SonshineLearner Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Hi There... Just wanting to ask and see if others have experience with scoliosis. My daughter, 14 in August, has been diagnosed with scoliosis. She has a 24% curve but I don't know what part of her spine. (lower part somewhere) She still has <some> growth to do but I'm not sure how much. We're seeing a specialist in a week and a half. In between I'm just freaking a bit... Our chiro has said he's worked with it, but I'm looking at a <pediatric> Osteopathic Dr. I haven't found one yet. We have an appt with Doernbecher's Hospital... so I'm set.. but just looking for who might be closer if I have to go 2x a week for adjustments and such... (and of course I'd like to get at least 2 professional thoughts on treatment plans) <Freak> my poor baby... wish I had found out a couple of years ago!! :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in TX Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 My sister had scoliosis. She wore a back brace for her 9th grade year. Honestly, it wasn't a big deal, emotionally or physically for her. There were a few other kids in our school with scoliosis, and nobody thought anything of it. Now, this was 30 years ago, and I wasn't really aware of the doctor/treatment options, of course, so I can't speak to that. But I wanted to reassure you and your dd a bit that she'll survive this just fine. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 I have/had?? it but it was slight so we didn't notice it until I was 17, and it went untreated. Doctor said I might have back trouble when I got older but nothing so far. I'm definitely older. My best friend had it and had to wear a Milwaukee brace for years. It was tough. She made it and today has excellent posture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 (edited) My daughter has scoliosis and has had her back brace for almost 2 years. She's got a couple years left to go. Our orthopaedist said there are no treatments for ideopathic scoliosis. The brace is to keep the curve from getting worse, not to straighten the spine. He and another doctor pretty much said that anyone offering scoliosis treatments is a quack. Note that I did not say this, just repeating what I was told. Maybe your daughter's scoliosis is of a different type which is why treatments are recommended. Of course there are all different opinions. We never sought treatments, though, based on their comments and my own research. The brace is uncomfortable in the summer, but mostly it's not a big deal. She is supposed to wear it a minimum of 16 hours a day, preferably 24. It's not visible under all her clothing, and it doesn't stop her from doing the things she wants to do. She just takes it off if she is biking, swimming, playing soccer, etc. Honestly, the biggest hassle is finding the right type of camisoles to wear under it. Today we found a bunch of "wife-beater" style ribbed ones in Walmart - they are long, tight, and perfect! I cried more than she did when we got the diagnosis. Your daughter's curve is pretty mild! And at 14, she is nearer the end of her growth. I think our doctor said she should be out of the brace at around 15 or so, depending on when she starts menstruating. Hope this helps! Margaret Edited May 23, 2012 by marbel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeschoolingHearts&Minds Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Hang in there. :) I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 12. My father had scoliosis, my brother has it, and my sister-in-law has it. No one in my family has had to have surgery or a major intervention, but my sister-in-law did have surgery for it as a teen. My brother was given exercises that helped slow the progress of his curve. Mine was left alone, and while I have minor back pain and fatigue (and poor posture, ahem), it hasn't majorly impacted my life. What is key is that you are having this looked at while she is still young, more can be done for her while she's still growing. Just take a deep breath and find out all you can from the specialists working with your daughter, don't be afraid to get a second opinion. Try not to worry to much about extreme cases you might find online. Some people need a brace, some don't, some need surgery, some don't. My sister-in-law ended up having her vertebrae fused together, and it was the right decision in her case. She lost a little height and flexibility, but she is in good shape otherwise and the proud Mama of 2 strapping boys---she confided in me before her oldest was born that she was worried that her spine might cause problems with carrying him and delivery but she had no troubles at all. So, hang in there, it's good to know now. Her longterm prognosis should be good. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyofsixreboot Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 My dd now 20 had scoliosis surgery at 16. She has two titanium rods in her back. The surgery was not for the faint of heart but she is ok now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChocolateReignRemix Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Doesn't sound like the curve is significant enough to require much intervention. Maybe some physical therapy to help with core strength and posture which will keep the curvature from getting worse. I would not be taking any advice from a chiro regarding this condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 I had scoliosis as a teen. I wore a brace for 4 years. The first couple of years I had to wear it 23 hours a day. It was a bit uncomfortable in the summer. Overall, it was not really a big deal. The worst part about it was my 9th grade English teacher who noticed it