There's not much you can do accept it & make it & try to turn it into something positive. I had spinal fusion at 13 because the curve was jut way too bad & the brace wouldn't work If need to talk or have questions about it I'll be here...

You definatly won't be given a back brace... A brace is only given while ur waiting for ur growth plates to close so ur curve doesn't get worse, but it doesn't actually correct the curve. And since u say ur in the military, I'm assuming ur grown so ur growth plates are definitely closed. If the curve is bad enough u may possibly need a spinal fusion surgery but if it's not at that point yet, there's nothing more u can do for it. Best of luck!!

This is my daughter's post. We are both interested in talking to others who have been diagnosed with Scoliosis and are have had medical treatment in relation to the diagnosis. She is underage so she has not had all of her growth plates closed. She is a military dependent and a very self concious young lady. I was hoping that talking with others would help her stay strong! We have no Idea yet what lies ahead but we will be looking to those of you that have already begun this battle for guidance and reassurance. Thanks and best to you all!

If you want to talk about specific things, send me a message. I was younger than you when I had my surgery, and MUCH younger when I was given a brace, but I can remember things pretty well.

Some tips:

Do not freak out. You may not need a brace.

If you do need a brace, it may only be for a few hours a day. Nobody has to know about it if you don't want them to.

Write down any questions you have and bring them to your doctor's appt. You have a right to have your questions answered. Any doc worth his salt will answer your questions or point you in the direction to find the answers. [On that note, check your library for a book called "Stopping Scoliosis". It answered a ton of questions I had, and it's an easy read.]

If you do need a brace, get tagless and seamless undershirts and a sports bra (you won't be able to wear regular bras easily).

Scoliosis is not a death sentence. It has a very limited shelf life with regards to how long it will be a large part of your life. [Unless you happen to be as messed up as me, but given your age and the history you gave, that does not seem likely.]

Those are the general things you should know. Again, feel free to send me a message if you have specific questions.

I hope everything goes well for you!

Actually, I too have scoliosis, and have to wear a back brace. I have had to wear it since October of 2011. I didn't like it at first because it was sort of uncomfortable, but after a couple days, you sort of get used to it. I have 2 curves in my back, The bottom one started off at about 30 degrees and is down to about a 10 degree curvature. The top one was up to 50 degree and is down to about a 35 degree curvature. It has done nothing but help me. I felt kind of scared and embarrassed about wearing it to school the first time. It wasn't bad at school. There was a couple of people that asked about it and was wondering why I had to wear it. I told them that it was for scoliosis, and they were very understanding. Nobody has ever made fun of me about it, or anything of that sort. Like I said before, the first couple of days it might be sort of uncomfortable but, it doesn't take that long to get used to it. I made the mistake in the beginning of not wearing the brace, and it really hurt my back. It got up to 50 degree on the top. The brace will really benefit your scoliosis. I get to stop wearing it in August. If you have any questions, feel free to talk to me. (:

Hello
I have a 6 year old daughter ( soon to be 7) who was recently diagnosed with scoliosis . she has doulbe curve one is 27 degrees and that other is 30 degrees, she just got her boston brace. We are having a hard time getting her to wear it, any suggestions to make it easier for her ?

torii I am going to read your post to my little girl, maybe hearing how the brace helped you might help her to wear it more. Thanks

im 15 and have a scoliosis too. ive worn a brace and yes at first it is uncomfortable but it helps in the long run. if it can prevent surgury its worth igt!!!! im here for any questions you may have :)

I am a 64 year old female, retired teacher, who must have had scoliosis all my life? A year ago I went for an xray since my back was seizing up. The xray technician was shocked and said I had severe scoliosis. No wonder my back was giving me trouble. A year later I have been to physio, doing exercises each day at home for 40 min, taking naproxen when I have to. I am going to see a chiropractor Tues but I don't have much hope. Bought a nice Obus backbrace for lumbar area, and it is helping me function better. I need to find a scoliosis specialist nearby. Looking at the "Spinecor" brace on the internet and thinking this might be really good for me, but it costs $3000 - $6000? Are there more adult scoliosis people out there, and how are you coping?

I am an adult scoliosis "survivor" 64 years old. To all of those who have posted that only need a brace - PLEASE PLEASE wear it. I have had 5 surgerties - 2 at 10 years old and 3 at 45 years old. Wore a brace and had a body cast for 7 months. However, it all worked!!!! but if you can catch it early and wear a brace - it may be embarrassing now, but I'm showing pictures to my grandchild and she's fascinated with all the stories I have to tell about it. LOL I never lost friends through it in my younger years - and probably made more - the ones who stick by you through thick and thin.

I am 44 and have had scoliosis since I was six. I started out in a milwakee brace for just one curve at the time. I was later put into a boston brace by the Shriners hospital at that time I had three curves. I never had any problems with the braces or wearing them. By the time I was about 14 or 15 they wanted to do surgery but I did not have it. Scoliosis has run in my family for generations. I am very lucky that mine has never effected my health I also do not have pain. I am about six inches shorter than I should be but I am still 6'1". My middle curve is over 100 degrees. I am able to do everything that anyone without this condition can do. I think of it as more of a cosmetic issue for me. I know that I am very lucky to not have the issues that others have and I feel for all of you that do have health issues. I have side effects from the boston brace that I wore for so long. It did cause nerve damage to my left side where it was cut out just leaving my skin numb. I have no regrets from wearing any of the braces or from not have the surgery. In a society were we judge so much on looks I cant imagine the angst people would have now thinking of wearing a brace, but it is so worth it if you can do that for the treatment and just remember it is only for a short time of your life. I have the deformities that will be with me always.

I went to a back doctor about 5 months ago. They took x-rays and said that I ha scolliosis in 7 areas of my back plus my hips were out in 3 different places from carrying my children.
My back hurts all the time and seems to be getting worse.
I have no more insurance and was wondering does this lead to possibly me being in a wheel chair someday?
I am new to this also and I don't know what the outcome is as I get older.

I wore a brace for 4 years and it didnt help at all so now I have rods in my back. But I know there big and bulky and dont look good under clothes and I use to be so embarrass to wear it. But then I thought why should I be embarrassed of something thats saving my life.

a back brace is a wise move. I wish I was put in one as a child. After two car accidents my back couldn't take it. Both accidents were minor but the second resulted in constant pain. I am sure it is because my body was more susceptible to injury. If my spine had have been taken care of when I was young I may not be in the pain I am in now.

My daughter is 12 & was recently diagnosed with Scoliosis & immediatley went into a brace 16-20 hours per day. She struggles all the time with it. She is 12, if u need to talk we are here & going thru this as well :(