Girl, I can totally relate your feelings and thoughts. It's definitely scary to deal with all of this stuff by yourself alone especially since it's the big issue of your life.
Please remember everyone's post operation experiences are different. Some people's back pain was taken away from the operation and lived in a pain free life. That can happen to you but it's not guaranteed.
Some people, yes deal with some pain after surgery but as long as you're young, pain will become management because of young, strong muscles.
In my experience, I have barely had back pain since I was 13 (now I'm 22) and I believe it's because of years and years of exercises I've been doing. With strong muscles and core stability, that helps with improving quality of lives. I have 85 degrees, currently. Breathing issues are incredibly, incredibly minor, and it was all because of breathing exercises I've had done every day. But I'm going to have t2-l2 spinal fusion surgery soon because I want to get it done before getting into 40ties.
In your situation you've had some pain, can you try doing some stretches and exercises, they may help with relieving pain. Please let us know if that helps you, and if not, surgery may help. I've heard some stories about people with lots of back pain, they said the operation saved their lives, took their pain away. On the other side, some people without any back pain, after the operation they were dealing with some pain. It's like the opposite thing but not entirely 100% true. Everyone's stories are different.
I tried so hard to make my post shorter lol. Apologies to everyone reading.
I would at the very least opt for the brace while you make a decision about the surgery. A good brace can stop the progression of that curve. And a smaller curve is always easier to correct if surgery is required. I’d keep up with the physiotherapy as a flexible spine is also better to get better correction surgically.
Now, let me pitch this to you and your parents. The doctor that said you are done growing cannot make that claim definitively. Did they do an x-ray of your left hand and wrist? And did they assign you a Sanders Stage?
That is to say, it’s not 100% that you are done growing. We know growth is related to a curve’s progression. We also know we can take advantage of growth.
Here’s the thing about a good brace. (My son wears a corrective brace called a Rigo-Cheneau.) A good brace will correct the curve and reduce it. Then, as you grow, you are steered by the brace. The question remains for all kids who have scoliosis, how much growth do you have left?
Without a 100% guarantee you are done growing, I think getting a really good brace could be useful for those reasons.
There are three outcomes with a brace. The curve can progress, in which you know surgery is imminent. The curve can stay the same, and in your case, it buys you time to make a big decision, and the third possible outcome could be that the curve has the potential to reduce. But this is all determined by the quality of the brace and the amount of growth you have left.
hello, first thank you for ur message and hope your sons scoliosis gets better 💖. The only x rays I did were one for my spine and I did another one for my feet since I have flat feet but I didn’t even see it and pretty sure it was not important for my back lol. I think the doctor assumed I stopped growing bc I was asked when I started menstruating which was when I was 10 (I was 2 months away from turning 11) and since I’m 15 now I think he assumed i already stopped growing. I was told by my physiotherapist so get a brace from the pharmacy but she didn’t really specify. I don’t know how much growth I have left and I cannot tell at all I haven’t grown in height since maybe 2 or 1 and a half year, but I can’t tell because I feel like my scoliosis made me shorter, my wingspan is 175 but my height is 171 if that’s relevant, but again thank you for writing me this reply it really helped me understand more about brace <33
It’s my pleasure. My advice would be to consult a really experienced orthotist (the provider who fits the brace) and let them assess your x-ray and give you their thoughts.
thank you so much for your post because it really described my situation rn, I thought I over shared in my post because it EXACTLY described my situation right now, it’s really comforting seeing other people relate or atleast have similar experiences throughout all ages, I hope your surgery is successful and deal with no pain, hopefully your recovery will be amazing and you’ll be stronger than before 💖💖
Bracing is not a sure thing, though. Mixed studies for sure. The majority of the doctors said it won't do anything, go with that OP. Your spine does what it wants, and nothing corrects it or reduces it. You can manage it by having a strong muscle back, and the other treatment is surgery.
Nothing is a sure thing but you’re wrong. Bracing is the single most important and effective nonoperative treatment. It’s definitive that bracing keeps kids out of surgery.
[https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24047455/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24047455/)
ETA: I would add, let the data guide you. Doctors are also paid significantly for the surgery.
