Forums > Model Colloquy > Models with scoliosis?

Photographer

Lex Machina

Posts: 47

London, England, United Kingdom

This was sparked by a conversation with a photographer friend of mine over this amazing image of Louis A. Sayre, MD, with a Woman in a Suspension Device for Treating Scoliosis, London, 1877

http://lexmachina.tumblr.com/post/33956 … a-woman-in

    (From A Morning’s Work: Medical Photographs from the Burns Archive & Collection, 1843-1939, photographer unknown)

I did a search and found a number of mentions of this, but not a comprehensive thread, and I've known quite a few models diagnosed with scoliosis.

Are there any studies on the subject of models with scoliosis anywhere? Any statistics?

Obviously this is not a formal study, but purely for the sake of curiosity, who here on MM has scoliosis?

Jan 19 10 11:47 am Link

Photographer

RGK Photography

Posts: 4695

Wilton, Connecticut, US

I do, but not that bad

Jan 19 10 11:48 am Link

Model

Mara Cirezaru

Posts: 239

Minneapolis, Minnesota, US

I do! I wore a back brace for a couple of years to keep the curves (I have 2) from getting worse.

Jan 19 10 11:48 am Link

Photographer

IrishOne

Posts: 989

Dallas, Texas, US

Don't know why I didn't think of this shoot .. lol I had a slight case then broke my back at age 14 so now I have 4 inches lost to it. I should be 6'4" or says the docs.

Jan 19 10 11:50 am Link

Model

YvonneEmilie

Posts: 3641

Brooklyn, New York, US

I have vey slight scoliosis.  But its never been bad enough for me to experience any symptoms or have to get treatment. It may be one of those things that I'll have to get treatment for later on, but so far I've been lucky.

Jan 19 10 11:53 am Link

Model

StarDoll

Posts: 4524

Pulaski, Virginia, US

Me, unfortunately.

Jan 19 10 12:04 pm Link

Photographer

Ken Marcus Studios

Posts: 9421

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Liquify can eliminate Scoliosis

Jan 19 10 12:07 pm Link

Photographer

Ken Marcus Studios

Posts: 9421

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

double post

Jan 19 10 12:08 pm Link

Model

Kitty LaRose

Posts: 12735

Kansas City, Missouri, US

I have scoliosis, but barely. Instead of the normal 10 degree curve in the spine, I have a 12 degree. Like I said, barely, but definitely noticeable when jumping on a trampoline smile

Jan 19 10 12:10 pm Link

Model

Angele Fonce

Posts: 5157

Dayton, Ohio, US

I do but just barely..never had a complaint about it.

Jan 19 10 12:20 pm Link

Model

V.x.V

Posts: 312

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

I do not have scoliosis (thankfully), however, I do have some interesting observations in the SPINE.

Several times, I have done topless shoots, and have been very annoyed because one boob seems to sit higher up than my other one--and I have VERY good posture.

Then my boyfriend said "It's not your boobs that are uneven; it's that your spine is not perfectly straight, and your shoulders are out of alignment." While almost NO ONE has a perfectly aligned spine, semi-regular chiropractic treatment can help with this...(spinal alignment also takes care of seemingly one arm or leg shorter than the other, etc.)

I gotsta go find me a back cracker.

Jan 19 10 12:24 pm Link

Model

V.x.V

Posts: 312

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

j u s t k a t r i n a wrote:
I have scoliosis, but barely. Instead of the normal 10 degree curve in the spine, I have a 12 degree. Like I said, barely, but definitely noticeable when jumping on a trampoline smile

I don't mean this any mean way at all wink
I think EVERYONE has a little scoliosis. All that means is that, it takes REaLLY regular chiropractic work to keep your spine in alignment.

Especially for models, since we're all getting twisty and turny all the time! smile

Jan 19 10 12:26 pm Link

Photographer

JEBKA Photography

Posts: 3974

Firestone, Colorado, US

My wife's back looks like the letter S

You aren't gonna fix that with a chiropractor

Jan 19 10 12:27 pm Link

Model

Jennifer Barker

Posts: 8010

Houston, Arkansas, US

I have a touch .. cannot arch my back ..

Jan 19 10 12:38 pm Link

Model

GQ The Couture Model

Posts: 320

Seattle, Washington, US

I have it.You just learn to live with it.

Jan 19 10 01:19 pm Link

Model

Kitty LaRose

Posts: 12735

Kansas City, Missouri, US

Vixxa Violet wrote:

I don't mean this any mean way at all wink
I think EVERYONE has a little scoliosis. All that means is that, it takes REaLLY regular chiropractic work to keep your spine in alignment.

Especially for models, since we're all getting twisty and turny all the time! smile

Agreed. I have to go in for annual checkups with my chiropractor to make sure everything's good. But naturally, my spine will never go back to the natural 10 degree curve. My left shoulder will always been noticeably higher than my right; and if I slack on my posture, it will get worse.  smile

Jan 19 10 01:46 pm Link

Model

Kitty LaRose

Posts: 12735

Kansas City, Missouri, US

JEBKA Photography wrote:
My wife's back looks like the letter S

You aren't gonna fix that with a chiropractor

hmm My cousin has that same thing going on. Major ouch-ness just looking at it. hmm

Jan 19 10 01:46 pm Link

Model

Kate Eaton

Posts: 173

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I have scoliosis.
It is a good icebreaker with people on set who see your naked back.

