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Jobs for people with scoliosis

Banner feature Jobs for people with scoliosis
Jobs for people with scoliosis

Finding work while managing scoliosis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. 

With the right support behind you, it’s possible to find a role that works with your body, not against it.

Get support

Discover job options that feel right for you

Around 3 in every 1,000 children are diagnosed with scoliosis that requires medical treatment. 

While scoliosis is often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, many adults are affected, either due to a curve that developed earlier in life or one that appears later due to aging or deterioration.

It is a condition that can range from mild to more complex, often impacting posture, movement, or physical endurance. 

When it comes to finding work, this can sometimes make the process feel a bit more complicated.

From dealing with long periods of sitting or standing to navigating physically demanding tasks, it’s okay if job searching feels daunting at times. 

But with the right support, it’s possible to find work that suits your strengths and feels more manageable daily. 

At APM, we help people explore job options that match their individual abilities, routines and comfort levels. 

Whether you're ready to get into work now or you're taking things step by step, we’re here to support you.

Finding the right job while living with scoliosis can help you:

  • Grow your confidence with support behind you
  • Build a routine that works with your health and lifestyle
  • Feel more independent and in control of your future
  • Work in spaces that support your physical needs
  • Make a meaningful contribution in a way that works for you

Below, you'll find practical tips to help you recognise your strengths, think about your ideal work environment, and explore job options that align with your needs.

There is a job out there for you, and we’re here to help you take the next step.

Get support

What to look for in a job when you’re living with scoliosis 

Living with scoliosis can affect how you experience certain tasks, routines, and environments at work. 

Whether you're managing discomfort, mobility challenges, or fatigue, finding the right job is still possible, especially when your needs are understood and supported.

The right job should help you protect your physical health, build on your strengths, and offer the flexibility to manage symptoms when they flare up.

Because scoliosis impacts everyone differently, it helps to think about what you need to feel comfortable and capable at work. Below are a few helpful questions to guide your job search and narrow down options that work for you.

What kind of environment supports my physical comfort?

You may feel better in a role where you can move around throughout the day, or one that allows you to sit in an ergonomic chair with proper back support. 

Workspaces that allow for adjustable desks, regular breaks, or hybrid/remote options can also help you manage pain and fatigue more easily.

How much movement or physical activity feels manageable?

Jobs that require heavy lifting, standing for long periods, or repetitive bending might not be ideal, depending on your needs. 

Consider roles that offer a balance, like seated tasks with the option to stretch or walk when needed. It’s about finding a rhythm that helps you stay comfortable and avoid strain.

What kind of routine helps me feel at my best?

Some people living with scoliosis find that energy levels vary from day to day. 

If that’s true for you, roles with flexible hours or predictable routines can help you plan ahead and pace yourself. 

Working in an understanding team or with supportive management can also make a big difference when you need time to rest or attend appointments.

Job ideas for people living with scoliosis

When you're living with scoliosis, the right job can help you manage your comfort, protect your health, and support your overall wellbeing.

You might prefer roles that offer ergonomic workspaces, flexibility in hours or location, or the ability to pace yourself throughout the day.

Thinking about your strengths and how your body feels during different types of tasks can open the door to new possibilities. You may be able to apply your existing skills in a role or industry that’s better suited to your physical needs.

If you’re unsure where to begin, our Employment Consultants can support you in finding job options that align with your health, goals, and interests. Register now to access tailored employment support and advice.

Here are some job ideas for people living with scoliosis:

Job ideas for people living with scoliosis

* Please note these job suggestions may not be suitable for everyone with anxiety. These job suggestions may suit some people depending on their circumstances, including, but not limited to, their current experience with anxiety.

Jobs with flexible hours or locations

These roles can offer more control over your daily routine, which can help you manage fatigue, pain flare-ups, or medical appointments without added stress.

Some examples include:

  • Virtual assistant
  • Freelance writer or editor
  • Graphic designer
  • Online tutor or trainer
  • Web designer or developer
  • IT support or remote tech roles
  • Digital marketing or social media coordinator
  • Self-employed creative or business owner

Remote and freelance roles often allow you to create your own ergonomic workspace and work when you feel most comfortable.


Jobs with low physical demands

If standing for long periods, lifting, or repetitive bending is challenging, consider jobs with seated tasks, predictable routines, and supportive environments.

Examples may include:

  • Administration assistant
  • Records or document officer
  • Library assistant
  • Customer service (remote or desk-based)
  • Data entry clerk
  • Receptionist
  • Scheduler or dispatcher
  • Bookkeeper or finance assistant

These roles often involve low-impact tasks and can offer opportunities for part-time or hybrid work arrangements.


