Former Miss Universe Catriona Gray opened up about her scoliosis to further raise awareness about the condition.

On her Instagram page, the beauty queen got candid about the struggles she went through because of her scoliosis.

"My body and I have gone through a lot together. Admittedly there have been many times, as I've studied myself in the mirror, seen pictures of myself, or when I try on a piece of clothing that just doesn't sit right - where the unnatural tilt of my ribs, or hunch of my shoulder has made me feel insecure," she confessed in a recent Instagram post.

Catriona relayed that she also experienced body shaming when she entered the pageant scene.

"My condition, most especially during my stint in international pageantry put me on the receiving end of countless body shaming comments because of the 'unflattering' angles my body creates," she recalled.  

Catriona shared that there are millions of Filipinos like her that are suffering from scoliosis.

"There's something that I have in common with around 3 million Filipinos - and that's scoliosis: an abnormal curvature of the spine," she said.

READ: Catriona Gray on her scoliosis: ‘I'm starting to feel its effects in my everyday life’

The Miss Universe 2018 highlighted that early diagnosis is essential in order manage the condition.

"I was diagnosed at the age of 12 - and unfortunately since I had already experienced my growth spurt - it was too late to pursue a brace. That's why early diagnosis is so important. Hence why I'm partnering up with Scoliosis Philippines this International Scoliosis Day, to help spread awareness for early diagnosis - especially in kids," she relayed.

Catriona relayed that an easy way to check if you potentially have scoliosis is via "stripes fit check."

"Simply wear a fitted, striped shirt and see if you can spot anything different!" she instructed.

She went on: "So the #StripesFitCheck is an awareness campaign to really encourage people to check for themselves and also their loved ones because having early diagnosis for children for scoliosis helps prevent things like surgeries, back pain, and chronic pain."

Catriona highlighted that scoliosis doesn't have to be a "limiting condition." She pointed out: "If diagnosed early, great progress can be made in limiting the progression of the angle of the curve and also the pain experienced through out one's life. Because unfortunately, scoliosis is incurable and a lifetime condition."

"I am someone who conquered stages and gone after my dreams kahit may scoliosis ako so this National Scoliosis Month, help others diagnosed early especially children," she added.

The beauty queen also shared an empowering message to those who have scoliosis saying: "And I just wanna say—to whoever is reading this—may you have scoliosis or just a unique body (as I believe everyone has), you are not limited to just a body shape or ideal. The greatest service your body serves is not to please whatever body ideal is popular or praised by society but to house the beautiful soul - that is you!!"

She added: "I hope in my story - you can find the encouragement. That despite chronic pain, different shapes and sizes, proportions and angles - that YOU are capable of whatever dream arises in your heart! We're #BentButNotBroken 🤍."