The Scoliosis Playlist

How Music Helped Me Through Scoliosis

I am not a musician. Always wanted to be… but those cards were not in my deck.

However, I have always loved immersing myself in wide-ranging musical styles. Getting lost in a new jam or singing along to a song that just fits the mood… it’s pure magic.

While my enjoyment of music as a young child was purely for funsies, it took quite a new meaning in the years following a life-altering scoliosis diagnosis. Gradually, I sought new music, new artists, new perspectives, new sounds. Anything was on the table to spin at least once. Didn’t like it? Next. Friends’ CD collections, uncles’ dusty records, the library’s stacks, the internet… any source of music had my attention.

Reconciling the million feelings of processing a medical diagnosis is not an easy task. Especially if you are provided with zero alternative guidance. Music gave me more guidance than I ever realized: I realized that other peoples’ lyrics (we love words here!) spoke about their own challenges and triumphs. Given there are a million styles, artists, and lyrics out there… I began finding those that matched what I felt or what I needed to hear. I built up a library of “audio art” that I could pull from at any time. And believe me, did I need to draw from that collection regularly.

“Weren’t you just disappearing into music and avoiding the problem?” NO.

I was immersing myself in something that actually felt like it understood me. That matched the undercurrents of the inner turmoil that comes with a spine deciding to change shape and direction within your core, with nothing you can about it but bracing to compliance.

I was not avoiding the problem by closing my door, popping in the ole headphones, and not wanting to do anything other than feeling music. Not being anti-social, not being dramatic… just feeling the feels through a chosen form of art. Sometimes those feelings called for some dance moves - and why not? Dancing is therapeutic as well, motion is lotion, and yes I had probably been sitting for too long already. While I can’t call it a “community” as I never ever met those artists in real life, I do consider this all a key part of my Scoli Support System through this saga. Thank you, musicians and lyricists far and wide.

Music was also an immense part of my healing process after spinal fusion surgery. Post-op recovery for this one is painful and difficult. Encouraging words and happy tunes were welcome here. During this chapter, I didn’t have much energy to find any new tunes, but I made sure to load up with new music and familiar faves before the surgery. Some good friends also sent new music and playlists. (Forever grateful to you!)

Once the turmoil of diagnosis, the frustration of bracing, the recovery of surgery (and all of the teenagerhood along with it) passed, music remained by my side. Ever-ready to help me out in a pinch, those songs that got me through those days still get called to bat on some days. And we love them for it. Having been through so much together, it’s like peering back into those days but as an adult - giving a hug to your inner child while that same tune gives you the ever-dependable hug too. Magic.

New songs come out every week. There’s so much to discover! We as a scoliosis community have begun sharing our most spine-friendly, uplifting, strong, dance-y songs… so you know these tried-and-true jams needed their own playlist to support every scoli during tough days and fun days. In the true spirit of Tangled in the Curves, we are collecting everything we collectively know about scoliosis and sharing it to make this journey easier for all of us - past, present, and future.

Without a doubt, I never would have discovered so many artists had it not been for scoliosis. I had this medical quest to go on, and it needed a soundtrack. So thanks for that, I guess, scoliosis.

Other Scoli’s have taken their love of music into the recovery ward in a different way - they saw the benefits of music so deeply, that they studied to become music therapists! Never even knew that was an option when picking out my career… the more you know!

Have more songs to add to The Scoliosis Playlist? Please share! The Playlist is forever growing, and we LOVE that. Use the Contact form on this website, or dm @ thescoliosisbook on Instagram.

PS: You better believe that the entire writing process of Tangled in the Curves: Real Life with Idiopathic Scoliosis was fueled by music.

Note: This blog is based on the author’s experience and opinion only, without any formal medical training. In no way should this blog replace professional medical advice.