Jan 19 10 02:01 pm Link

Photographer

Matt Palmer AUS

Posts: 184

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Nearly everyone has it, just to varying degrees. It's incredibly normal unless it becomes too extreme.

Jan 19 10 02:04 pm Link

Photographer

JEBKA Photography

Posts: 3974

Firestone, Colorado, US

Katherynne R wrote:
I have scoliosis.
It is a good icebreaker with people on set who see your naked back.

So used to seeing it with my wife that I probably wouldn't notice unless I was taking a picture of your back  big_smile

Jan 19 10 02:05 pm Link

Model

StarDoll

Posts: 4524

Pulaski, Virginia, US

Ok Lets Go wrote:
Nearly everyone has it, just to varying degrees. It's incredibly normal unless it becomes too extreme.

I don't think natural variation in the curvatures of the spine is really considered scoliosis until it becomes a little "extreme".

Jan 19 10 02:05 pm Link

Photographer

Sian Ashleigh Photo

Posts: 29

Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

She's not on this site but a friend and model of mine had quite bad scholiosis and had to have a metal rod put in her back. You wouldnt know it though, she's quite flexable and despite the scarring very confident with her body as shes done lingerie shoots with me in the past. She's awesome smile

Jan 19 10 02:06 pm Link

Photographer

ElevatedImages

Posts: 283

Denver, Colorado, US

j u s t k a t r i n a wrote:
I have scoliosis, but barely. Instead of the normal 10 degree curve in the spine, I have a 12 degree. Like I said, barely, but definitely noticeable when jumping on a trampoline smile

Looks to work to your advantage!!! At least from a modeling standpoint.

Jan 19 10 02:13 pm Link

Model

JessicaHeidi

Posts: 92

San Diego, California, US

I have it...

Jan 19 10 02:22 pm Link

Model

LLM

Posts: 220

Eugene, Oregon, US

I have scoliosis pretty bad. *shrugs*

Jan 19 10 02:51 pm Link

Model

Alex_B

Posts: 52

New York, New York, US

I have scoliosis pretty bad. Chronic pain and all that jazz. I use gravity boots to help straighten it. The Doc says it will also help me gain back an inch or two that I've lost due to this condition. And that will always help a working model! smile

Jan 19 10 10:09 pm Link

Model

Fifi

Posts: 58134

Gainesville, Florida, US

I had severe scoliosis. With intense physical therapy (where they manually realigned my spine), I went from 22 degrees to 0 and added 3 inches onto my height. I had an S-Shaped curve with a lack of curvature of the neck.


I have been recovering for about 7 months... and I am happy with the results. I know it's not a permanent fix, but I didn't want to have to surgery because after, I'd have to quit dancing and possibly modeling. I am now able to exercise normally, my overall pain has lessened (I still have chronic pain from my Fibromyalgia), and I no longer walk with a cane.

Jan 19 10 10:35 pm Link

Model

StarDoll

Posts: 4524

Pulaski, Virginia, US

Alex_B wrote:
I have scoliosis pretty bad. Chronic pain and all that jazz. I use gravity boots to help straighten it. The Doc says it will also help me gain back an inch or two that I've lost due to this condition. And that will always help a working model! smile

What are these gravity boots you speak of?

Jan 20 10 05:39 pm Link

Model

StarDoll

Posts: 4524

Pulaski, Virginia, US

Fifi wrote:
I had severe scoliosis. With intense physical therapy (where they manually realigned my spine), I went from 22 degrees to 0 and added 3 inches onto my height. I had an S-Shaped curve with a lack of curvature of the neck.


I have been recovering for about 7 months... and I am happy with the results. I know it's not a permanent fix, but I didn't want to have to surgery because after, I'd have to quit dancing and possibly modeling. I am now able to exercise normally, my overall pain has lessened (I still have chronic pain from my Fibromyalgia), and I no longer walk with a cane.

They can manually realign your spine?
   Is this an option fo rthe average person with scoliosis and is it very painful and/or debiliating?

   I never knew that there were options for treatment other than surgery (and I wore a brace at night when I was younger) and I am sick of pain.

Jan 20 10 05:40 pm Link

Model

Abby Hawkins

Posts: 2004

Boston, Massachusetts, US

I have lower-back scoliosis.  Thankfully mild.  But enough to make my back tighten up and be in pain on a way-too-common basis.
Almost every girl I know who is tall has it in some form.