Jobs that build on your experience in new ways

If you’ve worked in a more physically demanding role before, you might be able to pivot into a new job that still uses your knowledge — but with less physical strain.

For example:

  • Project manager or coordinator
  • Industry trainer or mentor
  • Teacher or education assistant
  • Counsellor or support worker
  • Mindfulness coach or wellbeing facilitator
  • Sales consultant (with flexible hours or remote options)
  • Administrative or advisory roles in your previous industry
Get support

Support available through Inclusive Employment Australia 

If you’re living with a disability, injury, or health condition, you don’t have to navigate your employment journey alone. Support is available to help you take the next step, at a pace that feels right for you.

If you're eligible for the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program, APM can support you in finding and keeping meaningful work.

Inclusive Employment Australia is a government-funded initiative, and it’s free for eligible participants.

Whether you’re just starting, returning to work after some time away, or looking for support to stay in your current role, APM is here to help. 

We’ll take the time to understand your situation and work with you to create a plan that matches your strengths, goals, and needs.

With Inclusive Employment Australia, you may be able to access:

  • Personalised job advice aligned to your goals
  • Help finding opportunities that suit your needs
  • Support with writing resumes and preparing for interviews
  • Access to training, courses, or skill-building options
  • Workplace assessments and practical recommendations
  • Assistance with job adjustments or flexible work arrangements
Get support
An APM employee in a black polo smiles in conversation with a DES participant

Start your journey

Curious about what’s possible? Sign up today to check your eligibility for Inclusive Employment Australia with APM.

Find out more

Finding work that supports your health and goals

A personalised plan to help you feel job-ready

At APM, we help people living with scoliosis find work that fits their strengths, preferences, and physical wellbeing. Here’s how we can help:

Recognising your strengths

  • Your strengths come from more than just past jobs, they often come from how you’ve adapted to life’s challenges. Living with scoliosis may have helped you develop resilience, patience, organisation, or attention to detail, all of which can be valuable in many different roles.

  • We know it’s not always easy to recognise your own abilities. That’s why we take the time to understand what you’re good at and explore job options that feel both achievable and meaningful.

Finding work that fits your support needs

  • Discover job options that suit your physical comfort and daily routine
  • Create a tailored plan to support your job search, applications, and interviews
  • Get help speaking to employers about flexible hours, hybrid work, or adjustments
  • Identify tools, equipment, or changes that can make your workday more comfortable
  • Plan the right supports to help you settle into a new role

3 steps to help you feel ready for work

Step one

Register with APM to see if you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia.

It’s a simple way to start exploring job options that take your physical comfort and support needs into account.

artwork of a job seeker registering for DES with APM
Step two

Meet with an APM employment consultant who listens and understands.

We’ll talk about your experience living with scoliosis, what helps you feel comfortable at work, and the kind of roles that align with your strengths and goals.

IEA consultant with client
Step three

Get personalised support to move forward at your own pace. 

You’ll explore job ideas, grow your confidence, and take practical steps toward a role that works for your lifestyle and wellbeing.

DES0029__Stage-3

A success story from someone with scoliosis

“I definitely feel like I’ve been given a role which is suitable to my ability rather than my disability.”


Video transcript | More success stories

Keeping you supported in the workplace

Ongoing support to help you feel more confident at work

Starting a new job is a big step, and we’re here to support you well beyond your first day.

At APM, we work with you and your employer to help create a workplace that supports your physical comfort and overall wellbeing. 

This might include flexible start times, ergonomic workstations, or routines that allow you to move or rest when needed.

Depending on your role and what works best for you, we can provide on-the-job support, practical coaching, and advice on any workplace adjustments that make your day-to-day easier.

We also help employers understand how scoliosis may impact your work and guide them to create inclusive, supportive environments with the right flexibility in place.

If you need ongoing or longer-term support, we’ll help build a plan that works for you, so you can feel confident, comfortable, and capable at work.

Our goal is to support you in building a meaningful, sustainable career with the tools and understanding you need to succeed.

Ongoing support is a feature of Inclusive Employment Australia
Register now

Other advice and resources that may help you find a job

Scoliosis symptoms and how to know if you have it

With the right support and adjustments, many people with scoliosis lead fulfilling lives, personally and professionally.

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Scoliosis symptoms and how to know if you have it
How to help someone living with scoliosis

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.

Read more

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What is scoliosis? Everything you need to know about this spine condition

Explore the symptoms, types, and causes of scoliosis, along with the treatment options and support available.

Read more

What is scoliosis? Explore this guide

About this article

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

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au