is scoliosis a serious problem?
336659
Depends on the severity.. I had a friend that had it.. and it didnt really bother her that much.. However, I have read that it can really affect people especially at an older age..  so it all depends..
1069501
I have scoliosis, so my spine is curved in a backwards "S" shape. I wish so much that it were perfectly straight. It would make me about 3 inches taller and have less back problems.\n\nLuckily mine isn't so bad that you can see it when I'm wearing my clothes, but it's pretty obvious when I'm not. I wish I could say something superficial here like having bigger breasts, but if I only have one wish, it would be the straighter back!!
245336
If it's been going on that long, what do the doctor's say?\nLow back problems include spondylitis, lumbar stenosis, fractures of the vertebrae, inter-vertebrae disc problems, and possibly something pressing on the spine.\nThere's a mountain of information on any of the internet's quality medical websites like http://www.webmd.com
602706
Massage and yoga. Both are extremely effective. I have friends that have tried and they had scoliosis before. It is perfect now. Perfect back. I STRONGLY recommend it
758138
It is impossible to tell you what is wrong without observing you.  Specialized tests such as an X-ray would be the most prudent place to start.  You definitely have an old injury, that may have damaged a ligament which healed with time, but may be stretched out allowing a joint to be unstable.  Now when the joint moves to far, because the ligament isn't tight, a reflex takes place to recruit your muscles to do the job of the ligament.  Now you have sore muscles in the area because they have been trying to hold it all day.  Also, you are at the age that considerable growth is taking place, another reason for the X-ray.  You could be developing scoliosis(abnormal lateral bending of the spine.)  Your heavy chest isn't helping, and with time if left alone without a correction, ie chiropractic or physical therapy it will only get worse.  Your mom is right, the mattress most definitely should be changed, you can't sleep on it forever.  It will give you problems.  And, just sit back and reason with yourself.  Why are you trying to  crack your back, probably because there is a problem there that feels better after doing so.  But, you are getting pain, this means that you should stop and let a professionally trained Doctor like a Chiropractor or Osteopath do it.  They are only going to treat the area that needs it, not everywhere that doesn't.  This way you won't stretch the rest of your ligaments around the other joints, which will ultimately end up giving you more unnecessary problems.  You should not be having this pain at your age, you need to have someone help you and before it gives you a chronic problem that you have to deal with forever.
1074905
I'm sorry that you've been suffering for so long, and since neither surgery nor medication has helped, I would suggest seeing a chiropractor. Chiropractic is founded in the belief that the Central Nervous System (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) is responsible for controlling EVERY function in our bodies, and when the vertebrae are misaligned (what chiropractic calls a subluxation), they can pinch/damage the nerves running out between them and cause pain, numbness/tingling, or any type of general malfunction to that nerve's corresponding body part.\n\nA good chiropractic technique for scoliosis is Chiropractic Biophysics - CBP, which combines adjustments, traction, and exercise to correct spinal misalignment. The adjustments remove subluxations and allow the nerves to conduct impulses properly. The traction works to correct the curve, or at least prevent it from getting worse, and the exercises strengthen the ligaments so they can support the new posture. Since CBP is a technique that aims to make relatively drastic changes to spinal column but in a gradual, safe way, your CBP chiropractor will probably want to see you 3 times a week for 8-10 weeks (with maintenance care to follow). \n\nBut no doctor can guarantee a cure. So it would be in your best interest to ask around, talk to family or friends for recommendations, visit a few offices and choose the doctor you are most comfortable with (I still recommend a CBP chiropractor, but you don't have to stick with that technique). No matter what you decide to do, I hope everything works out for the best!
