items in the “back” of the bag (so they’ll rest right against your child’s back). And then add the lighter items in the front part of the backpack.
Preparing for P.E. and Other Classes
Depending on the exact nature of your child’s scoliosis, you might need to request some accommodations from their school. Maintain an open line of communication with teachers and school administrators so that everyone is on the same page about what your child needs. Here are some accommodations that may benefit your child:
Sitting toward the back of the classroom
Being allowed to stand up intermittently during class to break up long periods of sitting
Using props (e.g., wedges) in the classroom to make sitting more comfortable
When it comes to figuring out which physical activities are safe for your child, it’s best to talk directly with their doctor and/or physical therapist. The more you understand your child’s curve type, the easier it is to identify unsafe activities.
Even some standard P.E. games and activities can be risky for children with scoliosis. Your child’s PT can probably provide a list of activities to avoid, which you can share ahead of time with their P.E. teacher.
Daily Habits Are the Key to Managing Scoliosis
Scoliosis-specific exercise (e.g., the Schroth Method) is one of the most effective ways to manage symptoms and slow or reverse curve progression. But consistency is paramount — and many children don’t have the motivation or self-discipline to maintain a regular exercise routine on their own.
Find ways to help your child keep up with their exercises. Maybe set aside a few minutes during their “getting ready for school” routine. Find ways to make the exercises fun if possible. If your child establishes an exercise routine early on, they’re more likely to maintain it as they get older.
What should a scoliosis exercise routine look like? Your child’s PT should be able to provide a list of specific moves. But you can also help your child learn to modify some of their daily movements and activities to make them less uncomfortable.
That’s what my Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp is all about. This self-paced program shows small, daily actions that can reduce pain and strengthen the spine. Find out more about how this program can help your child manage their scoliosis on a daily basis.
If you want more information and tips on reducing pain and improving daily life with scoliosis, listen to my podcast, Ahead of the Curve. Subscribe to get every episode when it airs!
