Oh wow. I’m not really sure how they found the scoliosis; I think my pediatrician did some reason checked my spine and it’s visible if you’re looking. Maybe no one would have found it otherwise, but the curves were considered “severe,” hence the spinal fusion.

I was also very active before I started having symptoms of chronic pain. Apparently that happens a lot when people develop POTS and hypermobility spectrum disorder.

I don’t want to sound crazy, like I’m seeing this everywhere because I recently for a concerned diagnosis 😆 But since you mentioned you’re very flexible, I wonder if you might also have joint hypermobility, and if that might be a contributing factor to your pain, if you have pain in other parts of your body? Scoliosis can often occur with hypermobility. There aren’t many doctors who are experienced recognizing or diagnosing it, though they’d usually have heard of it if you asked. I find that PTs are more aware of it. A PT realized I’m hypermobile and did a Beighton test (they just evaluate how flexible your joints are by observing you try different positions). But it’s harder to diagnose the older we get because we naturally lose flexibility.

If you wanted to read more about it, the EDS society has a straightforward explanation: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-hsd/ You can also view the international diagnostic criteria. I will not be offended if you think that’s over the top lol. It’s just that I would never have known unless someone told me about it.

But for the k-tape, sure I can share a little more. People have different theories, and you know there’s a lot online but I did a deep dive into the research a few years ago, and what they have been able to conclude is that taping helps some people with pain, but not because it’s holding anything in place—the tape is too flexible. They found that even “sham taping,” so not even placing it “correctly,” with proper tension, etc. still gave people relief.

That suggests it’s the sensation or experience of having the tape on that is somehow changing some people’s pain experience. It’s also thought that it can help with safer alignment or posture because if the tape is applied in the ideal position, it can feel weird if you’re out of that position by too much or for a long time.

In my situation, I have central sensitivity (brain becomes very reactive to new things causing increased pain signals). In my particular type, the part of my brain that maintains sensory communication with the most painful parts of my body is impaired—and that can cause more pain because my brain has too much uncertainty about what’s going on. So my PT suggested k tape because it was one way to increase sensory feedback.

Not everyone responds, but it could be worth trying if you’re really in a lot of pain? The studies show now everyone benefits, but there’s not too much risk. It cut my pain in half when I have my worst flare-ups! I wish I could use it all the time but the foundation of my treatment is to help retrain my brain so that it’s not so sensitive to pain and that would blur the lines.

The only down side is if you have sensitive skin, it can cause irritation. A pelvic PT might know how to apply it. (I love pelvic PTs btw lol) My favorite is the Kineseo brand found on Amazon. It sticks a long time and well and doesn’t irritate my skin as much.

I know, super long reply. But wishing you all the best!