At National Scoliosis Center, we believe that treating scoliosis means supporting the whole person. We’ve curated these resources to help you find community, confidence, and the tools you need for a successful journey.
Support
Success Stories: Real stories from real people. Discover how our patients are living active, empowered lives while navigating their treatment.
Books: We’ve compiled a list of scoliosis books for children, tweens, teens, and families to help you understand bracing and the road ahead. Whether it’s a story for a young child or a guide for parents, knowledge is your best tool.
Girls – Find Your Sisterhood: Connect with Curvy Girls Scoliosis, a global peer-support network where girls navigate the challenges of scoliosis together. Through monthly meetings, mentorship, and invaluable fashion tips for bracing, Curvy Girls ensures no one walks this path alone. We also recommend their Biennial International Convention and Fashion Show, a high-energy event designed to build self-esteem and advocate for scoliosis awareness.
Boys – You Are Not Alone: While scoliosis is often discussed in relation to girls, many boys go through treatment too. We have a strong community of “Scoli-Boys” who have successfully navigated bracing. Contact our Fairfax, Baltimore or Houston offices—we are happy to connect you with other boys and families who can share their experiences.
Higgy Bears: A Friend Who Understands: For our younger patients, Higgy Bears provides customized therapeutic teddy bears featuring matching braces. These “mini-me” companions offer emotional comfort and reduce anxiety during the bracing or surgical process. Higgy Bears also hosts Higgy Con, a dedicated event where children and teens can build lasting friendships.
Scolios-us: This is a web-based platform created to empower scoliosis patients with the tools they need to be successful brace-wearers. From “Brace Hacks” to personal tips, it is an excellent digital companion for your treatment.
Lifestyle & Practical Tips: We also invite you to search our website for other resources on going to school, fashion, brace cleaning, and more.
Fashion Tips
Here are a few fashion tips to discreetly wear your brace:
Use Patterns – Patterns will busy the eye to make the lines of the brace less noticeable
Wear loose-fitting clothing – Loose-fitting tops can conceal the piece
Layer clothing – Typically, this is done by wearing a form-fitting tank and a loose shirt or sweater over it
Draw attention to other areas – Necklaces, cool shoes, or a shiny pair of earrings can draw the eye away from the torso
Longer hair – The most visible part of the brace is the top edge, rear view. Having longer hair can either completely hide or soften the edge.
Information
Medline Plus: Helpful links with easy-to-read descriptions and definitions.
Scoliosis Research Society: Good source of basic information.
National Scoliosis Foundation: General information on scoliosis.
The Center for Young Women’s Health: Good resource for young girls.
Setting Scoliosis Straight: Dedicated to pediatric spine research, scoliosis education & awareness, and improving treatment for children living with spinal disorders worldwide.
Scolios-us: a web-based platform intended to empower scoliosis patients with the tools and resources they need to be successful brace-wearers.
Schroth DC: Located within our Fairfax, Virginia office suite, Schroth DC offers specialized (scoliosis-specific) physical therapy. Their website is a wealth of knowledge, featuring numerous blog articles on how physical therapy integrates with scoliosis treatment to improve patient outcomes.
Scoliosis Bracing: Everything You Wanted to Know: Luke’s Interview with Dr. Derek Lee, host of Scoliosis Spine Surgeon Interviews (he has many great interviews with scoliosis professionals).
Scoliosis Insights: Learn more about scoliosis from our experts and colleagues.
Out-of-Town Patients
Our patients come from all over the United States, Canada, and sometimes further. To ensure patients experience a smooth and enjoyable visit, we utilize special procedures to accommodate traveling families. These include a condensed appointment schedule, assistance with lodging, and ongoing communication with your referring doctor back home. To learn more, visit our Out-of-Town Patients page.