Scoliosis is a spinal condition where the spine possesses an abnormal curvature. The curvature is mainly lateral which means it turns to the side and sometimes takes a C or S shape. This spinal malformation results in several symptoms like pain, uneven hips or shoulders and muscle spasms. There are many famous people with scoliosis across the world. It is classified into several types based on the cause and curvature degree.
One of the most common types of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis whose origin is not known. Then there is congenital scoliosis which is caused because of vertebral malformation at birth and neuromuscular scoliosis which is caused because of any neurological or muscular disorder.
Treatment includes several methods like bracing, surgery and observation based on the severity of the spine curvature. Scoliosis is a common condition affecting people of all ages, even though it is common in adolescents and children. Let’s learn about some famous people with scoliosis.
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7 famous people with scoliosis
When we hear about some famous people with scoliosis and how they overcome the difficulties and are living full lives, it helps in adding some hope to live a good life. These narratives are specifically helpful for caregivers, parents or friends of those who got diagnosed with scoliosis. Right from athletes to musicians and actors, several people are living a happy life despite suffering from scoliosis.
Let’s learn about seven famous people with scoliosis.
1. Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham, a talented actress and writer was diagnosed with scoliosis at a very young age. Scoliosis causes lateral curvature of your spine which leads to several abnormalities physically and aesthetically. With Lena Dunham, scoliosis causes substantial spine deviation that results in a noticeable unevenness in her torso. Irrespective of this condition, she didn’t allow her condition to hinder her professional quests and achieved huge success in her career as an actress, producer, writer and director.
Dunham never hesitated to voice her condition and utilized her platform to raise awareness of scoliosis and how important it is to detect it early and treat it. She also shared with the world her own experience with the condition which also includes undergoing surgery to correct the spinal curvature. It is highly commendable how the eminent actress and writer Lena Dunham overcame the physical challenges caused by scoliosis and how she was an inspiration for so many people.
2. Adam Levin
Adam Levine who is an accomplished musician and a leading singer of the band Maroon 5, is suffering from scoliosis causing spinal curvature. This condition manifests in several ways which include asymmetry of the rib cage, shoulder and hips along with chronic pain and less movement. With Adam Levine, scoliosis leads to substantial spine deviation which causes torso asymmetry. But with this condition also he kept his professional life unaffected, achieving great success being a musician, selling records across the world and winning many awards.
Adam Levine, despite all physical limitations because of scoliosis has been able to sustain itself in his competitive industry. His consistency and full dedication to his work, act as a testament to his determination and flexibility.
Moreover, Levine shared his condition and made use of the platform to raise awareness about scoliosis and the significance of early detection and treatment. He also speaks about the difficulties he faced because of the condition and how he learned to manage it thereby bringing in a novel perspective to the whole scenario.
3. Princess Eugenie
Princess Eugenie is counted among the famous people with scoliosis, a medical condition where her spine is curved sideways at the mere age of 12. An operation for correcting it resulted in a long spine prominent from the nape of her neck towards downwards and recently, she didn’t hesitate to show it off. During Global Scoliosis Awareness Day celebrations, a clear picture of her scare was shared on Instagram. Her goal is to encourage all who are going through the same situation. She also wrote “Let’s be proud of our scars”
4. Shailene Woodley
Shailene Woodley is a gorgeous and talented actress who performed in the Divergent Trilogy and The Fault in our Stars also got diagnosed with scoliosis when she was just 15. It was her friend who observed that her back looked a little weird for which she went to a doctor. She found out that she had a 38-degree spinal curvature. But by that time her growing age was still there, so she put on a back brace till she stopped growing and thus her scoliosis became better. At age 24, her career also started blooming.
5. Martha Hunt
You might not have heard about this person, but you might have seen her in some of the fashion advertisements. She worked as a model for Victoria’s Secret Angel and Free People. She did not have scoliosis until; the age of 17 and thus it became too late for braces. So, she underwent surgery on her spine which changed her life. At present, the model does Pilates and some strength training exercises to keep her core and back strong.
6. Yo-Yo Ma
A highly talented musician and the best soloist in the world, Yo-Yo-Ma was diagnosed with scoliosis when he was only 25 years old. He underwent surgery to correct the curvature but as technology was not so advanced then the surgery was very risky. But luckily he lives on and continues playing enchanting music.
7. Elizabeth Taylor
An iconic actress, humanitarian and businesswoman who was seen in movies such as Cleopatra, Lassie Come Home, and National Velvet. She was born with scoliosis and suffered a lot of pain from the disease because her spine curved abnormally.
Few other famous people with scoliosis
- Chloe Sevigny
- Lourdes Leon
- Liza Minnelli
- Laura Dern
- Sarah Michelle Gellar
Conclusion
It is not easy to accept when someone gets diagnosed with an irreversible progressing spinal condition, but it should not be a complete game changer. People with scoliosis can easily live fulfilled and energetic lives. Rather, they need to remain active to manage their condition well. There are several misconceptions about scoliosis and the most prevailing is that it makes you weak and you cannot participate in any activities. If it is so, then how did these famous people with scoliosis become famous despite the condition?