I was beaten up at the age of 32 by a black belt 3rd Dan judo expert. I had damage to T1, T2, L4, L5, and C7 of my spine causing scoliosis.

In my case, scoliosis is present in my family. I and 2 of my 4 brothers were all diagnosed as children; I was 10, my brothers were 9 or 10 when they were diagnosed. I was the only one who wore a brace, my brothers were monitored. I and in my cousin’s family, 3 of 4 girls were diagnosed. All 3 of my cousins wore braces. I am the only one who had a spinal fusion. My paternal grandmother also had a small curve.

I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was about 5 years old. (It was hereditary.) I wore a brace faithfully every day and night. However, the C curve turned into an S and continued to get worse. I had surgery when I was 12. They inserted what I believe was called a Harrington rod. It begins at the middle of my neck and ends just above my hips. They took pieces of my hip bone to fuse the rod to my spine, and I was able to wear just my brace for six months after surgery. I have not had any major issues since then. I'm very thankful my mother took care of it right away! I don't think I could handle that kind of surgery at my age now.

My doctor found scoliosis in me about a year ago. I am 73. It makes my left shoulder and breast sag down and can be very painful at times in my back.