Should I have scoliosis surgery at 47 years old?

Question

I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 13, but the orthopedic surgeon recommended physical therapy and exercise rather than surgery or a brace since the curve was not that severe. Now, at 47, I am having a lot of upper back pain from the curve. My family doctor is referring me to an orthopedic surgeon but is concerned about the surgery. He told me specifically to ask about mortality rates for this surgery. Thanks.

Answer 1

Surgery is the very last alternative for back problems. I advise against it since there are other methods to resolve.

Consider massage therapy and chiropractors. Massage therapy can relieve stressed and tight muscles. Chiropractors can realign a curved back. But don't expect fast results. it can take some time, even up to a year. During and after these treatments, I suggest you learn about exercises which strengthen the back muscles, which by the way, is one of the main problems people have in their back. They fail to exercise and stretch the back properly. Strong back muscles help keep the joints of the back aligned, which allow the spinal cord (neurological system) more room to move, thus avoiding pinched nerves and such. The extra area allow the neurological system a better opportunity to communicate with the rest of the body and allow for a more healthier life.

Answer 2

ok, so i'm 15 and that i had this surgical treatment for a 40 9-degree curve in July. The curve wasn't painful or debilitating for me, yet my physician defined that if left untreated it may certainly reason issues later in life. in case you get the surgical treatment in direction of the tip of April, you heavily isn't waiting to be a lifeguard this summer season or be swimming competitively by utilising November. that's a 9-month restoration. i'm no longer in discomfort from the surgical treatment yet i'm nonetheless somewhat stiff (the discomfort-and-mattress-relax point of it lasted a pair of month and a 0.5 for me), and that i'm nonetheless some months to pass till finished restoration, at which era i'm going to pass approximately my life as though no longer something replaced into diverse. besides, in case you have this surgical treatment now you heavily isn't in shape to be a lifeguard or a aggressive swimmer. it quite is not to assert which you may desire to no longer have the surgical treatment. specific, you won't adventure discomfort now, even with the undeniable fact that it is going to reason issues, and various discomfort, later on your life. as long as your curve presently isn't worsening, i could advise basically waiting till the tip of the swimming season which you mentioned, the only commencing up in November, to have the surgical treatment. yet ensure you have it.