Am I Experiencing Scoliosis?
I’m a 17-year-old female who has struggled with poor posture since childhood. My mother always tried to encourage me to maintain better posture, frequently reminding me to sit up straight and pointing out whenever I slouched. I dismissed her concerns, insisting that I couldn’t help it. In April 2025, my mom took a job overseas, leaving me to stay with my dad. He works in another town and is extremely busy, only coming home every few weeks for the weekends. Occasionally, some relatives check on me, and my friends' parents are supportive whenever I need assistance. By August 2025, I began experiencing severe back pain. While I had always dealt with some discomfort, it escalated significantly. My entire spine ached, with varying intensity between the upper and lower areas. The pain became so unbearable that I found myself crying myself to sleep nightly, and on some nights, I couldn’t even manage to sleep at all. Unfortunately, the pain has continued to intensify. Backpack carrying has become impossible, and finding a comfortable sleeping or sitting position is a struggle. Additionally, my breathing has been affected, and I sometimes can’t bend my head downwards easily. A paramedic, who is the mother of a friend, gave me some medication that I must take with a syringe. Although it does provide some relief by numbing the pain temporarily, it lasts only a few hours. As a minor, I find it difficult to see a doctor since I lack an adult to accompany me. I’ve examined my back in the mirror and once did a video call with my mom so she could see it, and she mentioned that my shoulders seem quite uneven. The pain continues to worsen daily. I’m at a loss for what actions to take and currently cannot see a doctor. Is it possible that I have scoliosis, or could it be something else entirely?
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 7:40:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant back pain and discomfort, which may be related to scoliosis or another underlying condition. Your symptoms, including uneven shoulders, severe pain, and breathing difficulties, are concerning and warrant further attention.
Explanation
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways, which can lead to discomfort and pain. It's common in adolescents and can worsen if not addressed. The uneven shoulders and back pain you are describing, especially if they have changed over time, could indicate scoliosis or another spinal issue.
Factors like your strained posture over the years and the pain you've been experiencing recently are also important to consider. The fact that your pain is worsening and affecting your daily activities is especially concerning.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions you can take:
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Evaluate Your Support System: Talk to a trusted adult, such as a relative or family friend, about your situation. Explain your pain and difficulties and ask for help in seeing a healthcare professional.
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Keep a Pain Diary: Document your pain levels, specific locations of pain, times when it worsens, and any additional symptoms, such as breathing difficulties. This information can be very helpful when you do get a chance to see a doctor.
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Posture Awareness: Pay attention to your posture as much as you can, and try to maintain a neutral spine when sitting and standing. Use cushions for support when sitting, and avoid slouching.
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Gentle Stretching Exercises: Consider gentle stretching or yoga exercises that focus on back flexibility and strength. There are many online resources available tailored to teenagers that emphasize safe movements for back pain relief.
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Apply Heat or Cold: Try using a heat pack or cold pack on your back as a short-term relief solution. Heat can help soothe tense muscles, while ice can reduce inflammation if there’s swelling.
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Plan a Doctor Visit: As soon as you have the opportunity, arrange to see a doctor or a physical therapist who can assess your back pain more thoroughly. Ask someone to accompany you if needed—it’s your health, and it's important to get professional evaluation and support.
If you experience any severe changes, such as worsening breathing difficulties, numbness, or major mobility issues, you should seek urgent medical assistance immediately.
Please remember, you’re not alone in this, and addressing your symptoms early can lead to better outcomes.
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