6 years on here but first introduction today :)

[q_fruit]

Hi all,

I've been registered on this forum since I was 15, which was 6 years ago, and haven't really introduced myself until today. I haven't been an active member nor have I visited as often as I should. I actually have a very severe right thoracic curve but somehow, haven't been able to bring myself to face it all these years. It wasn't until last summer that I started to do yoga daily (Yoga for Scoliosis DVD by Elise Miller) and not until this summer (more like this week) did I even try to do more research about it.

When I first discovered my scoliosis at 15, my x-ray showed a 49 degree curve with compensatory curves. A year later, another x-ray said it was 59 degrees. The second doctor I saw told me that there are different methods of measuring (is that true?) so I might've been 59 that whole time.

I have not had an x-ray since then. I probably should though.

I normally feel more discomfort than pain. I will get twinges of pain here and there, depending on what I'm doing, but I'm usually just really uncomfortable -- like that weird feeling of the concave back area touching my clothes, the constant need to crack my back, the feeling in my left protruding ribs, my convex area being really tight, being completely unbalanced, etc.

I feel lucky that I do not suffer from extreme pain, but I think the clock is ticking.

I have tried the Feldenkrais Method and Yoga for treatment. I find both to be effective in relieving discomfort, but only if I do more than an hour each day. I haven't had surgery. At the moment, I don't have plans to do so.

I believe my condition has the following contributing factors: emotional issues like anxiety and shyness my whole life, lack of physical activity (never did sports as a kid) and therefore weak muscles, lack of certain nutrients, genetics, being a girl, and being thin.

I don't know what to do now, except increase the frequency and duration of practicing yoga. It's helped to improve the quality of my life with the little I do now (20-50 minutes a day on average). I hope to start doing 1.5-2 hours a day. I haven't done Feldenkrais since I was 17 (I'm 21 now), so I may start integrating that as well.

During my 6 years of not being proactive about my scoliosis, I was actually dealing with emotional issues (social anxiety specifically)... I've dealt with that, and just recently have started to see my life as it really is after removing that dark cloud (the anxiety).

I have a lot of questions about scoliosis that I hope to bring up by posting more on this forum.

Thank you all for sharing your stories, and for reading mine.

- q_fruit

[titaniumed]

Hi Q

Welcome to the forum. I too, was a reader for a few years, then after my surgeries, introduced myself.

There are many of us who have had good sized curves and made it a long time. I had twin 50 degree curves when I was 16, and stayed active through the years.

I had to comment on the constant need to crack the back. That was something I needed to do all along, and not too many here on the forum say that.... Are we the only back crackers??? LOL

All your symptoms bring back memories...I had to reply. Yes, you are a scoli, and so are we...

I never practiced yoga so cannot comment, I'm sure someone else will chime in...
Ed

[Sherie]

Welcome!

You sound much like my dd, she's also very thin and has never been physically active. Being active in sports doesn't seem to have any influence on whether you progress or not.

You probably should get a current xray just so you know where you are now and you'll be able to chart the progression in the future. I would recommend seeing a scoli specialist since they have the most experience with measurements.

Sheena used to crack her back, I think she misses that the most! It would crack all the way down, then she'd sigh in relief. She still manages to get a few pops out of her neck.

I was 21 when I got my act together, maybe that's just a turning point for many people.
Best wishes to you.

[foofer]

Hello Q,

Welcome!

I like to do yoga, especially Bikram's hot yoga- most of the classes are an hour and a half...but I only do it a couple times a week- hard to fit in to a busy lifestyle. I was told by my original orthopedic doctor to be careful with yoga- he preferred Pilates- his theory being that you want to keep the muscles tight in the core area, not loose. Since then I've seen other doctors who say, "Whatever feels good and not painful..."

Lately, I am past the point of trying to figure out what might arrest curves (I use the WITHK method...who in the hell knows). I try to do whatever I think might get me through the day feeling pretty good about things . Some days are better than others.

Good for you for working on emotional issues. You sound like a wise young woman. Exercise will help in this area, as well.

I think it's sensible to establish yourself with a good scoli doctor that you feel comfortable with and get check-ups as advised. Then you know you are doing what is in your power for yourself, then try to forget about it and have a nice life!

Again, welcome....don't be a stranger.