and asked me all kinds of questions about it shortly after I had to start wearing it. That was a bit traumatic. I know he wasn't trying to be mean or a jerk, he was genuinely curious but I was totally mortified. On the up side, I have fantastic posture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiramisu Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Here are some good websites that may help: aaos.org srs.org My dd did not have scoliosis but another spinal disorder. I remember how scared I was the day she was diagnosed and told she might need surgery. Eventually, her problem progressed so that she did have to get surgery, but the outcome was excellent. It's not something I would have chosen, but I'm thankful that it could be corrected and that we had such great care. :grouphug: Before we chose our surgeon, I met with several doctors. I learned a lot from them, and it gave me peace of mind when the time came that we were making the right decision for both the surgeon and the type of surgery. FWIW, I remember hearing a genetic test was developed not too long ago that is supposed to help determine if someone has the genetics to have their scolosis progress into a significant curve. Also, if surgery is recommended, less invasive methods are out there, so it couldn't hurt to ask about those things when you meet with the different doctors. Before I sound like I'm steering you toward surgery, I have an adult friend with two curves and I think one is at least 25 degrees. She's a healthy, active homeschooling mom, and before that she modeled and performed Shakespeare.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Backs have many variables. I do have a friend whose curve got much worse with each pregnancy and had amazing surgery. They are able to do more and more. You have time to explore this with fabulous doctors. Hopefully it will work out with the easy route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in AL Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 (edited) Hi There... Just wanting to ask and see if others have experience with scoliosis. My daughter, 14 in August, has been diagnosed with scoliosis. She has a 24% curve but I don't know what part of her spine. (lower part somewhere) She still has <some> growth to do but I'm not sure how much. We're seeing a specialist in a week and a half. In between I'm just freaking a bit... Our chiro has said he's worked with it, but I'm looking at a <pediatric> Osteopathic Dr. I haven't found one yet. We have an appt with Doernbecher's Hospital... so I'm set.. but just looking for who might be closer if I have to go 2x a week for adjustments and such... (and of course I'd like to get at least 2 professional thoughts on treatment plans) <Freak> my poor baby... wish I had found out a couple of years ago!! :( Aw, no need to freak. :grouphug: Even if you had noticed the scoliosis earlier, the doctors may have just taken a 'wait and see' approach, like they did with me. I can't remember what my curvature % was/is, but it didn't warrant intervention. Again, there is no need to freak or to beat yourself up over not noticing sooner. :grouphug: Many people go through life not even knowing they have it. Edited May 24, 2012 by Heather in AL Too wordy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 FWIW, I remember hearing a genetic test was developed not too long ago that is supposed to help determine if someone has the genetics to have their scolosis progress into a significant curve. Also, if surgery is recommended, less invasive methods are out there, so it couldn't hurt to ask about those things when you meet with the different doctors. My daughter took that test. She spit into a cup, and the orthopaedist sent it to the lab for analysis. Unfortunately for us, her results came back as "moderate risk" for the curve getting worse, so she kept the brace. We did it last year; at the time the test was quite expensive and insurance didn't necessarily cover much of the cost. The company that does the test had financial aid, though, if I recall. I don't remember how much we paid and in a year much has probably changed. At the time we felt it was worth it for the chance, even though as I said the brace isn't that big a deal. BTW my son, who is 14 was found to have a fairly large curve last year. The orthopaedist didn't brace him (he said they don't with teen boys), but put him on a watch - every year till he's 20. He said he can correct almost any curve if it gets to the point of surgery I'm not sure why they don't brace teen boys, but I have read that it has something to do with compliance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Chiropractor. That would be my next stop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted May 23, 2012 Author Share Posted May 23, 2012 Chiropractor. That would be my next stop. Hey Ellie :) So I haven't had the x-ray read by anyone besides our chiro. We had him look and he measured it with his computer program... It doesn't look like chiro would be covered by our insurance. (It would cost around $2500 for the 2x weekly adjustments... give or take a few hundred dollars) BUT, my friend mentioned that Osteopathic Drs are usually covered.... I've looked at Osteopathic Drs and can't figure out the difference between Osteopathic and Chiropractic care. We've gone to the Chiro for years..... but for this.. the chunk of $$$ is a lot me :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted May 23, 2012 Author Share Posted May 23, 2012 Thanks for all the comments and such!! :) I appreciate them and wouldn't mind more ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChocolateReignRemix Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Hey Ellie :) So I