Scoliosis Treatment in India

Myra Das is a 16-year-old high...

Myra Das is a 16-year-old high school junior and an aspiring classical dancer. She first noticed a slight unevenness in her shoulders during a dance recital at age 14. Over the next two years, her mother observed a more pronounced curve in her upper back, and Myra began experiencing persistent, dull back pain after long rehearsals. Her pediatrician diagnosed adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and an X-ray revealed a 48-degree thoracic curve that was progressing. A spine surgeon recommended posterior spinal fusion surgery to correct the curve and prevent it from worsening, which would threaten her lung function and dancing future. Myra was terrified the surgery would end her dance dreams. The surgery was successful, correcting her curve to 15 degrees. Her recovery was challenging; she wore a brace for three months and underwent rigorous physical therapy to rebuild her core strength. A year later, with her surgeon's clearance, she returned to modified dance practice. While she can't perform the most extreme backbends, she can dance with grace and without pain. Emotionally, she journeyed from fear and grief over a potential lost future to immense gratitude. She now advocates for early scoliosis screening in her school, feeling stronger and more resilient than ever.