From School Screening to Success: Alaina’s Scoliosis Story

When 11-year-old Alaina from Humble, Texas, learned she would need to wear a scoliosis brace, her first reaction was anxiety.

“I was nervous about people just noticing it,” Alaina said.

This type of concern is common among children beginning scoliosis treatment. Worries about fitting in at school or standing out from peers can sometimes make it difficult for patients to wear their braces as prescribed. Alaina’s story highlights how early detection and consistent brace wear can help children successfully manage scoliosis while continuing to enjoy the activities they love.

Alaina’s scoliosis was identified through a school-based screening program at her elementary school. The screening ultimately led to a referral to Shriners Children’s Texas, where her care team determined that bracing was necessary. School screenings can play a critical role in identifying scoliosis before a spinal curve becomes more severe. In Alaina’s case, early detection allowed her care providers to start treatment during an important stage of growth.

Once a child receives a brace, however, treatment success depends largely on wearing it as prescribed. “The key is compliance,” said Hannah Zesiger, MS, L/CPO, a certified prosthetist-orthotist at Shriners Children’s Texas. “It’s teamwork between the clinician and the patient and the family to try to make it as comfortable as possible for them to wear.”

Alaina’s prescribed wear time is 18 to 22 hours per day, and she is gradually working towards that goal as she adjusts to the device. One factor that helped ease her concerns is that the brace can be worn under her clothing, making it much less noticeable than she initially feared. After wearing it in public, she realized most people could not even tell she had it on. That reassurance has helped build her confidence and made the adjustment process easier.

Just as important, Alaina has learned that the brace does not prevent her from participating in many of the activities she enjoys. She can still draw, create arts and crafts projects, play with her dog, walk around comfortably, and look forward to participating in sports such as soccer and softball.

Today, Alaina is adapting well to treatment and encouraging others who may be facing the same challenge with wearing a brace.

“Stay brave,” Alaina said. “You’re still able to do whatever you want. Be confident.”