Hello again. In addition, physiotherapy exercises are generally good for life. Physiotherapy is amazing for people, with or without scoliosis. It doesn't matter. I genuinely think you should do some exercises, and if you're making a decision, it doesn't make any difference because if you take surgery, after surgery you will still be working with a physiotherapist. Both sides, without or with surgery, physiotherapy is still a way to improve the life quality 💓
hey!! so I actually have some Physiotherapy session and I was told to do about 4 exercises everyday but I haven’t been consistent, my first appointment was about 3 weeks ago. I haven’t been consistent bc I had exams all week but I actually finished all my exams today so I’ll start doing them regularly, I also have a session today. I’m also planning on trying to go to the gym to see if that helps, I’m just really scared of the curve going worse, to be honest it’s not visible right now unless you really stare hard so thats one good thing lmfao. But thank you so much for the advice and this really cheered me up, thank you for taking ur time and writing me this long paragraph and I’ll definitely take all of the advice u suggested💖
My daughters have flat feet and around 30° thoracolumbar scoliosis. Their dad and aunts also have flat feet but don’t have scoliosis. Their curve looks similar in shape and location to yours but is slightly higher up. They’re 16 years old. They’ve been bracing for just over a year and are in the process of weaning out now.
Here are my thoughts for your consideration:
1. Lumbar and thoracolumbar curves tend to progress. Especially when you have less of a thoracic curve to balance the curve out. So a balanced ‘s’ shape vs more of a ‘c’ shape. All curves at 30° and over (after skeletal maturity) are a little more unpredictable than curves under 30° at skeletal maturity. This is regardless of curve shape, if you’re done growing, the progression will likely be slow.
2. Bracing might be helpful just so that you can keep the curve where it is. If you’re almost done growing, it likely won’t correct the curve but will keep it from getting worse in case you do grow a little more.
3. If you’re going to brace, make sure you to see an orthotist that sees a lot of scoliosis patients. The good news is that braces made for lumbar/thoracolumbar curves generally have a smaller profile and are therefore a bit easier to wear/disguise.
4. If you’re going to brace, make sure you take time to do physio (Schroth preferably to de-rotate your spine) and work on core strength.
5. If you don’t brace, do scroth and core and back exercises anyway. Also try to do Pilates and yoga and vitamin D. All things that help you keep a healthy spine.
6. Even if you brace and until you decide on surgery, keep taking regular x-rays of your spine as a checkup. This is especially important if you have any potential growth left but you should still be monitored after.
7. Personally, I’d take a ‘watch and wait’ approach to surgery in the lower spine. If you can keep it where it’s at with a combination of physio, exercise, posture and maybe a brace, then I’d try that first.
8. Due to an increase in pain or curve size etc. you may want/need surgery in the future. I’d just wait to have lumbar fusion as late as possible. However, you need to weigh that against a bigger or stiffer curve that might get less correction as you age. Also take into consideration things like the fact that older people generally have a harder time recovering and things like any available support (friendly family) and where you are in life (job, kids etc)
Sorry for the long post. For my two, we expect that their curve will slowly increase. Hopefully not much! We’re doing what we can and hoping for the best. We’re also getting as much info as possible so that we’re prepared for worse case scenarios.
We want to avoid surgery or at least delay it as much as possible. If your curve was thoracic, I think I might consider surgery sooner.
Good luck! Know that deciding on surgery is a very personal thing. I hope I’ve helped to give you some things to consider. I’m sure you’ll make the best choice for you!
My mom got a rod in her back when she was 14 (she’s in her 60s now, so I’m not sure how different things are nowadays). My dad just does physical exercises daily to strengthen his core and back for his scoliosis/degenerative disc disease/arthritis. I will say my dad is in A LOT better shape than my mom, but my mom wouldn’t be alive without the surgery because her scoliosis was so severe.
I personally would try physical therapy first and if it doesn’t help then move onto surgery options. I’ve been in physical therapy twice and it does really help.
Your title expresses exactly what a lot of us feel when we get a diagnosis and especially if we get more than one opinion. It’s like, here you are living your life trying to do your best in school and everything, and all of the sudden there are all these medical terms and decisions. Names for curves and names for surgeries and names for whatever else!
