Daughter Just Diagnosised with Scoliosis

B.,
I have had back problems for years. I wore a brace through high school and most people never knew. It went from mid-back all the way down to my hips. I was able to wear it under my clothes, and providing they weren't too snug, no one was the wiser.

I suffer from Scoliosis. However, mine is caused by a dropped hip. I also have no Cervical Curve in my neck. The best thing for me has been a chiropractor and massage therapy. Seek out a chiropractor who is willing to treat her and possibly one who has a massage therapist on staff. Through adjustments, massage and possibly traction the Scoliosis can be kept in check is not corrected. The only downside is that with chiropractics and massage, she may need to do this for the rest of her life to keep it from coming back.

Chiropractics does not carry some of the risks of surgery and it can also help with other problems she may have, such as knee, ankle, hip, shoulder, and neck pain. When I start to get headaches frequently, I see my chiropractor and the adjustment that takes 15 minutes does wonders.

Before resorting to a brace or surgery, give it a try. The massage may even help relieve some of the stress she may carry from school, sports, her social life, etc.

Before it reaches the point of anything as drastic as back surgery, and if you really don't want her to have to wear a brace, shop around for a good chiropractor and massage therapist. No, your insurance may not cover it, but I would try it for at least 6 months before anything else. Just a suggestion.

I would talk to a chiropractor. They won't "fix" it, but they can help her spine to be in the best possible condition and help prevent effects to other bones/joints that may occur - from compensating for movement. I have a small scoliosis and chiropractic treatments help with any discomfort. Since she is still growing, getting treatment now may help to minimize it becoming more severe.

I have a good friend that was diagnosed with the same thing when she was about 15. They had to operate, it was a long recovery but she is now 25 and she is fine !!! Surgury was her only option. Dont worry it will work itself out

Hi B. - my 17yr old son was diagnosed at 23/24 degrees - they said it was okay and in 1 1/2 yrs it went to 64/66 degrees undetected - 50 degrees they immediately operate. He has 2 operations - long terrible story, you can read my request form the other week - anyway - you need to have your daughter looked at now by an ortho specialist - they tell me now that early bracing may have prevented the need for surgery. Don't be afraid to get different opinions from different doctors.

Hi B.!
It isn't as bad as it seems at first. I also had Scoliosis when I was a child. I grew up in Guatemala and was 15 when it was discovered I had it. I did have surgery, and I had to wear a very tightly fitted back brace for 6-8 months. Although very uncomfortable (not to mention I would let no one hug me because then they would feel it) I got so many compliments on how straight and poised I looked. People that did not even know me thought I was just model material because of the way the brace held my posture.
So even in my embarrassment, good did come out of it, and I made it through the allotted time.
Of course, this was 22 years ago, but I did make it through, and we never forget what it was like to be a teenager.
I hope I helped a little.

I understand how a teenager feels about her apperance, but scoliosis only gets worse with no treatment (a brace, surgery) and it sounds like your daughter would benefit from a brace. I work at St. Josephs Center, and have seen the damage it can cause if left go. Talk to your doctor about all her options, and encourage her to do what the doctor says. Maybe even get a second opinion.
T.

B., for starters...I know nothing about Scoliosis. However, I'm offering advice regardless! I do know what it is like to have a doctor tell you something is wrong w/ your child (my son had surgery at only four months old). It is devastating and frightening, but just know that your daughter will be okay! I would talk to your doctor about other treatment options besides a brace. However, if she needs the brace, she can wear it under her clothes, right? Then no one would have to know. Through it all, just keep telling your daughter she is beautiful and special. I didn't hear those words enough as a child, and because of that I have grown up to be a self loathing person. I have horrible self esteem, so just make sure you do all you can do to boost her's!!! Good luck and just ask 1,000 questions to your doctor until you have a better understanding of what needs to happen:)

Hi B.,

My name is T. and I am 26 years old, and I was diagnoised with Scoliosis when I was 15 years old, I should also add I am three months pregnant with my first child.

I started having severe back pain and my parents thought it was from lifting heaving buspans at work. So they took me to the doctor and I found out I had a 60 degree curve. I have been through braces, a spinal fusion, casts and another brace. I also have metal rods in my lower back. If you would like to know more I can go into much more detail.

I was also very self consious about my appearance. You have to stress to your daughter that if she wears the brace now it could help her in the long run. In a lot of cases and since she only has a 15 degree curve the brace maybe be able to fix it before it gets worse. Let her know to explain it to her friends and teachers, they will also accept it. You may have to get her different clothes to go over the brace so it is not as noticeable.

You have to be very honest and up front with her. My parents were and it really helped me out in the long run.

Please email me at ____@____.com, I can answer any questions you may have, I am also willing to speak with your daughter if you would like. I remember when I was first told, the hospital set me up with another girl that was like me and talking to her helped.

B.,
I would highly recommend you looking into Chiropratic care for your daugther - and your entire family. My children have both been under chiropractic care since they were infants - due to chronic back problems in my family. Neither boy has any spinal problems due to the treatment they have been receiving. I would recommend that you look into alternatives - rather than a brace or surgery - this is what chiropractic care can do! It's important that you select a good chiropractor - not a "crack & pop" one - but one who will care for the ongoing treatment of your daugthers spinal condition. I don't know if I'm allowed to make a recommendation on here - but please email me and I'll tell you the name & location of two wonderful, caring Chriopractors.

~A.

B.,
I was diagnosed just like your daughter and right around the same age. Mine was caught during a routine screening at my school. I was immediately referred to a Chiropractor and am very thankful for that. I was able to undo much of the curvature (in my case I had a reverse curve with a right rib humpage) from Chiropractic care alone. I highly recommend you ask around for a good one, and if anyone here has experience with one in the Altoona area maybe they'll be kind enough to post it in the services area of the site for everyone to benefit.

I can't say that it will cure your daughter, but with the proper care and maintenance she could very well avoid any un-needed treatments.

Hoping you find the answers and treatment options your daughter needs.

Blessings,
Rolinda

Adding to what was already said, make sure if she has questions she asks them as well. Tell her if she doesn't understand what teh answer is, rephrase the question or keep digging for more information.

You may want to let her surf around on the internet at any of the medical sites so that she has more of an understanding of it as well. That way, yo umay be able to find answers that you didn't realize you had questions for as well.

Good luck and take care

I am 28 now and when I was in 7th grade I was diagnosed with scoliosis. I had to wear a plastic, custom fit, brace for about 2 years. No one really knew I wore one, but I, as your daughter, was self-conscious. It did help me and not doing anything about it can cause the problem to become worse(my mom had it and no one knew. Now she has a slight humped back).
I would start with the chiropractic advice first. Then if it gets worse, look into the brace.

Hi B.,

When I was a teenager I too was diagnosed with a slight case of scoliosis. I've been seeing a chiropractor ever since and I don't have many problems at all. I'd reccommend going to one. The one that I use is in West Springfield. If you need any more information just let me know and I would be happy to help. Hope this helps you out a bit.