Adults with Scoliosis

[diznee25]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for adults with scoliosis to share their stories. Have you had surgery to correct the problem? Any information would be great.

I haven't been "professionally" diagnosed by an orthopedic specialist.....my heart surgeon discovered my scoliosis 4 years ago when I was 20 yrs old. (My heart surgeon mentioned that the curve looked bad enough to have surgery, but I'm not sure I believe him.)

I put in a request to my primary doctor for a referal to an orthopedic specialist, but I won't hear anything for another 7 to 12 days. I just want my back checked to see how bad my curve is. So until then, just thought I'd see what the Disers have experienced!

Looking forward to your responses
Michelle

 

[Jenzebelle]

I was diagnosed with a mild case of it when I was 12. I was given exercises to do, but never needed a surgery or a brace.

I still have it although slightly better than before. my posture is horrible, but my every Dr I've seen about it agrees that my..um... large chest has more to do with my curvature than anything else. I'm on a diet and have to do stretches while we wait in see. If my curve gets worse or if I develop more back problems, I will most likely need a breast reduction before they try a brace

 

[tc]

I was diagnosed with scoliosis about a year ago. I was 40 at the time. I have two, pretty severe, s-curves. I've never heard talk of surgery. I have been going to a chiropractor regularly three times a week since then. My pain is practically non-existent. I have exercised to do. I think s-curves are easier to handle, than where the curve is front to back. I'd suggest going to a reputable chiropractor before you do anything else. I was never a chiropractic advocate until I started last year, and now I love it. It's amazing what they can do.

 

[Dizzy-Disney4]

I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was in 2nd grade. I wore a back brace until I could no longer stand it and in 8th grade told my parents that I would deal with whatever happened to me, but I was no longer wearing the brace. I was a teenager heading into highschool and quite headstrong...with very low self esteem and the brace didn't help with that.

I was told by my specialist that I was making a big mistake...I would have horrible back pain, pregnancy would be painful,I would have a deformed back,etc. Well, other than one of my shoulders being slightly higher than the other, I don't have any problems that I'm aware of at this time. Yes I get the occasional lower back ache, but who doesn't? I think unless the curve is so severe that it is really causing pain or other internal problems, or causing cosmetic problems (posture or hump in back), there are other ways to deal with it. Most especially excersise.
Good Luck!

 

[Poohbear123]

at 15 and had to give up the Ballet Lessons I had been taken for the past 6 years. It is in the Bottom half of my spine in my tail bone area, my tail bone curves to the left. I have back pain and cannot bend my knees to squat like normal people, I have to bend over! I used to do the excersises but now when it flares up I go to a GREAT chiropractor.

 

[elgerber]

I was diagnosed in Junior High, I am now 34. I never had to wear a brace or have anything done, they have pretty much ignored it. Mine also curves like an S, but side to side, and the top and bottom line up, so that's why they never did anything. I think my posture is pretty bad, and my back gets sore pretty easily, especially near my shoulders. But, it's something I've always dealt with, so I will continue to do so.

I also have one shoulder higher than the other, and until today I thought I was the only one!!! I hate it in pictures, I told dh to remind me to lift my other one on our next Disney trip so the pictures don't look so bad!

Erika

 

[grinningghost]

I have it too. In my upper back my spine curves to the right. I have the "higher up shoulder" thing too. I do get some back pain, mainly in the morning when I wake up, but it gets better tas the day goes on. I also see a chiropractor and that helps alot.

The only time I really notice it is at the gym when I use the arm machines. When I lift up I notice a big difference in the one shoulder. But I'm probably the only one that does.

 

[Ilove8Trax]

Hey there...

Well, have not been diagnosed with scoliosis (sp), but also agree with a previous poster about going to see a chiropractor. My cousin is a NUCCA specialist. NUCCA is a specific kind of chiropractic care that contains no cracking or popping. All work is done with the atlas bone in your neck. The adjustment to this bone is made to balance out your body. Since most people are "off-balance," this type of care can benefit just about anyone. I am under his care, along with everyone else in my family, and also work in his office at times. It can work wonders on people. Get rid of headaches, hip pain, hearing problems...
Unfortunatly, there are limited doctors in the country that do this type of practice.

If you would like more info, please PM me!