haven't had the x-ray read by anyone besides our chiro. We had him look and he measured it with his computer program... It doesn't look like chiro would be covered by our insurance. (It would cost around $2500 for the 2x weekly adjustments... give or take a few hundred dollars) BUT, my friend mentioned that Osteopathic Drs are usually covered.... I've looked at Osteopathic Drs and can't figure out the difference between Osteopathic and Chiropractic care. We've gone to the Chiro for years..... but for this.. the chunk of $$$ is a lot me :( DH has serious back problems (will require a fusion down the road) caused by scoliosis that was not correctly treated as a teen. I strongly recommend staying away from chiropractic care when dealing with a developing spine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted May 24, 2012 Author Share Posted May 24, 2012 DH has serious back problems (will require a fusion down the road) caused by scoliosis that was not correctly treated as a teen. I strongly recommend staying away from chiropractic care when dealing with a developing spine. Did he have chiro care? I was never thinking of doing chiro without other... just as a possible "chiro too" or Ostheo Care, too :) with whatever else is suggested ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamakim Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I was braced as a teen and my eldest dd was braced as well. We were both braced with 27 curves, just like your dd. I did chiropractic adjustments later, as repeated pregnancies affected my rotation (not the curve). It was really expensive and in my case, although the chiro said it would help, it made no difference at all :-(. So I didn't seek out chiro care when dd was diagnosed. Maybe it would've made a difference that she was still growing, but she went straight into a brace. I was so freaked out when I heard she needed a brace - I'd had a horrible time of it, a Milwaukee brace, lots of pain. But her brace was different. Fairly invisible, very little pain or discomfort. And we happened to luck out that she was braced at a time when long camisoles were in style and available everywhere ;). I did make/buy her a couple of looser, peasant tops when she was first braced, since her shirts at that time were all T-shirts. <------that's just a tip if your dd has to be braced. A couple of fuller tops will carry her through the first couple of uncomfortable days until she's ready to go shopping :-). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Dd was diagnosed at age 15 with a very mild curve. The specialist we saw said to just watch it. He said since she had started her period over a year prior to diagnosis, her growth was pretty much stable and the curve should not increase. He explained it is more a concern if it is found prior to the start of periods because the growth spirts are still occuring. So, take comfort, take a deep breath and get an ortho opinion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I have mild scoliosis. The worst possible thing to do with scoliosis is nothing. However, many drs will advocate doing nothing until the curve is "bad enough." I strongly recommend *aggressive* physical therapy and continued exercise. There is nothing that will reduce pain and side effects more effectively. The stronger the back, the better your dd will be able to keep the problem from worsening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trailofsparks Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Chiros are not created equally.... Some specialize. I know of a chiro who referred his client to another chiro who specialized in scoliosis. Yes, expensive, but if the alternative is surgery and pins, I would put out the money. Btw, the chiro said wearing a brace only makes the curvature worse, which makes sense since the muscles weaken and can't hold the spine as well. HTH. Best wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I saw this article on the Yahoo News frint page and thought you might be interested: http://m.yahoo.com/w/ygo-frontpage/lp/story/us/2296597/coke.bp%3B_ylt=A2KL8xKfoL1PuzwAmCMp89w4%3B_ylu=X3oDMTFzNnZhMXFuBGNwb3MDOARjc2VjA21vYmlsZS10ZARpbnRsA3VzBHBrZwNpZC0yMjk2NTk3BHBvcwMxBHNsawN0aHVtYg--?ref_w=frontdoors&view=today&.intl=us&.lang=en Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted May 24, 2012 Author Share Posted May 24, 2012 :) Thanks besroma :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lolly Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 We discovered dd17b had scoliosis when she was 8. At 12, it had progressed to a 25* curvature on the top and bottom of her spine. (Hey, she wanted to be somewhat even!). The orthopedic doctor just watched. At that point, we even stopped going to him because he said it shouldn't worsen. I've found I'm a pretty good judge of whether it is worsening anyway. They do not do any type of intervention for that degree of curvature. We have found massage to be of the most benefit. Dd has been to a few physical therapy appointments. They really just showed her exercises to do. She was already doing all of them at swim practice. All involved in her scoliosis care said for her to continue swimming because it was the best exercises (the pt exercises even were mimicking swimming motions) thing she could do for it. So, we continue on. She swims. She has a weekly massage (her scoliosis causes her pain). I have noticed that without the massage, the curve gets worse. One shoulder droops more; one of her clavicles protrudes more; and her hips start rotating. We did chiropractic for years, but it really didn't seem to help dd at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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