Moderate scoliosis in the army?

[Pality4850]

Hi, I’ve seen many threads about scoliosis here, from 15-26 degrees I’ve read about. But as a 15 year old planning to enroll in a year or two to my local reserve, I have a 42 degree curve. It sounds like a large curve, and it is, but it’s not enough for surgery and is almost completely asymptomatic. When I was first diagnosed I had some pains and significant posture issues but after around 4 years of physiotherapy and bracing, I have experienced no worsening of my curve and no pain anymore. My posture is a lot better and you can only really see the rotation if I bend over. It doesn’t interfere with sports or exercise, and I’m sure by the time I’m going to enroll, I’ll be able to fulfill the standard requirements and more. The only thing is that my curvature is way beyond what would be waved. Will I be able to enroll at all?

 

[PuckChaser]

Have you put on a 50lb backpack and walked on uneven ground for a couple KMs? That'll tell you right there if you'll be able to handle life in the Army.

 

[medicineman]

I doubt anyone will say "Yea" or "Nay" online to you, and since I used to work Recruiting as medical, I won't either. Your case will have to be looked at on an individual basis - in my younger days, they might have said "Nay" outright. Will have to depend on opinions of likelihood of deterioration over time, how well you can handle wearing/carrying a loaded ruck for prolonged periods, etc that are provided by your physios and spine surgeon and if you'll have to continue wearing a corrective brace. That is a fairly wicked curve though...