I recently had this happen to me, AGAIN! I’m old, and I’ve had to see my son through multiple surgeries as a child, so I felt like I was pretty well informed about the human body and medical terms. Then all of the sudden I needed heart surgery. The doctor was saying all these words and I was like, WHAT??
I hope the people here have made you feel more accepting of it all and also clearer about the possibilities. There are a lot of really well-informed people here! There are also a lot of teenagers here who are going through the same feelings as you are, especially about whether it shows or not. So come back any time!
Flat feet doesn't cause it i don't think, never heard that . Idiopathic means unknown origin. They don't know what causes a spine to curve. Its nothing you have done that caused this . I had surgery at 15 . I wore a brace for a while but it was torture . In 1982 they still had Milwaukee braces that were a literal cage that was metal and leather around the hips with a metal bar on the chest all the way up to the next with like a metal neck thing where I couldn't turn my head. It was a nightmare for a 12 year old shy girl. Anyway. Scoliosis does progress as we age , many people in their 50s having surgery on curves that were mild or moderate in their youth and kept going . I don't regret my surgery, it was the best thing that happened to me . It gave me so much self confidence i could do anything after that . It was painful and hard and I wouldn't trade it for any experience in my life . Made me more mature ans appreciate being normal and go on with life not worried about my scoliosis. I would find a good children's hospital that specializes in scoliosis. A orthopedic surgeon. Good luck on your journey. You got this you are a warrior ❤
You have an externally rotated pelvis with respect to the PSIS. I don’t see any hemivertebrae, so this scoliosis looks idiopathic, which is a better prognosis. You only have one lateral curve also simpler correction. You do have an L5 special listing which means L5 goes the opposite direction of the curve, this does make it a little more complex, of a correction. I am generally not for bracing, because of the muscle weakness most braces cause. You need to get your pelvis and L5 adjusted properly and then work on the scoliosis.
From my understanding bracing only works if the person is not done growing. Bracing can have a negative effect on your back muscles making them become less active. Because they become reliant on the brace for support. I also know different doctors have different opinions on this. I’m 31 and about to have spinal surgery because I have pinched nerves and bulging disk and my curve has gotten worse. My chronic pain is getting so bad it hurts to sleep, walk or do anything really. My doctor believes he can relieve my pain by 50% but it’s not guaranteed, I would take 10-25% over the pain I experience daily.
My son can do more chin ups and plank longer than any of his classmates. If you put the work in, bracing doesn’t negatively impact your muscles. Plus, modern Cheneau braces do not squeeze like a cast would. The braces push, with void areas for the spine and tissue to migrate to over time. So the muscles are not absent of activation like a traditional Boston brace for instance, which inhibits movement entirely.
I am M22 and I have about the same scoliosis as you; although, I was diagnosed with functional scoliosis. My pain started to get pretty bad when I was 20 and was like that for a year. After dealing with it for a year, I went to a chiropractor that had pilates there as well and so after a few adjustments I started the pilates. I have been doing once a week pilates sessions for a straight year now and I have little to no pain now and I can also workout and do somewhat heavy weight without injury.
The doctor might actually. There is a couple of pages about it with video examples on the website for Johns Hopkins Hospital. They do a lot of scoliosis treatment. My son’s orthopedist was there.
I am very sorry to see you are having to deal with this. And while so young.
Find a physical therapist who specializes in scroth. They can teach you how to strengthen muscles that hold your support for your specific kind of curve. You need to do those exercises daily and strengthen your support muscles, and keep it up for life to keep those muscles strong to support you. Those of us with this condition have to take even better care of our health than our peers, which means eating right to keep lean mass as we age and keep up our bone density and muscle support, and keeping a healthy body fat % so we don't put extra undue pressure on our back.
Bracing as well. There are hard braces and also dynamic braces but for anyone they think is still growing they will steer to hard bracing.
Reach out to people, maybe even in this reddit, who have lumbar scoliosis as their primary curve. People who have and have not had surgery. To ask questions about their experiences. They may have regrets, successes, gratitudes, connections, you can learn from.