301241
I have mild scoliosis along with a herniated disc in my lower back.  I've only had one bout of very severe pain and it lasted about 4 months.  It was so bad it kept me awake at night and I walked with a limp and I thought I was going to have to have surgery but I really wanted to avoid that.  I went to a chiropractor and he did help the limp but the pain only got worse.  What finally helped me get rid of the pain was when my doctor prescribed a round of Prednisone to help with the inflammation.  It finally eased the pain enough that I could get some sleep.  After I finished the Prednisone and was enough better that I could at least function, he sent me to a Physical Therapist to learn some helpful exercises.  I had to do them every day but the improvement in the pain was definitely enough to keep me doing the exercises.  The next step for me was weigh loss. I lost 115 pounds and started doing all kinds of different exercises from aerobics, to running, to weight lifting.  I have been completely pain free for over almost a year and a half now and I managed to avoid surgery.  Good luck with your pain, I know it's excruciating and miserable to have to live with back pain.  I hope you get it resovled soon.
612103
I have scoliosis & found out in the 5th grade--I am now 33. I have been able to do anything that I want to. \nYou may want to use a back brace &/or start practicing now for good posture to prevent future complications, but many people have curvature of the spine and most of those who do don't even need medical supervision for it. \nRemember, thru God, all things are possible!
71424
Unfortunatley, with my experience working in a physical therapy clinic, all patients with greater than 40 degrees curvature were candidates for surgical repair. there are many limits within physical therapy when it deals with scoliosis, because it's a condition that really can't get better, only be prevented from getting worse. hope this helps!
150020
Yeah I have scoliosis found out when I was 15 now im 22 but anyways try stretchin and yoga forms thats really good for your back dont know how? just go to a book store and take a look at those books for tips
430597
Every case is different.  It can depend on several things, like the total health of the individual.  The biggest issue can be blood clots or clotting period.  The Spinal fluid that flows through our brain has to have a path for it to flow freely or it will clot.  The condition can get worst, yes, but with proper care and diagnosis early the person can live with little problems. I pray that you will be fine.
848386
You do know that girdles and corsets caused a slue of internal organ and spinal problems right.\n\nGet off your high horse.\n\nand since I know you are thinking it: no I am not fat and no I am not old.
772004
Hi Ash.  Please consider seeing your family Chiropractor.  You may have a spinal subluxation, a rib fixation, myofascial triggerpoints, a hiatal hernia, or lots of other things that Chiropractors are able to diagnose and correct.\n\nBest wishes and good luck.
338294
Usually they recommend surgery at 40+ degrees.\n\nIn 2003 I had a 12 level spinal fusion for my "S" curve of 56deg thorasic (upper) and 68deg lumbar (lower) scoliosis. Like you, I also had rapidly progressing scoliosis - a stable "S" curve of 40 & 40 for years and then in less than 6 months later it was at 56 & 68.\n\nI would recommend visiting several spinal surgeons (if they specialize in scoliosis its even better) and talking to them about your back. They may or may not opt for surgery as they base the need to not just the spine, but on other things as well.\n\nIf you are in the California area I know many top scoliosis surgeons who's contact info I can give you. I also have family members that work for a spinal & neurological surgical instrumentation supply company that I can get info from as well.\n\nBest of luck!
1079447
My mother went through that surgery 35 years ago, she was 14, and had a 69º curve in her spine that was shaped like an S. It's a lot different now than it was then. She recently corresponded with a 13 year old that had it done and encouraged her and sent photos of what she looked like and such explaining that she was glad that they did the surgery. The girl that had the surgery done was up and walking in 3 weeks and back to normal in 6 weeks, of course there's things you can't do for  a certian period of time, but the proceedure now is 100% better than what my mom went through. \n I have scoliosis, it's not nearly as bad as my mothers but it does hurt as you get older. \nGood Luck and we'll be praying for you and you daughter especially.
58430
Have you ever considered chiropractic?  My wife suffered a pretty severe neck injury in a car accident and feels that the treatment she received was nothing but good.\n\nIt's non-invasive and covered by most health insurance plans.  I have NEVER had anyone I've ever known who has gone to a chiropractor and had anything negative to say.
231346
You have to work your back muscles daily. I talked to a natural nutritionist who said scoliosis is caused by a bacteria formed and settled around the spine, then as it grows it causes your spine to curve.  dAlot of working out, the stronger the muscle the straightrt the spine.