Living with scoliosis: the story of Yeliza

At 15, Yeliza Natali began to notice a deformation in her spine, but no one around her paid much attention since she was too thin, and some bones protruded more than others. Growing up in rural Colombia, her constant back pain was attributed to hard work in the fields. Over the years, the discomfort became a barrier to her daily life, even forcing to change her job as a waitress to a lower-paying one, that was less physical.  

At the age of 24, her reality changed when she was diagnosed with scoliosis. The medical recommendation was blunt: surgery. The possibility of undergoing surgery on her spine generated fear and uncertainty. However, before reaching that point, she was recommended to do rehabilitation with a physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles surrounding her spine. Thus began a long process of transformation.  

Physical therapist Marcela Bustamante played a big role in helping her recover. She supported her at every step of the treatment focusing on both her body and mind. At first, the therapy sessions were tough and awkward. Yeliza, determined to skip surgery, stayed committed. Over time, the improvements were easy to see. Her posture got better, her pain lessened, and she could move much more . When Yeliza visited the neurosurgeon again, the update was shocking. Her progress had been so good they decided surgery was no longer needed.

Her journey to live without pain didn’t stop there. She spent a full three years in rehabilitation.

Getting the therapy she needed wasn’t simple. Since her town lacked a specialized center, she had to travel six hours to Medellín. She covered expenses like transportation, lodging, and daily allowances out of pocket. The physiotherapy sessions were paid for by Colombia’s Health Promoting Entities (EPS), but her recovery wasn’t easy. Delays in seeing specialists and limited resources in her community made the process much harder.

Even though Yeliza encountered many struggles, she turned her life around. Now, without pain, she runs her own catering business and takes part in activities she never imagined doing before. Her journey shows how powerful rehabilitation can be.

"If I hadn't gone through rehab, I couldn't even walk on my own now," she explains. She urges the authorities to act saying it is important to invest in rehab programs. "Health is the most important thing we own."

Yeliza's experience shows how Colombia struggles with access to rehabilitation services outside cities. Without these services in smaller towns, many individuals will struggle with money and travel difficulties to get the care they need to improve their lives.