Rita Simons, best known for her role on EastEnders, marked Scoliosis Awareness Month by posting an Instagram photo of her spine with curves measuring 54 and 52 degrees, calling it her “wonderful wonky body.” The 49-year-old actress also discussed her recent breast reduction surgery, which alleviated back pain, and encouraged others to make peace with their bodies rather than striving for constant self-love.

54 and 52 Degrees: The Numbers Behind Simons’ Spinal Disclosure

According to her Instagram post, Simons shared an image of her X-ray showing the two curves that define her scoliosis. “For years I felt ashamed of my back and envied those with straight spines,” she wrote. The specific measurements—54 and 52 degrees—indicate a moderate to severe curvature, though Simons noted that her condition is not a candidate for spinal surgery. Her openness about these figures provides a rare, concrete glimpse into a condition often discussed in abstract terms.

How a Breast Reduction Eased the Load on a Curved Spine

Earlier this year, Simons underwent a breast reduction at All Skin Surgery, a procedure she says significantly reduced her back pain. “It’s massively alleviated the load on my back,” she explained in the post, though she acknowledged that her body “will never hang right.” The decision came after years of struggling with discomfort and finding that her scoliosis made everyday tasks more difficult... The surgery, paired with strength training and physiotherapy, has become central to her pain management strategy , as she detailed in follow-up videos.

The Wardrobe Struggle: A Hidden Burden for Actors with Scoliosis

Simons also highlighted a less-discussed aspect of living with scoliosis: the constant challenge of dressing for work. “It was exhausting constantly explaining to wardrobe departments why I couldn’t wear the same clothes as others,” she said. This professional friction, as reported in her Instagram post, was a key reason she decided to stop hiding her condition. The revelation underscores how visible differences can create unique obstacles in industries that demand a specific physical presentation, a point that resonated with many followers who face similar pressures.

What Simons’ ‘Scolisisters’ Still Don’t Know

While Simons’ candidness is commendable, several open questions remain. First, she has not specified how long her spinal curves have been at 54 and 52 degrees, or whether they have progressed recently—information that could help other patients gauge what to expect. Second , although her breast reduction clearly helped, she did not address whether the surgery could alter the biomechanics of her spine over time. Broader gaps in public knowledge persist: adult scoliosis is often overlooked in favor of adolescent cases, leaving many without clear guidance on treatment options or long-term outcomes. Simons’ post is a personal testimony, not a medical study, but it highlights a need for more comprehensive resources.

As with many celebrity health disclosures on Instagram, Simons’ story taps into a growing movement of body positivity and chronic illness visibility. Her final message—that the goal may be peace rather than perfect love—offers a realistic alternative to a culture that pressures people to love every flaw. According to her post, she concluded: “Maybe none of us are really trying to love ourselves 24/7… Maybe we are just trying to make peace with the bodies we have been given.” It is a sentiment that has already inspired many of her followers to share their own experiences.