Jan 20 10 05:43 pm Link

Model

Cayla Parker

Posts: 218

Astoria, New York, US

I have it- very badly actually. I can't do straight on images because it's so obvious one of my hips is uneven with the other, and shifting the other out and trying to compensate puts me in agony. I'm on anti inflamatory meds but it barely helps- I've tried physical therapy with no help either. I REFUSE to get surgery (ive heard horror stories, and recovery is ridiculous) , I just try to take it day by day really and not let it stop me. I'm a dancer and totally in love with dancing, as you can see in my port- did I pay for it immensely for each of those shoots? You better believe it. Is it worth it to me? Absolutely. What did help me was yoga + pilates- strengthening my back and stretching/making myself more flexible is the only thing that has even made somewhat of a difference. I hope this proves to all the models dealing with scholiosis it's totally possible to do all the crazy poses, and be ok smile I'd also love to hear more about those boots!!

Jan 20 10 07:17 pm Link

Model

JasmineBowen

Posts: 485

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

I do, very badly. 30 degree curve in my neck, 45 degree curve in middle of the back, 30 degree curve at the bottem of my back, left leaning (as in going to affect the heart) and getting worse every time they xray it. I'm waiting for an MRI on April 22, to see the fine details and decide when surgery will be. Hips and shoulders uneven, and only a large bone frame to hide it (but not for long)

Surgery will mostly likley end my career as a glamour model (Don't say 'but just turn your back'...you all know it's hard enough to get work being scar and tatoo free, imagine it with a 3 foot long scar down your back), and cut most other types of modeling again. I don't mind. It means I can focous more on acting again...but acting too, will be limited with a scar like that.

It's a life changing surgery and I have to figure out what I'll do with my life if I can no longer support myself with acting/modeling. I have a few plans though

Jan 21 10 04:08 pm Link

Photographer

A_Nova_Photography

Posts: 8652

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, US

Ken Marcus Studios wrote:
Liquify can eliminate Scoliosis

Been there, done that.... I also posed her to lessen the difference in her hips.

Jan 21 10 05:58 pm Link

Model

StarDoll

Posts: 4524

Pulaski, Virginia, US

JasmineBowen wrote:
I do, very badly. 30 degree curve in my neck, 45 degree curve in middle of the back, 30 degree curve at the bottem of my back, left leaning (as in going to affect the heart) and getting worse every time they xray it. I'm waiting for an MRI on April 22, to see the fine details and decide when surgery will be. Hips and shoulders uneven, and only a large bone frame to hide it (but not for long)

Surgery will mostly likley end my career as a glamour model (Don't say 'but just turn your back'...you all know it's hard enough to get work being scar and tatoo free, imagine it with a 3 foot long scar down your back), and cut most other types of modeling again. I don't mind. It means I can focous more on acting again...but acting too, will be limited with a scar like that.

It's a life changing surgery and I have to figure out what I'll do with my life if I can no longer support myself with acting/modeling. I have a few plans though

I'm sorry to hear this.  sad
   I am so grateful that I don't have it that severely.
   I hope that your surgery and recovery go well.

Jan 21 10 06:17 pm Link

Model

Zay Vassar

Posts: 31

Syracuse, New York, US

I never knew i had it until i saw a photo of my back...then, official diagnosis came after.

Jan 21 10 06:21 pm Link

Model

Deena Lynell

Posts: 57

Saint Paul, Minnesota, US

I have scoliosis and a sweet-looking surgical scar to show for it. However, I'm insecure about the way the disorder has deformed my torso and prevented it from growing longer during my teen years. I had a brace, but didn't wear it often for aesthetic purposes - the thing went up to my neck. I eventually opted for surgery at age 18, but much of the damage had already been done and not all of it was reversible. Pre-surgery, the curves in my spine were around 45 and 55. It was pretty bad. It still is, but better and I experience less back pain.

Jan 21 10 10:03 pm Link

Photographer

RGK Photography

Posts: 4695

Wilton, Connecticut, US

Vixxa Violet wrote:
I don't mean this any mean way at all wink
I think EVERYONE has a little scoliosis. All that means is that, it takes REaLLY regular chiropractic work to keep your spine in alignment.

Especially for models, since we're all getting twisty and turny all the time! smile

Ok..Sorry, but Chiro can't fix it.

Jan 21 10 10:10 pm Link

Model

StarDoll

Posts: 4524

Pulaski, Virginia, US

RGK Photography wrote:

Ok..Sorry, but Chiro can't fix it.

That's right, it can't.  (Although that would be sweet if it could.)

Vixxa Violet wrote:
I do not have scoliosis (thankfully), however, I do have some interesting innacurate observations in the SPINE.

Jan 22 10 09:06 am Link

Model

TJJ2021

Posts: 592

Asbury Park, New Jersey, US

I do! I wear a lift in my shoe that obviously needs to be taken out for certain heels. Made me sooo self-conscious during my first runway show. Most people I work with say they'd never notice, but of course I do! I still try to push my poses, even if it's hard for my body to bend that way!

Jan 22 10 09:08 am Link

Model

Jessyka Ann

Posts: 10660

Hyannis, Massachusetts, US

Mara Adriana wrote:
I do! I wore a back brace for a couple of years to keep the curves (I have 2) from getting worse.

How do you know if you have it?

Jan 22 10 09:34 am Link