Rachel Briggs was a 12-year-old gymnast when her doctor first noticed a slight curvature in her spine during a routine physical. Rachel's doctor referred her to an orthopaedic specialist who diagnosed her with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, an abnormal curve in her spine. Over a two-year period, the "C" curve in Rachel's lumbar (lower back) region progressed from 11 degrees to 28 degrees. Rachel's X-rays indicated that she would continue to grow for at least a year, so her doctor began treatment with a brace.

Scoliosis occurs in approximately 2 percent of the population, but the incidence rises to 20 percent if it runs in the family. Although scoliosis can occur at any age, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis generally occurs after age 10. Girls are significantly more likely to experience progression of spinal curvature than boys. Bracing is used for spinal curves between 25 degrees and 45 degrees, like Rachel's case, and helps prevent the curve from worsening. Surgery is usually recommended for curves that have progressed to 50 degrees or higher. Significant curves, left untreated, can cause diminished lung capacity, increased back pain and numerous cosmetic issues.

Now a high school freshman, Rachel is still able to enjoy reading, photography and theatre, but has chosen to no longer participate in gymnastics. "My life is much less spontaneous now that I have to wear the brace. Many of my old clothes don't fit anymore, and even though my actual activities haven't changed much, I feel very restricted. With everything I do, I am aware of the hard plastic brace strapped tightly around me. It sets me apart from everyone else," she admits.

Rachel has received support and encouragement from several classmates at her all-girls school. When she got her brace, she learned that many other girls also had scoliosis and were treated with a brace.

Rachel understands that more research is needed to determine what causes scoliosis and why the curve is more likely to progress in girls than in boys. She feels that understanding the cause could lead to improved prevention efforts, and further research could lead to alternative treatments for the disease. "In this day and age, it is difficult to understand why the only treatments available are waiting, watching, bracing and surgery," Rachel explains.