Emotional support for those with scoliosis & chronic back pain

My name is Viv. I am a Registered Counsellor and Professional Coach and I live with severe scoliosis and chronic back pain.

Even though my scoliosis was diagnosed as a teenager, 2022 was the year I truly met my spine and came to terms not only with the physical aspects of the condition but also the emotional dimension which I had pushed aside.

Scoliosis and chronic back pain can be life-challenging conditions. From personal experience of living with advanced scoliosis, I know that it takes up a lot of head space, with much time spent worrying about everything from Cobb angles, sleeping positions and what to wear in order to make the condition less visible, to the best treatment approach and future impacts.

While there are many physical therapy options for people living with scoliosis and chronic back pain, there’s not a lot of attention paid to the emotional aspects. At each stage of the scoliosis journey there are unique emotional challenges. Our mental health can be impacted by diagnosis, the anxiety we encounter with decision-making, challenges with body image, worry about the progressive nature of the condition and our fears for the future. I aim to normalise the psychological effects of scoliosis and help you focus on your mind as well as your spine.