Scoliosis Support Group

My parents were told by top pediatric doctors when I was little that I would "grow" out of it. Then, in seventh grade (after I had been menstruating and was "done growing") the school nurse discovered a 40 degree curve in me. Well, my doctor confirmed what we had read at the time, that after the growth plates have closed, there's not too much they can do to correct it. I know you are not comfortable with chiropractors, but here is my two cents. My mom found me a chiropractor who uses the Activator method (http://www.activator.com)- no "neck cracking" involved and I saw her all through high school. She was able to get my curve to only 33 degrees with regular treatments. There are also a wide variety of back and ab muscle building exercises now that can supplement this treatment. If you do not want to even go this route, a PT would be my next suggestion to you. They can recommend an exercise/strength routine that can support the spine and will build up the weak muscles while stretching the tight/strong muscles. Good luck!

My advice is to keep getting her measured yearly. I was diagnosed at age 12. I did not start having problems until now though. I happened to have an xray done 10 years ago but did not keep getting measured. Within 10 years I went from a 25 degree angle to a 52 degree angle....now I am 37 and facing surgery next month after trying many different solutions. None of the solutions stopped my curve from getting worse, they just helped relieve pain for a little while. I went to an orthopedic doctor for him to tell me they can do injections in teh spine, but there was not much else he could see wrong to warrent surgery. I then found a specialist in spinal deformities in my area, went to him and he found not onbly my spine curve getting worse, my vertabra were slipping sideways out of place. So definately get more than one opinion. I am now meeting with a 3rd doctor to get a third opinion before I go under the knife. I have read all over the internet that braces don't work and are quite expensive. There are different types of surgery too, so if your daughter is faced with that in teh future be sure to ask what type of surgery is necessary and research it. The old "rod in the back" that they did when I was a kid is no longer done. Now it more fusion oriented. As a mom myself now, I have my kids thoroughly screened at their yearly well check up. If one of my kids end up with this, I will not have a doctor tell me they will grow out of it, or there is nothing you can do since they are mature now. I was told that when I was a kid, and now I am facing those consequences. Just stay informed! Also, always keep copies of x-rays and MRI's too(you pay for them and have a right to copies)...you never know what can happen....after Hurricane Katrina our hospitals lost all records so we had nothing to go by. Luckily I had copies of my films since the hospital did not... Hope this helps!

OK, bear with me. I am not sure if I am responding in the appropriate area. I am having some issues navigating this site!!!
Anyway, 'buffluvsyou' thanks! I am willing to take a look into the activator method. It doesn't hurt to look. We have done PT...and she still does her exercises at home and with a trainer 2x a week at the gym. I am also back to massaging her once a week, and in the process of setting up sessions with a friend who is a massage therapist. The doctor did tell us that bracing doesn't always work. We see him every 4 months, and brace doc every 2mos. We are trying whatever we can...that will not hurt her. Hopefully, in 4 months the curve will be smaller. Thanks for your advice. I am so glad that I found this sight. :0)

'anolamom' thanks!!! I do not have copies of xrays. Not too smart now that you mention it. I figured, easier to keep at their place. She gets xrayed and measured every 4 months. I should have copies. I have also been thinking of getting other opinions on plan of action. IF surgery is suggested...I will Definitely get more opinions!!! I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. :0)