Scoliosis...please help?

Back in the beginning of September I was told by my doctor that I have scoliosis. I was originally at the doctor for my stomach and they took x-rays of my stomach, thats how they found out my spin was curved. Anyways she told me to find out what was wrong with my stomach from a gastrointestinal doctor before getting my spin taken care of. Well I've done just that and now I am just wondering where do i start to get my scoliosis fixed or what have you? Do I need referral from my doctor for a spin doctor? Any info about scoliosis is much appreciated

Please email me if you have questions that haven't been answered.

If you have a curve that is giving you trouble, you will need to see a scoliosis specialist. See your family doctor for a referral. (Any doctor that doesn't have a scoliosis specialty doesn't have the expertise to treat scoliosis.)

Any curve under 10 degrees is considered normal and probably isn't monitored.

Curves from 10-25 degrees are mild but should be monitored, especially if you're still growing.

Curves from 25-40 degrees are moderate with bracing possible. You will need monitoring, especially if you're still growing.

Surgery may be recommended if your curve doesn't respond to bracing. Bracing will do no good if you're through growing. The purpose of a brace isn't to make your curve better, but rather to keep the curve from becoming worse.

Curves greater than 45 degrees is major. Surgery may be recommended. This depends on many things, but whether you're done growing, whether your curve is increasing, whether your heart and lungs are in danger of being squeezed by your curve, whether you're in pain, quality of life, etc.

Unfortunately, nothing can *fix* structural scoliosis. Surgery can keep the curve from getting worse, and in most cases, will reduce the curve but most likely your spine won't be straight (unless you are very flexible in the area to be fused, then you might be lucky). There are cases where the surgery is less invasive than other cases, but having the usual posterior incision isn't too bad.

Chiropractors, message therapists, acupuncturists, etc., also can't fix structural 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, structural scoliosis is not a connective tissue disease. Your spine is growing curved.

im sorry to hear hun, i wish i could help.

I was diagnosed with Scoliosis at age 12. I followed up with an Orthopedic every year while I was growing. You must stay active, I was in different sports and the curve of my back did not increase. My friends mother had surgery for her scoliosis, they put a rod in her back and to this day her back is still curved. Make an appointment with an Orthopedic, I would not have surgery on my back, unless I would need the surgery to live. Good Luck!