I am new to the forum and am looking for some insight into how to manage my spine. I was diagnosed at age 16 with a 27 degree left thorocolumbar curve. (The biggest part of my curve is in the lumbar area to the left with a small compensation curve in the lower thoracic spine.) Additionally, I have a transitional (extra) vertebrae-it is not associated with ribs, so my neurosurgeon called it a lumbar vertebrae. I lived from age 16 to 41 with very few problems (thankfully) only the occasional right shoulder muscle spasms or thoracic muscle spasms. In the fall of 2009, I herniated L4-L5 and L5-S1. A year later I had spinal decompression surgery with the resection of the ligament flavum and a microdiskectomy with an annuloplasty, and bilateral laminotomy. Since surgery, I am better but not 100%-not surprising since surgery isn't a perfect solution. I manage my discomfort with yoga, NSAIDS, and the occasionally muscle relaxant.
Since surgery, I have consulted with a scoliosis specialist regarding long-term management. He took a new set of X-rays and told me I would eventually be fused. I was devastated. My curve is relatively stable-he measured it at 28 degrees. He said I had an "atypical" curve and it will progress as I age and basically there was nothing I could do to stop this progression. He said eventually my pain will get to the point where it would stop me from doing the things I want to or need to do. I am over 6 feet tall, have a normal BMI, and am physically active. I swim, walk, and practice Hatha yoga 3-4 times per week. Additionally, I am an avid snow skier, whenever the opportunity arises. The surgeon is a nationally known scoliosis surgeon with years of clinical experience. I am sure he is very competent and knowledgeable, however, he has only met me once and he spent about 5-10 minutes with me.
Here is where I am looking for some information....(1) why is my curve considered "atypical" and how does this affect its tendency to progress? (2) Were the disk herniations and hypertrophied ligament related to the curve? (3) What role does the transitional vertebrae play in the scoliosis/back pain? Does anybody else have a transitional vertebrae and scoliosis-is this common? (4) Has anyone else had any luck with Yoga as a means to prevent surgical intervention? Yoga has been helpful in gentle stretching, strengthening my core and helping me to manage my discomfort.
I know I should have asked the surgeon these questions, however, I was so blown away by what he said, I went to my car and cried. Any information you might be able to provide would be appreciated.
Since surgery, I have consulted with a scoliosis specialist regarding long-term management. He took a new set of X-rays and told me I would eventually be fused. I was devastated. My curve is relatively stable-he measured it at 28 degrees. He said I had an "atypical" curve and it will progress as I age and basically there was nothing I could do to stop this progression. He said eventually my pain will get to the point where it would stop me from doing the things I want to or need to do. I am over 6 feet tall, have a normal BMI, and am physically active. I swim, walk, and practice Hatha yoga 3-4 times per week. Additionally, I am an avid snow skier, whenever the opportunity arises. The surgeon is a nationally known scoliosis surgeon with years of clinical experience. I am sure he is very competent and knowledgeable, however, he has only met me once and he spent about 5-10 minutes with me.
Here is where I am looking for some information....(1) why is my curve considered "atypical" and how does this affect its tendency to progress? (2) Were the disk herniations and hypertrophied ligament related to the curve? (3) What role does the transitional vertebrae play in the scoliosis/back pain? Does anybody else have a transitional vertebrae and scoliosis-is this common? (4) Has anyone else had any luck with Yoga as a means to prevent surgical intervention? Yoga has been helpful in gentle stretching, strengthening my core and helping me to manage my discomfort.
I know I should have asked the surgeon these questions, however, I was so blown away by what he said, I went to my car and cried. Any information you might be able to provide would be appreciated.
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