some questions about scoliosis?

Question

1. what if left untreated?
2. what are the ups and downs of the surgery?
3. are there any long term side effects of the surgery?
4. do people who have scoliosis usually have pain?

another question, does the sugery cure it TOTALLY?

Thanks in advace!

Answer 1

If scoliosis is left untreated, your curve could continue to grow, and eventually push on your organs. In my case, my scoliosis hurt, it felt like my bones were aching. And I remember many nights trying to get into a less painful position, so that I could get some sleep. But my doctor said that most people do not have so much pain. Most people have some degree of scoliosis, and with some, their curve never gets great enough to cause them any pain, and they never even notice it. Oh the ups and downs of surgery. Well, I just had my surgery in January and going into it you are very aware of the risks. There is a risk of being paralysed, this is the most frightening one, or you could be in more pain than you were before. Then immediately after surgery, you have to relearn basic skills. It's difficult to sit for too long, or stand for too long, or walk for too long. In the beginning, getting into the car is hard, and walking is a little painful. I am two months out of my surgery now and I can walk fine, i can sit for about an hour and a half before getting stiff, I can stand for about the same length of time without getting stiff, I can go swimming, I can ride a bike, I can drive my car. I still cannot bend, nor can I lift over five pounds. In 3 months, that will change too as i go back to Physical Therapy. Long term side effects of surgery? Well, I don't think I will ever regain full mobility. My bending will always be awkward I suppose. But that's far better than waking up one morning and having trouble breathing because my scoliosis is pushing in on my lungs. And another plus for me I my back is very straight, and I no longer have to feel insecure about being hunched over all the time. There is no 'cure' for scoliosis, the stainless steel rod that is fused to my spine keeps my scoliosis from getting worse. I will always have some degree of curve. My surgery was not a horrible experience, it was my only option, I was too old for a brace, physical therapy had not helped to improve my pain, and my curve eventually hit 58 degrees. I hope this has helped a little. Good luck.

Answer 2

I'd say most likely you'll get a brace. And please wear the brace the required time. Since I was 17 when my scoliosis was found, the brace was not an option for me. I went to physical therapy, but when my curve continued to progress, (from 40 degrees to 58 degrees by the time I was 19) the only option I really had left was the surgery. If i had not had it, there is a chance my spine would have continued to curve, eventually pushing on my organs or causing breathing problems. Your really at a good age to be braced, and that should slow the progression drastically. I wish you all the best of luck, and God bless you.

Answer 3

1. Some milder curves may not progress. That's why some are put on observation. However, severer curves do progress due to uneven loading.
2. Ups..may decrease curvature.
Downs...Risk of paralysis or death, side effects, no range of motion where rods are inserted
3, Scar tissues could be source of chronic pain which may call for another surgery, no range of motion of the spine, accelerated degeneration of spine without rods which may call for additional fusion later on.
4. People with scoliosis tend to have higher incidence of back pain. Early degeneration of the spine has been documented pretty well... so yes...


And no..surgery does not totally cure scoliosis. There's no cure for scoliosis. Surgery may decrease curvature by around 30-40 degrees depending on surgeon's skill level and flexibility of spine.

If you are below 50 degrees, i'd highly recommend spinecor..
check it out at http://www.myscoliosis.net

Answer 4

1. What if left untreated?

That depends on how severe it is. One thing that you can do apart from, or in addition to, any treatment is to keep yourself in good physical condition by exercising. It's important to keep the muscles of your torso, both back and front in good physical condition. They need to be strong enough to keep your spine in proper alignment, or if that's not possible, at least to keep it from getting too far out of alignment. You also need to do stretching exercises and range of motion exercises to keep your muscles limber. Keeping your back strong helps directly and keeping your abs, chest, and shoulder muscles strong, gives the back muscles that counterbalancing support they need. It is also important to keep your neck muscles strong and limber but be especially careful with the neck. Talk with your chiropractor about how to do that.

Another thing. Watch your weight. Too much extra weight is hard on the back, among other things.

2. What are the ups and downs of the surgery?

Surgery should be an absolute last resort. Only for very severe cases that can't be treated any other way. Another thing. Surgery is not this magic bullet that makes everything perfect again. Not even if it works as intended.

3. Are there any long term side effects of the surgery?

There can be. The surgery works for some people but not everybody. Even if it works as intended your back won't be as flexible as before. And you won't have as much range of motion.

4. Do people who have scoliosis usually have pain?

It depends on the person. Some people have persistent constant pain. For others it comes and goes. I'm in the latter category. Right now my back is fine but my neck aches. That's just something I have to deal with.

I would reiterate. Surgery is only a last ditch resort after everything else has failed. Good luck.

Answer 5

If scoliosis is left untreated it could affect your organs and give you serious problems in the future. I waited before having my surgery and my spine started to push on my lungs, making me short of breath.

The surgery is a very serious one and has a long recovery time. You'll need to have supporters and people to help you through it. But in the end the surgery was a good option for me, and could be for you too. I no longer have the severe pain I had before and now I'm not scared of my condition worsening.

I know that after a long period of time patients sometimes need another surgery to readjust the rods in their backs, but I'm not really clear on this subject. I guess I'll find out.

I had a lot of pain before the surgery: numbess in my legs, shortness of breath, lower back and neck pain.

Answer 6

1) the curve is likely to get worse - over time it will increase and it will be more painful after treatment
2) a positive of surgery is you finally get to stand tall - without a curve preventing you. You feel good about yourself - extra height = extra confidence. You can do things you
couldn't do before!! A negative is the scar and immense pain afterwards (but I promise it is worth it)
3) long term effects - well you can't do sport for about a year, you can't ride on roller coasters, you can't hike or go on planes. After about 18 months there should be no long term effects at all :)
4) before surgery - I felt normal - no pain at all. After surgery is another thing - pain cannot describe it - I wanted to die, I was in agony. But I promiseeeeee you IT IS WORTH IT! You have no pain/long term impacts after 18 months (i had 2 curves - only got major corrected) and after the first few days it gets easier. Get the surgery and feel better sooner! Good luck!

Answer 7

Your respondent, "Oklahoma" is correct, and it all revolves around the degree of scoliosis, your ages, and if it is progressing. 58 degrees is a ton, and good for her that she is doing so well.

I'd suggest you get the best orthopedist in your area to get a consult with, and stay with big universities--- UCLA, USC in California, and good schools as well in the NE -- Cornell Johns Hopkins. Talk to some people who have had this surgery... and take your time... Do your research.... You have one back, and one life, and you want the best $$$ can buy. If you have to travel, so what.

Answer 8

http://www.emedicine.com/orthoped
Surgery is palliative. Some people with scoliosis have pain