Scoliosis!!?

Question

I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 12, I am now 25 and thinking about having surgery to correct the problem, because I am in a lot more pain now and also because I would like to have children. I was wondering if anybody knew of some good doctors I can go see in the Los Angeles area. I live in Bakersfield and I highly doubt there is anybody going to see here.. Oh and if anybody has gone through this surgery, please let me know what to expect.. how long will my recovery last? How much pain? THANKS!!

Answer 1

Hi Ali,

I was also diagnosed with scoliosis at 12, I am now 23 and started getting pain about a year ago. My doctor said surgery was an option but there is no way that I'd go for that. You'll have to wear a brace for a few months afterwards, it may leave your back quite weak for a while and it is not guaranteed to stop the pain.

I have been going to a customised pilates class, they have given me tailored exercises to help to strengthen the weak parts of my back (and legs) and I also have massage to help to relax the overused muscles in the stronger part of my back (and legs). I have also had 5 sessions with a chiropractor and this has helped a lot. Now I only tend to get pain when I have been carrying heavy bags (my job involves a lot of travel) or have not been sitting properly at my desk for long periods of time (my job also involves a lot of desk work).

There is a lady who goes to my pilates studio that used to have her clothes tailor made because her curve was so bad, but after going to these pilates classes for a year she can buy clothes off the rack.

Keep an eye on your posture and perhaps try out pilates or yoga. There are several alternative methods out there that you can look into before making the decision to have surgery.

I have also heard that scoliosis can cause you to have extra pain when you are pregnant but you can also do pilates while you are pregnant. Do make sure to go to a pilates class that can be customised for you. Scoliosis is not one-size fits all so a generic gym class may not be best.

Some alternative methods include:
Katharina Schroth method
Alexander technique
Pilates
Yoga
Massage

Take a look at http://www.ctds.info/scoliosis-treatment.html for some info on alternative therapies.

Hope that helps,
K

Answer 2

I would start at KMC. I know, I know, KMC????? But most of their specialist come up from UCLA med center and you don't get much better than that. If all else fails, the doctors there can give you a referral to some one in the LA area.

Answer 3

I am not sure of most of your questions, but I have heard that scoliosis can bother certain people during pregnancy. So I just want to wish you luck and hope everything goes good.