I'm 23 female. Will my scoliosis curve need surgery later ? should i get surgery now?

Question

I am so scared. I dont know what to do. It seems like the Dr.s dont really care or want to prevent my scoliosis from getting worst. I am wondering a few things:

(my curve is 30 degrees upper back (between shoulder blades) and 11 degrees lower back. my lower back hardly ever hurts but lately my upper back is starting to hurt alot sometimes.) I am 23 years old. female. I think I still might have a few years of growth left because I am such a late bloomer.

1. should i consider getting surgery now?
2. will my curves get much worst in the coming years?
3. if i wait to get surgery until my curve gets very bad will the surgery be more risky or painful ?
4. could a brace still help me now?
5. my dr said that i should be fine until about menopause and then the curve might get bad due to weaker body/osteoperosis. so doesnt that mean i should get surgery now?
I am so scared and sad. can someone please help me. Im having a panic attack about this because my dr's dont really help me.

Answer 1

I think the upper back between the shoulder blades is called Kyphosis and this is due to bad posture. We all get into bad habits with slouching in front of the TV, at the desk and I would suggest Pilate's to help you learn to strengthen the muscles in your upper body and assist your posture. At 23 you have plenty of time to correct the curvature. If you leave it until menopause and succumb to Osteoporosis they cannot operate as your bones will be to brittle. The lower back is Scoliosis and like me a good Pilate's Course, retain how to stand up straight , tighten up muscles to keep you straight will be of benefit for the future. I have Kyphosis, Scoliosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and few other forms of Arthritis, so did nine months of Pilate's and my only wish, I had taken up Pilate's years ago. The brace will allow what muscle you have left to waken further, so you really need to strengthen your back muscles and they will support your spine. No point in having panic attacks, just wish I was 23 and someone told me to go to Pilate's, because I would not be as bad as I am now!

Answer 2

Consult a chiropractor first. Surgery is always the last option you should consider. Ever seen the way Al Gore moves? He had to have some vertebrae fused after a sports accident. My sister had to have back surgery after an injury at work. She now walks and moves around like Al Gore.

Your doctor seems to think it isn't a big deal. Find a chiropractor -- especially one a friend or loved one uses -- and get evaluated.

You'll also benefit from either medicine or relaxation techniques to deal with the panic attacks. Good luck!!