Living with Scoliosis: Life After Surgery (a.k.a. The Time My Spine Got a Makeover)
In 2010, I was 18, fresh out of high school and preparing for one of the biggest decisions of my life: scoliosis surgery. Not exactly the “hot girl summer” I had in mind. The pain leading up to it? Intense. The idea of rods and screws in my back? Terrifying. But honestly? It was the best decision I could’ve made—and the beginning of a whole new chapter in my life.
Recovery wasn’t all roses and recovery smoothies. I had to relearn how to move, sleep, and basically exist in a body that had been literally restructured. But slowly, I found my rhythm. (Spoiler: it involved a lot of naps and a serious appreciation for heating pads.)
Then came the moment. Nine months post-op, my doctor looked at me and said, “You can get back on a horse.”
Cue instant tears. Riding had always been part of my identity, and hearing those words felt like someone handing me a little piece of myself back. It wasn’t just about horses—it was about freedom, strength, and rediscovering joy (and yes, maybe a little saddle soreness).
Now, more than a decade later, I’ve learned a thing or two about living well with scoliosis—and doing it with a little flair. So if you’re in this journey too, here are three things I swear by (very Gal Off Duty-approved, of course):
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1. SPF That Scar, Babe
Your scar is a badge of honor—treat it like VIP skin. I never let mine see the sun without SPF. Why? Because sun = dark, thick, cranky scar tissue. And we don’t want that. A high-SPF lotion keeps it protected and healing like a queen.
Bonus: applying SPF to your back is basically a flexibility test. You’re welcome.
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2. Move Your Body (But Don’t Break It)
I’m not out here training for a triathlon. But movement? Essential. Gentle Pilates, long walks, a little strength work—it keeps things flowing, both physically and mentally. The key? Don’t fight your body. Work with it. Listen to the twinges. Ignore the toxic fitness girlies yelling about “no days off.” Take all the days off you want.
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3. Balance Is Everything
I’ve learned to fuel and move my body with love—not punishment. Extra weight can add stress to the spine post-surgery, so I try to keep things light and supportive. This doesn’t mean kale-only salads and skipping dessert. It means checking in with yourself and aiming to feel good. Because when you feel good in your body, you glow differently.
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Living with scoliosis post-surgery is about grace, strength, and giving yourself room to evolve. It’s not a one-size-fits-all story—but it is yours. And you’re writing it every day.
If you’re in the middle of it, wondering when it gets better: it does. You’re not alone. And you’re a lot stronger (and more flexible in spirit) than you think.
Have you had scoliosis surgery? Thinking about it? Already crushing life post-op? I’d love to hear your story. Comment below or DM me—because no one gets it like someone who’s lived it