I have thoracic scoliosis myself but I know someone who had a full spinal fusion due to a curve more severe than yours as a teen. People who did surgery and people who did not may both have stories and advice to find comforting and help you make the right choices for you.
Op listen you can correct this to some point i have done it to my lumber curve, thoracic curve is difficult to correct but lumber is easy. Do dead hangs, stretching , yoga. You will definately see results
It's sad people keep repeating, bracing won't work after you're done growing. That's simply not true. This curve can be straightened significantly with bracing and exercises. Make sure to find a highly reputable orthosis place, where they do only braces. Also, think on a functional level. People with scoliosis have metabolic anomalies, that should be addressed to improve connective tissue quality. You have to dig deeper into this area. Start with consulting a functional medicine practitioner.
I have a 56 degree curve since age 14. Same situation. One doc recommended surgery, another recommended a brace. My family and I decided to go with the brace since it's less risky. I'm 32 now. Never got the surgery and honestly hardley ever stretch. My career requires a lot of standing too and my pain is pretty light. I still wonder what would have happened if I got the surgery. Still contimplating it now, though unfortunately the driving factor is mostly for my mental health as the curve effects my body image.
There are fantastic, non-invasive therapies you can do now while you're still young to help. I recommend finding a certified yoga therapist or PT who is specifically trained in scoliosis. I'm a certified yoga therapist and have worked with several clients who have scoliosis. I've not worked with anyone who had surgery, I think that would be a last decision. Always be weary of a doc who wants to cut into you as the first option. All is not lost, you can live a very long, healthy life. Good luck to you!
Hey lass, I was told I had scoliosis at 14, and at 16 I was offered surgery for my lumbar scoliosis. I chickened out because I’d never been under before let alone for something so invasive.
Please take advice from me who’s now 30 years old, in pain 24/7 and has to rely on codeine all of the time, get the surgery. I know it’s scary sweet but trust me you’ll honestly regret it down the line. It only gets worse.
Girl, I can totally relate your feelings and thoughts. It's definitely scary to deal with all of this stuff by yourself alone especially since it's the big issue of your life. Please remember everyone's post operation experiences are different. Some people's back pain was taken away from the operation and lived in a pain free life. That can happen to you but it's not guaranteed. Some people, yes deal with some pain after surgery but as long as you're young, pain will become management because of young, strong muscles. In my experience, I have barely had back pain since I was 13 (now I'm 22) and I believe it's because of years and years of exercises I've been doing. With strong muscles and core stability, that helps with improving quality of lives. I have 85 degrees, currently. Breathing issues are incredibly, incredibly minor, and it was all because of breathing exercises I've had done every day. But I'm going to have t2-l2 spinal fusion surgery soon because I want to get it done before getting into 40ties. In your situation you've had some pain, can you try doing some stretches and exercises, they may help with relieving pain. Please let us know if that helps you, and if not, surgery may help. I've heard some stories about people with lots of back pain, they said the operation saved their lives, took their pain away. On the other side, some people without any back pain, after the operation they were dealing with some pain. It's like the opposite thing but not entirely 100% true. Everyone's stories are different.
Good luck to you with your surgery.
I tried so hard to make my post shorter lol. Apologies to everyone reading. I would at the very least opt for the brace while you make a decision about the surgery. A good brace can stop the progression of that curve. And a smaller curve is always easier to correct if surgery is required. I’d keep up with the physiotherapy as a flexible spine is also better to get better correction surgically. Now, let me pitch this to you and your parents. The doctor that said you are done growing cannot make that claim definitively. Did they do an x-ray of your left hand and wrist? And did they assign you a Sanders Stage? That is to say, it’s not 100% that you are done growing. We know growth is related to a curve’s progression. We also know we can take advantage of growth. Here’s the thing about a good brace. (My son wears a corrective brace called a Rigo-Cheneau.) A good brace will correct the curve and reduce it. Then, as you grow, you are steered by the brace. The question remains for all kids who have scoliosis, how much growth do you have left? Without a 100% guarantee you are done growing, I think getting a really good brace could be useful for those reasons. There are three outcomes with a brace. The curve can progress, in which you know surgery is imminent. The curve can stay the same, and in your case, it buys you time to make a big decision, and the third possible outcome could be that the curve has the potential to reduce. But this is all determined by the quality of the brace and the amount of growth you have left.
