Eliana Bergman

 

About The Curvy Spine

The Curvy Spine tells my story—a true story—about what it was like to grow up with Scoliosis. Each blog post, goes into the details of a specific event in my life. You won’t know what happens next unless you keep reading. Every two weeks (roughly, if I have time), I will post  the next chapter in the story, so it’s important to read the post in order.

Click here to read the lastest post.


 

All Blog Posts

Please read the blogs in order.

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1. The Defining Moment 

Meeting Dr. Gray

2. The day I found out I had scoliosis.

Telling the family

3. Facing the Truth

 

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4. Old Dixie

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5. Mirror Mirror

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6. The Fork in the Road

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7. What the Heck is Wrong With Your Back?

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8. Knowing What to Say


 

About The Author

Thank you for visiting, reading, and following my blog. I am originally from Orlando, Fl, but through a series of very fortunate events, I was given the opportunity to travel around the world on a boat, lived in Switzerland and Sweden, and now I reside in Oakland, CA with my wonderful and extremely supportive husband, Adam.  I was diagnosed with Scoliosis at the age of nine and since that point it has been a whirlwind of events. If I hadn’t gone through all that I’ve been through, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today. Scoliosis gave me the courage to be different, and the strength to pull it off. Please feel free to leave your comments on any post, or send me a message, I love getting mail! For suggested tips and recommendations about Scoliosis follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

 

30 thoughts on “Eliana Bergman

  1. Your life story will make people stronger. Thank you for sharing your personal moments and experiences 🙂

  2. I wanted to thank you for visiting my site and leaving a footprint. My spiritual teacher also suffers from severe scoliosis and has had her spine reinforced with metal rods. Two summers ago she was in a car accident and fractured her neck, which complicated an already fragile system. I so admire her courage… and yours.

    1. Thank you for taking the time to comment on my blog. What a tragic story! One person should really not have to go through that much. But it really is the experiences that we go through that define and make us who we are and we become. It is probably the struggle and strength that she has that makes her such a great spiritual leader. Thank you for sharing her story with me ♥

  3. can’t be easy penning in words such personal thoughts and experiences, thank you for sharing your story 🙂

  4. I know this was posted a while ago but I’m glad to have stumbled upon your site and read this. I’m assuming you had scoliosis surgery – spinal fusion? (From what I can read from my phone >.< ) I also had the surgery. I can't remember the exact placements, but I want to say majority of my thoracic up to L3 😦 no one really understands so I'm glad I found this. How are you doing now? I also saw that you sky dived – was this after the surgery? Something that seemed so unfeasible but something I've always dreamt of! Anyhow I hope all is well for you. Whether you respond or not as I know this was posted a while ago, I'm just glad to have found this and thankful you shared your story. It really helps for me to relate. Thank you

    1. Hi Melissa-

      Sorry for taking FOREVER to respond – I took a LONG break from The Curvy Spine. I did have spinal fusion, twice actually 🙂 I try my hardest to live life and to not let scoliosis get in the way. It’s not always easy to do. Right now I am recuperating from falling down the stairs and it’s taking me forever to feel better. I do acupuncture for pain management and it’s not 100% better but it’s def. a GIANT improvement. How long ago did you have surgery?

  5. I wanted to click a LIKE BUTTON!!!! 🙂 You are awesome! And I am apparently very excitable today! o,O

      1. Oh. Thank you. Glad you clicked a like so I could find you. You have a great style of storytelling. And the video was great. 🙂

  6. Thank you for Liking my post….Keep sharing your story and inspiring others….Wishing you Peace and Light along your Journey 🙂

  7. Thank you for sharing your story and also for following my blog, which enabled me to visit your blog and then be able to read your posts.

    You are certainly providing a perspective of your life and how this was formed due to the car accident and then the following diagnosis relating to scoliosis.

    It is very interesting and informative to hear about how scoliosis as and is changing your life.

    My own daughter who is within the next 2 months of approaching 48 years old as In addition to her severe learning disabilities and multiple physical disabiliies, causing partial paralysis of her right side, she also as progressive scoliosis and arthritis. Due to the learning disabilities from birth and the other mentioned conditions she as, she is not nornally making comments about suffering any pain. This may be due, more than likely that as she as always suffered from some degree of pain, which we have assumed, and she may feel that is ‘so called normal’ and takes it as nothing unusual. So when she does mention pain this must be a very severe pain for which most persons would not be able to contend with.

    So thank you for being so open and in doing so give myself more detailed knowledge that my own daughter may be experiencing.

    I do look forward to hearing more and do congratulate you for being so open about your life and do wish you every success for your future.

