How to help someone living with scoliosis: practical tips for making a positive impact

If you’re looking for ways to be a supportive friend or family member to someone living with scoliosis, this guide provides practical tips to help.

From emotional support to assisting with daily tasks and attending healthcare appointments, these suggestions will empower you to provide meaningful support to your loved one.

Understanding scoliosis and its impact

According to Health Direct, scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally, often diagnosed during adolescence. The most common type is idiopathic scoliosis, meaning there’s no known cause.

The condition can range from mild to severe, potentially leading to discomfort, reduced mobility, and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties.

Living with scoliosis can affect a person's physical and emotional well-being. According to Better Health Channel, along with scoliosis symptoms like neck and back pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue, people may face challenges with body image and self-esteem.

Understanding these challenges will help you provide the right kind of support.

According to CLEAR Scoliosis Institute, here are some practical ways to support someone living with scoliosis:

1. Listen and learn

Start by listening. Everyone's experience with scoliosis is unique.

By actively listening to their specific challenges, you’ll better understand how scoliosis affects their day-to-day life. This insight allows you to offer tailored support.

Encourage open conversations and show genuine interest in how they’re managing their condition. Doing some research into scoliosis will also help you better understand their experiences.

You can learn more about scoliosis in our blog: What is scoliosis? Everything you need to know about this spine condition.

2. Assist with daily tasks

Offering help with tasks that may cause discomfort, like carrying heavy items or household chores, can make a big difference. You might also suggest making simple modifications to their living space to improve comfort, such as adjusting shelf heights.

Always strike a balance between helping and fostering independence. Offer assistance when needed but also encourage them to do what they’re comfortable with on their own.

3. Encourage safe physical activity

Gentle exercise can be beneficial for some people living with scoliosis. Activities like walking, swimming, or those recommended by their healthcare provider can help improve muscle strength and flexibility.

However, it’s important to respect their physical limits and avoid pushing them beyond their comfort zone. You could offer to join them in activities or be a source of motivation, but always let them set the pace.

4. Encourage them to seek professional support

Supporting someone living with scoliosis includes encouraging them to seek help from healthcare professionals when needed. Medical advice can be crucial, especially if their condition worsens.

Additionally, organisations like APM Employment Services can provide valuable support in areas like employment through Disability Employment Services. By guiding them towards these services, you can help them access the resources they need while respecting their independence.

5. Support during medical appointments

If your loved one is comfortable, offer to accompany them to healthcare appointments. Your presence can provide moral support and help make the experience less stressful.

Attending appointments also allows you to assist with note-taking or discussing treatment options, ensuring your loved one feels supported during important healthcare decisions.

6. Be mindful of comfort

Consider ways to enhance your loved one’s comfort, whether at home or in their work environment. Simple adjustments, like using ergonomic furniture or adding supportive cushions, can significantly improve their comfort and wellbeing.

Being thoughtful about their physical needs, even during travel or in everyday situations, can make a real difference.

7. Offer emotional support

Living with scoliosis can be emotionally challenging. Offering emotional support, being there to listen, and providing encouragement can make all the difference. Sometimes, just being present is enough to help someone feel understood and supported.

8. Respect their independence

One of the most important aspects of supporting someone living with scoliosis is respecting their independence. While offering help, it’s essential to recognise their abilities and preferences. Support should be available, but not overwhelming or imposed.

Always encourage open communication so they can express what support they need—and when they prefer to handle things on their own.

Embrace diversity in your support

Remember, scoliosis affects everyone differently. What works for one person may not work for another.

Tailor your support to the individual’s unique needs and always respect their boundaries. Being a supportive friend or family member involves understanding the physical and emotional impacts of scoliosis while providing practical assistance and encouragement.

By following these tips, you can have a positive and lasting impact on your loved one’s experience with scoliosis.

Resources and further reading

• Scoliosis - Health Direct
• Scoliosis - Better Health Channel
• Supporting people with scoliosis - CLEAR Scoliosis Institute

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

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