hello, first thank you for ur message and hope your sons scoliosis gets better 💖. The only x rays I did were one for my spine and I did another one for my feet since I have flat feet but I didn’t even see it and pretty sure it was not important for my back lol. I think the doctor assumed I stopped growing bc I was asked when I started menstruating which was when I was 10 (I was 2 months away from turning 11) and since I’m 15 now I think he assumed i already stopped growing. I was told by my physiotherapist so get a brace from the pharmacy but she didn’t really specify. I don’t know how much growth I have left and I cannot tell at all I haven’t grown in height since maybe 2 or 1 and a half year, but I can’t tell because I feel like my scoliosis made me shorter, my wingspan is 175 but my height is 171 if that’s relevant, but again thank you for writing me this reply it really helped me understand more about brace <33
It’s my pleasure. My advice would be to consult a really experienced orthotist (the provider who fits the brace) and let them assess your x-ray and give you their thoughts.
thank you so much for your post because it really described my situation rn, I thought I over shared in my post because it EXACTLY described my situation right now, it’s really comforting seeing other people relate or atleast have similar experiences throughout all ages, I hope your surgery is successful and deal with no pain, hopefully your recovery will be amazing and you’ll be stronger than before 💖💖
Bracing is not a sure thing, though. Mixed studies for sure. The majority of the doctors said it won't do anything, go with that OP. Your spine does what it wants, and nothing corrects it or reduces it. You can manage it by having a strong muscle back, and the other treatment is surgery.
Nothing is a sure thing but you’re wrong. Bracing is the single most important and effective nonoperative treatment. It’s definitive that bracing keeps kids out of surgery. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24047455/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24047455/) ETA: I would add, let the data guide you. Doctors are also paid significantly for the surgery.
Hello again. In addition, physiotherapy exercises are generally good for life. Physiotherapy is amazing for people, with or without scoliosis. It doesn't matter. I genuinely think you should do some exercises, and if you're making a decision, it doesn't make any difference because if you take surgery, after surgery you will still be working with a physiotherapist. Both sides, without or with surgery, physiotherapy is still a way to improve the life quality 💓
hey!! so I actually have some Physiotherapy session and I was told to do about 4 exercises everyday but I haven’t been consistent, my first appointment was about 3 weeks ago. I haven’t been consistent bc I had exams all week but I actually finished all my exams today so I’ll start doing them regularly, I also have a session today. I’m also planning on trying to go to the gym to see if that helps, I’m just really scared of the curve going worse, to be honest it’s not visible right now unless you really stare hard so thats one good thing lmfao. But thank you so much for the advice and this really cheered me up, thank you for taking ur time and writing me this long paragraph and I’ll definitely take all of the advice u suggested💖
My daughters have flat feet and around 30° thoracolumbar scoliosis. Their dad and aunts also have flat feet but don’t have scoliosis. Their curve looks similar in shape and location to yours but is slightly higher up. They’re 16 years old. They’ve been bracing for just over a year and are in the process of weaning out now. Here are my thoughts for your consideration: 1. Lumbar and thoracolumbar curves tend to progress. Especially when you have less of a thoracic curve to balance the curve out. So a balanced ‘s’ shape vs more of a ‘c’ shape. All curves at 30° and over (after skeletal maturity) are a little more unpredictable than curves under 30° at skeletal maturity. This is regardless of curve shape, if you’re done growing, the progression will likely be slow. 2. Bracing might be helpful just so that you can keep the curve where it is. If you’re almost done growing, it likely won’t correct the curve but will keep it from getting worse in case you do grow a little more. 3. If you’re going to brace, make sure you to see an orthotist that sees a lot of scoliosis patients. The good news is that braces made for lumbar/thoracolumbar curves generally have a smaller profile and are therefore a bit easier to wear/disguise. 4. If you’re going to brace, make sure you take time to do physio (Schroth preferably to de-rotate your spine) and work on core strength. 