Cousins LT, Zsa Zsa, Amy Are Among Celebrities With Scoliosis: 'It Runs In Our Clan'

Editor’s Note: This article is intended for information purposes only. It does not substitute a doctor. It is vital to always consult a medically trained professional for advice that suits your needs best.

The spine, also referred to as backbone, is the body's central support structure. It connects, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic, different parts of the musculoskeletal system.

When something goes wrong with the spine, such as scoliosis, simple everyday actions (sitting, standing, walking, twisting, bending) can be quite a struggle. Celebrities with scoliosis have publicly attested to the pain they feel because of this health condition.

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, according to Mayo Clinic. This curvature often appears like an S or C, says the Johns Hopkins Medicine, with a rotation of the vertebrae. These are a stack of rectangular-shaped building blocks that comprise the spine. That's why a person with scoliosis appears to be leaning to one side.

The spinal curvature from scoliosis may occur on either the right or left side, or even both sides of the spine. It is a form of deformity whose cause is unknown in more than 80 percent of cases.

For the rest of the cases, they may develop as a result of degeneration of the spinal discs, such as with arthritis, osteoporosis, or as a hereditary condition that tends to run in families.

In mild cases, treatment is not always needed, according to the United Kingdom National Health Service. But scoliosis can sometimes irritate or put pressure on the nerves in and around the spine. This causes pain, numbness and a tingling sensation that can be felt in the lower back down to the feet.

Celebrities with scoliosis

This spinal deformity can develop in infancy or early childhood, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. But it often starts from ages 10 to 15 in both genders. Females are, however, eight times more likely to progress to a curve magnitude that requires treatment.

Here are seven Filipino celebrities, all female, who have publicly acknowledged having scoliosis:

Lorna, Zsa Zsa, Amy

In one of Lorna Tolentino's interview with Ricky Lo (now deceased), the multi-awarded actress said she had "double scoliosis."  She explained, "So medyo balanced ang body ko. I developed cervical vertigo because of my scoliosis which runs in our clan.”

Lorna (real name: Victoria Lorna Perez Aluquin) is first cousins with singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla (real name: Esperanza Perez Padilla) and TV host-actress Amy Perez (real name: Maria Armida Parale Perez).  They all have scoliosis.

In 2012, Lorna underwent stem cell treatment to improve her general health, including her scoliosis. The mom of two and grandma of one reported to have less back pain and more ease in standing straight and walking.

For her part, Zsa Zsa has said in media interviews that she was "born with scoliosis" and she's had surgery called "spinal fusion with isola instrumentation." She also had to do regular exercises, such as Pilates.

“I really need the Pilates because of my scoliosis, it’s to correct it," the mom of three said in an interview with PEP.ph. “Even if I have metal rods, I still have posture problems.

“So Pilates helps me with that and it helps me with my core, which helps me with my singing.”

Sheryl, Geneva

Sheryl Cruz and Geneva Cruz are also cousins who have scoliosis, and they have their own ways to deal with it.

"In order for me to battle that, first I go to the doctor regularly," said Sheryl in a media interview. "But I have to also help myself in working out." Her workout of choice is hula hoop.

The mom of one explained, "'Yung posture ko kasi natulungan ng hula hoop because you stand up right. 'Yung basic na galaw ng hula hoop, e, backward and forward motion. 'Tapos, akala nila na magalaw du'n sa hips, sa may waist, pero hindi. It's a backward and forward motion.”

For Geneva, "chiropractic care is essential" so she could live her "life to the fullest" as a professional singer with scoliosis. She pointed out in a Facebook post, "Having my spine realigned at least once or twice a week corrects the way I breathe and makes my voice sound crisper and clearer."

The mom of two also doesn't let having scoliosis get in the way of her active lifestyle and reaching her goals. She works out religiously and enjoys water sports. She also recently completed the rigorous Air Force reservist training for four months to earn the military rank, Sergeant Geneva Cruz.

"Parang maghihiwalay 'yung upper saka 'yung lower body ko," she said in Chika Minute, the entertainment segment in GMA-7's primetime news telecast, 24 Oras. "Sobrang sakit kasi dala-dala namin 'yung M16 tapos may dala-dala kaming backpack."

She added. "Inakyat po namin ang tatlong bundok in a span of four hours, akyat-baba, akyat-baba."

She pointed out, "I did this for myself and I also did this for all other women who are in their 40s na feeling ng mga tao matanda na and feeling nila wala na silang pwedeng gawin sa buhay nila."

Yeng Constantino

"Pain. Haaay...mild scoliosis attacks," Yeng Constantino tweeted on April 17, 2018. The following day, she was supposed to attend the wedding of her fellow singer-actress Rachelle Ann Go, to American business executive Martin Spies, in Boracay.

But Yeng needed to skip the beach wedding, as she explained later on in an Instagram post, "dahil sa scolio kong sobrang sakit for 3 days na."

Yeng has said in her Facebook posts that she gets chiropractic treatment for her scoliosis. She also works out to improve her posture and maintain general health. Additionally, she and husband Yan Asuncion choose comfy furniture in their both city home and farm house (read here) because they both have scoliosis.  

Catriona Gray

When Catriona Gray started practicing her now-iconic "lava walk" for the Miss Universe 2018, which she won for the Philippines, she was always in tears bearing the pain. That's because she had to keep her scoliotic back super straight to perfectly execute the runway walk of gliding, swaying, and then slowly turning.

Catriona later on shared in her Instagram Story how she copes with her scoliosis and manages to have a good postures. It was a response to the question posed by one of her followers.

She wrote: "Lots of symmetrical, combination exercises, i.e. squats, row, etc., and posture-based exercises like Pilates."

The other celebrities with scoliosis who have publicly acknowledged their spinal deformity are Alma Moreno and Nadine Lustre.

Read here how a mom-to-be with scoliosis found relief in acupuncture and chiropractic care.