A spinal fusion is in no way for cosmetics. In fact, I had my surgery, and the "twistedness" is the exact same way. But my spine is very straight, which means a whole lot less problems when I get older. Plus, my breathing has improved. I completely agree with bls23 that it's totally worth it, especially with the degrees of your curve. Not to say that it's easy in any way, but the pain is temporary. If it's 68 degrees or so now and you're only 12, it will most likely get much worse in the future. It's definitely a huge decision, and I hope you feel very comfortable and happy with the way you decide to go.

I have had over 11 back surgeries since my spine is so messed up. I have a kyphosis curve over 50 degrees, and a scoliosis curve over 40 degrees. Some of the surgeries have helped, others failed. But I can honestly say surgery has gotten way better now then it was 10 years ago. So I would go for it. You shouldn't have to deal with pain, and a curved back when they get better results now. Good luck.

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Thank you.

If you decide to have surgery make sure your doctor has discussed every possible solution.( even get a second opinion) I was told to have surgery when I was 18. ( curve 91degrees) It did help for a year but I did not know what to expect after and I wasn't given another option becides surgery. Once you have spinal fusion there is no going back. It can be a great "fix" but it can also be the beginning of new problems with stiffness, nerve dammage and other back pain. No matter what you decide I strongly encourage physical therapy. good luck!

Thank you, everyone. I have to wait until March 2012 to decide whether or not i want surgery, but i may ask at my next appointment. Hope everything goes well for you all as well.

If it doesn't hurt and/or isn't giving you breathing problems, why fix somethng that isn't really broken? I agree with szasza, you should try other things before surgery. Any surgery dealing with the spine, as it protects your spinal cord, is dangerous. Some people aren't so lucky to have a happy ending. I haven't had any major issues with pain since I was diagnosed when I was 14. I'm 5'7 with a 48 degree curve and I'm going on 26. I excersice to help strengthen my muscles, so the curve doesn't look so bad. Unless I'm in front of some who had/has scoliosis, or someone who has a trained eye, like a doctor or even a stylist, no one notices that I have scoliosis.

the thing is also if you are not braced your growth spurt will get you in a bigger curve. growth however can get you out of the curve when braced.

i don't know why you werent offered a brace, was it a doctor? i would try to contact a brace maker. my son wears the rcs brace which comes in different thicknesses from more flexible to hard...my son started out with that brace with 65 degrees and it already straightened him, especially the derotation is absolutely visible.

the thing is in order to improve your curve you will need brace and exercises. without that yes, the curve will worsen.

I'm not sure why i wasn't offered a brace. My consultant told me that my curve was too large. However because i have had nothing done to treat the pain (for about 10 months) the degrees of my curve has gone bigger. It's now 74 degrees. I am in quite a bit of pain too especially with my ribs.

My ribs have started to twist and look out of place and they click a lot when I lie down. I have decided to go ahead with surgery and I am having it on 28th April. Obviously at my age (13), this is a big thing for me, but i have plenty of support.

Thank you every body for all of your help. I wish you all the best:)

I wish you the best lil' flower girl. My daughter, 15, has 2 curves. Lower one went from 35 to 44 and upper one by the neck is now at 38 degrees. Our doctor is recommending surgery. I've noticed that many of the people giving advice have had larger degrees. I'm really nervous and anxious about it. My daughter is all for it. Any advice? Suggestions? She was diagnosed at 11 yrs of age. She suppose to wear 2 diff braces, one for the day and another one for the nite. She did the 1st 2 years but then as she got older became conscious and stopped. She rather have the surgery then deal with the brace. She is very brace and a smart girl but of course, I'm a nervous reck. Please anything you can say, will help...especially the older people here. My fear to wait is also what if it gets worse. I've heard the sooner the better in every sense. I know someone that never had it and then as an adult after she became a mom, is suffering from many complications. Meanwhile, I've also heard of someone actually 2 people, who had the surgery at a young age and are perfectly living normal lives. I guess, there's also that possibility, that things make go wrong or get worse :( Any advice words are appreciated, thanks. mom