I got my back brace on August 9, 2007. About a month ago. I have to wear it 16 out of the 24 hours a day. I get 8 hours free of it everyday, which is a good thing. On August 20, 2007... I had to go my orthopedic and get an X-ray with the brace on to see if the brace is helping with the curve. I had a 30 degree curve on the top of my spine, and with the brace on... my curve decreased to 16 degrees! On the bottom of my spine, I had a curve of 21 degrees and it decreased to 2 degrees! I have to go back in about 2 1/2 months so they can take an X-ray of me WITHOUT the brace in to see if my spine is staying like this even without the brace on. I have to take it off 24 hours before the appointment so my back muscles can relax. I'm really nervous that my back will go back to the bad degrees for that appointment and I will need surgery! I get this brace off in about 2 years. Will I need surgery? I'm so scared. I DON'T want surgery! I am finding all the positives in the negative! HELP!
2007-09-19 13:09:12 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
One of my friends had the same problem. Her back is perfectly straight now. You're making excellent progress and you won't need surgery, so stay calm. You're doing much better than many.
2007-09-19 13:18:35 · answer #1 · answered by Elaine P...is for Poetry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
surgery possibly not. You are lucky 16 hours a day, my sister was 23. 1 hour off for bathing only and she wore it for 5 years. She also had 3 curves one as much as 50 degrees. She never needed surgery. I think you will be just fine with the brace. Hard not to worry I know, I saw my sister go through it. It was worth it for her in the long run. Just be religious to the brace, (my sister did forgo it on certain occassions, proms etc to no ill effects), if you are going to physical therapy, do the exercise at home too. It did my sister a world of good and kept her out of the O.R. for her back.
2016-05-18 22:57:19 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't worry -- as your doctor probably told you, the problem you have is very common and can be much more severe than your case.
it sounds like you're doing well so far and your brace is being very effective. all you can do is listen to your doctor. wear your brace for the full 16 hours every day and follow any other advice the doctor gave you.
the chances you will have to have surgery and very slim and i'm sure your doctor will explore every other possibility first.
good luck!!
2007-09-19 13:27:13 · answer #3 · answered by G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have scoliosis..it hurts sometimes really bad..
ive never had surgery but sometimes i wish i would so it would stop the pain..
surgey isnt a bad thing but if you want to void surgery..
my doctor told me to stretch alot..
and when your back hurts..dont bend backwards like you normally would..bend over forwards and grab your feet for 30 sec. it helps int he long run..
i hope you feel better..scoliosis can really suck =/
2007-09-19 13:18:58 · answer #4 · answered by kandi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