    1. Hi Chris-

      I think with every challenge we go through in life, it changes us, forms us, and helps us identify who we truly are. We are not all destined for a difficult paths, but being the support and anchor your daughter needs, I am sure comes with it’s own set of difficulties. Sometimes it’s easier to be the one going through the challenge, then being the one watching. For me, it’s always a struggle to watch anyone I love go through a difficult time. I want to save them, protect them, and change their world. The fact that as spectators we are helpless, and out of control, is not easy. I commend you for the patience and love you must have for your daughter. She is an incredibly lucky woman to have a father like you.
      I will keep her in my prayers. If you ever have any questions about anything, please reach out. I am happy to help in anyway that I can.

  8. Hello there,
    Thank you for following my blog. It was a great honor to me. I am so impressed read your story. I personally pray for your struggle and always be strong 🙂 Thank you and God bless.

  9. As a chiropractic physician, I am sorry your experience with chiropractic care was less than satisfactory. All doctors have limitations with the changes they can assist the body to make. Good doctors have the confidence and experience to recognize these limitations and don’t allow ego to rule their decisions. Chiropractic health is so much larger than just spinal or extremity adjusting. It is a profession that offers the skill and knowledge to help patients balance ALL components necessary for overall healthy living including the physical, mental and emotion aspects. Spinal adjustments address a mechanical dysfunction that can influence the function of all systems regulated by the nervous system. This, correction (when indicated) is still only one aspect in the total picture of health.
    I don’t know the details of your examination findings prior to your 2 surgeries, but certainly hope the results have helped you create a better sense of physical stability to give you a chance to return to a lifestyle of fun and healthy living. Your smile appears genuine and I believe you have many wonderful years ahead of you.
    My blog site talks about health from a different perspective explaining various options that people have rather than “dictating” what people should do. I think you would enjoy the inspiration and motivation it offers. You can find the site at: https://AllAboutHealthyChoices.wordpress.com If, in the future, you ever need an additional opinion regarding healthcare issues, my 20+ years of practice might offer some insight and options you might not be aware of. The more options provided to you, the better the informed decision.
    Wishing you continued success on your journey through life.

    1. Thank you, Dr.Colter –
      I highly recommend chiropractic care for pain relief as it truly did wonders for me in that department. My problem was that my condition was severe and Dr. Gray did not have the integrity he should have had to realize he was not able to help me. I haven’t gone back to a chiropractor since my second surgery. My spinal fusion is extremely significant and I am not sure if much can really be done to help my pain. The surgery only corrected part of the problem but with any surgical intervention other problems have arisen. I’ve been seeing an acupuncturist and before my fall everything was going really well. Now, I am not sure how long it’s going to take to recuperate. I’m really open to trying anything. I just need to get better soon. Being bedridden with extremely limited mobility is really getting to me. Thank you for stopping by and I wish you all the best.

      1. There are techniques that mobilize soft tissue reducing scar tissue and improve range of motion. These techniques do not cavitate the joints. Nimmo Tonus Receptor Technique and Active Release Technique are two such techniques. You would need to consult with a chiropractor you have confidence in; one that should THOROUGHLY, review your case and discuss the findings with you. If he or she believes they can help, they should perform a complete exam to establish a baseline and plan of action with a time frame to Objectively guage progress. Just a possible suggestion to get you up from that bed.

      2. Thank you so much for taking the time to advise me. My acupuncturist gave me a recommendation for a Chiropractor she’s been seeing her entire life and I made an appointment for next Wednesday. Thank you so much! I will keep you posted. Fingers crossed 🙂

      3. If you ever need an independent unbiased opinion as an additional source of information, feel free to contact me.
        Regarding finger crossings: I will continuously cross all my fingers for you (wishing you luck) while attempting to improve my flexibility and dexterity. 😀 (A doctor’s attempt at humor, please excuse me. 🙂 )

      4. HAHA- good luck with that 😉 I will definitely let you know how it goes – it’s really nice of you to offer information and support!

  10. Thank you for dropping by my site. This looks very interesting – it is so important to write about one’s accident, trauma or illness as it aids recovery. I am now following you, but probably won’t get around to reading it all until there is some time on my hands. But do intend to read every bit of it and looking forward to it. I do well at keeping positive, but we cannot all be saints. we can get down sometimes.

    1. Hi Barrett-

      It has helped me tremendously to write down my story. It all happened over 20 years ago, so I often have to put myself in a meditative state and go back to that time period. It makes it easier to really remember the feelings I once had. I appreciate the fact that you stopped by and commented – no pressure whatsoever on reading it – it’s a long story. Thank you so much and I’m sending lots of happy thoughts your way 🙂

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