A scoliosis question.?

i have scoliosis. and if i heard correctly i think i have a 50 degree curve. [i dont know if thats right]

my doctor [who is a pain in the butt] says that i look great with the curve that i have and i dont need surgery. unless i dont like the way i look. and that i needed to see him in two years. [this fall]

some people do notice the unevenness of my shoulders.
and i do feel the unevenness sometimes too.

anyway im a slow person.
and i was wondering if the scoliosis is the reason for this?
and how does it affect my spinal cord?
and why do i get pain that feels tingly, and numb?
and i know it affects mt hip, so could this impact my uterus?

all in all, how does the scoliosis impact the other body parts?

Your doctor may be correct. If you don't have pain, your heart and lungs are not being squeezed, your quality of life is good, etc., surgery is probably optional *now*.

I say *now* because with a curve of 50 degrees, your curve will get worse over time even if you are done growing. So you still need to monitor your curve every so often if for no other reason than to see how quickly (slowly?) your curve is changing.

I would never suggest getting surgery only for cosmetic reasons. Spinal fusion is major surgery. Once this is done, other effects often happen (degenerated discs above and below the fused area, for example).

Please talk to your scoliosis specialist. If you aren't seeing a scoliosis specialist, you need to. Family doctors and even spine doctors without this specialty don't have the training to deal with scoliosis.

As for your other questions,

o yes, your scoliosis is probably responsible for your uneven shoulders.
o I'm not sure about affecting the spinal cord, but I don't think so. Ask your scoli doc.
o As for tingly and numb pain, the scoliosis can pinch nerves which will cause that effect.
o I doubt that your uterus is affected, but you should ask your scoli doc.

How does scoliosis affect other body parts? Hmmm. Your knees may be affected depending on how you walk. Your heart and lungs may be squeezed if the curve gets worse. It is possible for you to get headaches. I found that I got very tired (perhaps because its hard work dealing with the pain and issues dealing with supporting my back).

http://www.scoliosissystems.com/scoliosi... says the following:

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Conditions arising as a result of scoliosis include rib deformity, shortness of breath, digestive problems, chronic fatigue, acute or dull back pain, leg, hip, and knee pain, acute headaches, mood swings, and menstrual disturbances.

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As a side issue, chiropractors, message therapists, acupuncturists, etc., can't fix scoliosis. These people adjust the soft, connective tissues and that may (or may not, you can't tell ahead of time) make you feel better, but remember, scoliosis is not a connective tissue disease. Your spine is growing curved.

I have scoliosis as well, and have about the same size curve.
It can cause problems with other parts of your body, because you are constantly crooked. I have been seeing a Chiropractor for a few years. Chiropractors get alot of flack, from people, not being a "real" Dr. There are some quacks, so you need to do some research. Ask ?? make sure the Dr. believes in wellness. Honestly they know about the spine and the many problems that go alone with it. I used to get migranes, and have severe back pain. My Chiropractor has given me stretches/excersises to do to keep mobility or loosen tight muscles. I have problems with my hips, neck and lower back. I see my chiropractor twice a month now to stay well. During the visit I get a deep muscle massage heat and an adjustment. Once the Dr. gets you body well, they will work with you to stay that way. Surgery is never the answer....unless you can't stand or walk. If you get some therapy and begin doing long body stretches, A excersise ball is the best thing for this. They are cheap now, and you can get one at walmart. You will notice alot more mobility and less pain if you do this. Find a trusting Dr. and stretch, stretch, stretch. Good luck.....I'm with ya.