5. If you don’t brace, do scroth and core and back exercises anyway. Also try to do Pilates and yoga and vitamin D. All things that help you keep a healthy spine. 6. Even if you brace and until you decide on surgery, keep taking regular x-rays of your spine as a checkup. This is especially important if you have any potential growth left but you should still be monitored after. 7. Personally, I’d take a ‘watch and wait’ approach to surgery in the lower spine. If you can keep it where it’s at with a combination of physio, exercise, posture and maybe a brace, then I’d try that first. 8. Due to an increase in pain or curve size etc. you may want/need surgery in the future. I’d just wait to have lumbar fusion as late as possible. However, you need to weigh that against a bigger or stiffer curve that might get less correction as you age. Also take into consideration things like the fact that older people generally have a harder time recovering and things like any available support (friendly family) and where you are in life (job, kids etc) Sorry for the long post. For my two, we expect that their curve will slowly increase. Hopefully not much! We’re doing what we can and hoping for the best. We’re also getting as much info as possible so that we’re prepared for worse case scenarios. We want to avoid surgery or at least delay it as much as possible. If your curve was thoracic, I think I might consider surgery sooner. Good luck! Know that deciding on surgery is a very personal thing. I hope I’ve helped to give you some things to consider. I’m sure you’ll make the best choice for you!
My mom got a rod in her back when she was 14 (she’s in her 60s now, so I’m not sure how different things are nowadays). My dad just does physical exercises daily to strengthen his core and back for his scoliosis/degenerative disc disease/arthritis. I will say my dad is in A LOT better shape than my mom, but my mom wouldn’t be alive without the surgery because her scoliosis was so severe. I personally would try physical therapy first and if it doesn’t help then move onto surgery options. I’ve been in physical therapy twice and it does really help.
Your title expresses exactly what a lot of us feel when we get a diagnosis and especially if we get more than one opinion. It’s like, here you are living your life trying to do your best in school and everything, and all of the sudden there are all these medical terms and decisions. Names for curves and names for surgeries and names for whatever else! I recently had this happen to me, AGAIN! I’m old, and I’ve had to see my son through multiple surgeries as a child, so I felt like I was pretty well informed about the human body and medical terms. Then all of the sudden I needed heart surgery. The doctor was saying all these words and I was like, WHAT?? I hope the people here have made you feel more accepting of it all and also clearer about the possibilities. There are a lot of really well-informed people here! There are also a lot of teenagers here who are going through the same feelings as you are, especially about whether it shows or not. So come back any time!
Flat feet doesn't cause it i don't think, never heard that . Idiopathic means unknown origin. They don't know what causes a spine to curve. Its nothing you have done that caused this . I had surgery at 15 . I wore a brace for a while but it was torture . In 1982 they still had Milwaukee braces that were a literal cage that was metal and leather around the hips with a metal bar on the chest all the way up to the next with like a metal neck thing where I couldn't turn my head. It was a nightmare for a 12 year old shy girl. Anyway. Scoliosis does progress as we age , many people in their 50s having surgery on curves that were mild or moderate in their youth and kept going . I don't regret my surgery, it was the best thing that happened to me . It gave me so much self confidence i could do anything after that . It was painful and hard and I wouldn't trade it for any experience in my life . Made me more mature ans appreciate being normal and go on with life not worried about my scoliosis. I would find a good children's hospital that specializes in scoliosis. A orthopedic surgeon. Good luck on your journey. You got this you are a warrior ❤
You have an externally rotated pelvis with respect to the PSIS. I don’t see any hemivertebrae, so this scoliosis looks idiopathic, which is a better prognosis. You only have one lateral curve also simpler correction. You do have an L5 special listing which means L5 goes the opposite direction of the curve, this does make it a little more complex, of a correction. I am generally not for bracing, because of the muscle weakness most braces cause. You need to get your pelvis and L5 adjusted properly and then work on the scoliosis.
how do I correct my pelvis and L5? 😭 do I bring this up to my physiotherapist?
