Lori,
Hugs to you!
I'm sorry for all of the difficulties in your life. I hope you have a faith life that guides you and instructs you and comforts you.
I had scoliosis too! I'm trying to remember if my mom had to tighten it for me. I know I could get out of it on my own (I had nervous stomach for a while and had to get out of it quickly so I wouldn't aspirate since it was an up-to-the-neck Milwaukee brace.) The good news is, I'm 45 now, no back problems through 3 pregnancies, no back pain or problems. It's definitely worth fixing!!
Feel free to contact me individually.