June is scoliosis awareness month, an opportunity to spread awareness on this condition which affects millions of people, and often in ways that aren’t immediately visible. For me, scoliosis is not just a medical term, it is a condition I have lived with for the past 8 years. Over this time, I have learnt how to make adaptations in both education and work settings to reduce my discomfort and manage my symptoms.
I was diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at the age of 12, with a thoracic curve of over 50 degrees. To help reduce my pain and prevent potential long-term complications, I underwent major spinal fusion surgery shortly after my diagnosis.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally, often appearing as an “S” or “C” shape. While a healthy spine has a natural curve when viewed from the side, scoliosis causes the spine to also curve when looked at from the front or back.
The symptoms experienced with scoliosis can vary depending on the severity of the curve. I started experiencing significant back pain and stiffness, particularly after walking or sitting for long periods. When I raised my concerns, it was noticed that my left shoulder blade was more prominent than the right, and my shoulders were uneven. In some cases, individuals may also feel muscle fatigue or aching, have a noticeable rib hump or have a difference in hip height. Over time, these symptoms and imbalances can make certain tasks extremely uncomfortable, particularly for those who work at a desk.
Scoliosis can develop at any age, but it most commonly appears during childhood or teenage years, as this is when the body is growing quickly. In a lot of cases of scoliosis, the cause is not known (idiopathic scoliosis), but it can be linked to other conditions, injuries or genetics.
The Link Between Posture and Scoliosis at Work
Posture plays a key role in managing scoliosis and reducing discomfort throughout the workday. Poor posture can place extra strain on the body, leading to muscle tightness, fatigue, and pain – issues that are often more noticeable for people with scoliosis due to the spine’s curve. Sitting with poor desk posture can make back pain worse and, in some cases, may contribute to the progression of the spinal curve, particularly for those who haven’t undergone spinal fusion surgery or who are managing their condition with a brace.
That’s why finding the right ergonomic solutions, such as supportive chairs, adjustable desks, and correct monitor positioning, can make a huge difference in improving comfort, promoting better posture, and protecting spinal health at work.
The Adjustments that I found made a difference at my Workstation:
One of the biggest improvements I found since working has been using an ergonomic, adjustable office chair. It allows me to sit comfortably for longer without putting unnecessary strain on my back. My personal favourite is the Grahl DuoBack Ergonomic Chair, which features two adjustable back pads that move independently. This design helps me sit upright while providing full support across my back, especially important for me, as my shoulder blade still protrudes slightly following my spinal fusion surgery, but the movement in the back pads accommodates the differences.
Another piece of equipment I highly recommend is a Sit-Stand Height Adjustable Desk. Sitting for extended periods can quickly lead to stiffness and discomfort, so having the option to raise my workstation to a standing height easily allows me to stretch, move, and stay more comfortable throughout the day.
Advice for others with Scoliosis
If one of your team members has scoliosis, I would suggest that a good starting point is to have a workstation assessment done by a qualified assessor. They’ll know what equipment is available and, importantly, what will help.
If you’d like to know more about scoliosis, these articles can also help:
What is Scoliosis? by Scoliosis Support and Research (SSR)
Posture and Positioning by Scoliosis Support and Research (SSR)
If you’d like to find out how a workstation assessment could help you work more comfortably with scoliosis, call us on 0330 332 0880 or email enquiries@posturepeople.co.uk.