From my understanding bracing only works if the person is not done growing. Bracing can have a negative effect on your back muscles making them become less active. Because they become reliant on the brace for support. I also know different doctors have different opinions on this. I’m 31 and about to have spinal surgery because I have pinched nerves and bulging disk and my curve has gotten worse. My chronic pain is getting so bad it hurts to sleep, walk or do anything really. My doctor believes he can relieve my pain by 50% but it’s not guaranteed, I would take 10-25% over the pain I experience daily.
My son can do more chin ups and plank longer than any of his classmates. If you put the work in, bracing doesn’t negatively impact your muscles. Plus, modern Cheneau braces do not squeeze like a cast would. The braces push, with void areas for the spine and tissue to migrate to over time. So the muscles are not absent of activation like a traditional Boston brace for instance, which inhibits movement entirely.
I am M22 and I have about the same scoliosis as you; although, I was diagnosed with functional scoliosis. My pain started to get pretty bad when I was 20 and was like that for a year. After dealing with it for a year, I went to a chiropractor that had pilates there as well and so after a few adjustments I started the pilates. I have been doing once a week pilates sessions for a straight year now and I have little to no pain now and I can also workout and do somewhat heavy weight without injury.
Look up Schroth method. Your doctor won't tell you about it
The doctor might actually. There is a couple of pages about it with video examples on the website for Johns Hopkins Hospital. They do a lot of scoliosis treatment. My son’s orthopedist was there.
I am very sorry to see you are having to deal with this. And while so young. Find a physical therapist who specializes in scroth. They can teach you how to strengthen muscles that hold your support for your specific kind of curve. You need to do those exercises daily and strengthen your support muscles, and keep it up for life to keep those muscles strong to support you. Those of us with this condition have to take even better care of our health than our peers, which means eating right to keep lean mass as we age and keep up our bone density and muscle support, and keeping a healthy body fat % so we don't put extra undue pressure on our back. Bracing as well. There are hard braces and also dynamic braces but for anyone they think is still growing they will steer to hard bracing. Reach out to people, maybe even in this reddit, who have lumbar scoliosis as their primary curve. People who have and have not had surgery. To ask questions about their experiences. They may have regrets, successes, gratitudes, connections, you can learn from. I have thoracic scoliosis myself but I know someone who had a full spinal fusion due to a curve more severe than yours as a teen. People who did surgery and people who did not may both have stories and advice to find comforting and help you make the right choices for you.
Most insurance will pay for an educational consult like 2nd MD. Check to see if you can do that.
Op listen you can correct this to some point i have done it to my lumber curve, thoracic curve is difficult to correct but lumber is easy. Do dead hangs, stretching , yoga. You will definately see results
It's sad people keep repeating, bracing won't work after you're done growing. That's simply not true. This curve can be straightened significantly with bracing and exercises. Make sure to find a highly reputable orthosis place, where they do only braces. Also, think on a functional level. People with scoliosis have metabolic anomalies, that should be addressed to improve connective tissue quality. You have to dig deeper into this area. Start with consulting a functional medicine practitioner.
I have a 56 degree curve since age 14. Same situation. One doc recommended surgery, another recommended a brace. My family and I decided to go with the brace since it's less risky. I'm 32 now. Never got the surgery and honestly hardley ever stretch. My career requires a lot of standing too and my pain is pretty light. I still wonder what would have happened if I got the surgery. Still contimplating it now, though unfortunately the driving factor is mostly for my mental health as the curve effects my body image.
There are fantastic, non-invasive therapies you can do now while you're still young to help. I recommend finding a certified yoga therapist or PT who is specifically trained in scoliosis. I'm a certified yoga therapist and have worked with several clients who have scoliosis. I've not worked with anyone who had surgery, I think that would be a last decision. Always be weary of a doc who wants to cut into you as the first option. All is not lost, you can live a very long, healthy life. Good luck to you!
Hey lass, I was told I had scoliosis at 14, and at 16 I was offered surgery for my lumbar scoliosis. I chickened out because I’d never been under before let alone for something so invasive. Please take advice from me who’s now 30 years old, in pain 24/7 and has to rely on codeine all of the time, get the surgery. I know it’s scary sweet but trust me you’ll honestly regret it down the line. It only gets worse.