What a great forum! So glad to find all of you.
My story: I was school-screened in the 9th grade (1990) and diagnosed with mild scoli. Ortho said that my growth plates were closing and wouldn't need surgery or bracing. No pain.
Fast forward (1998): My upper thoracic vertebra start to feel tight and 'pop' every time I move my left arm back. Constant muscular discomfort there.
Fast forward (2000): My lower back really hurting (I think it's because I'm on my feet all day). Water, yoga, & good shoes help, but then it starts to pinch when I breathe deep. I freak out and see an Ortho. He takes xrays, says do what you can to manage the pain, and come back in 4-5 years with another set of xrays and we'll revisit options.
Fast forward (2004): I've done ongoing chiropractic, homeopathic, yoga, water, massage, exercise, heating pads, etc... and I'm getting shooting pains down my arms into my fingertips, sciatica (shooting nerve pains down my leg), constant back aches, headaches and 'popping' down the length of my spine. I get another set of xrays.
NOW: I've met with an orthopedic doctor at Kaiser and upon comparing the two sets of xrays, both curves have progressed to 60 and 50. Dangit. I've been referred to see an orthopedic surgeon and discuss surgery. I've ordered Dave's book and am settling in to do some heavy research. I've already been told "you're young (28), do it now before you have kids," "Rolfing will correct the curve- I've seen pictures!" and "you'd be a fool not to get surgery."
And so it begins. Thanks for being here, for the information and your willingness to share your stories- it feels much better to know I can have a place to ask questions (my current obsession is the chance that I'll die during the surgery ).
Thank you!
Marian
My story: I was school-screened in the 9th grade (1990) and diagnosed with mild scoli. Ortho said that my growth plates were closing and wouldn't need surgery or bracing. No pain.
Fast forward (1998): My upper thoracic vertebra start to feel tight and 'pop' every time I move my left arm back. Constant muscular discomfort there.
Fast forward (2000): My lower back really hurting (I think it's because I'm on my feet all day). Water, yoga, & good shoes help, but then it starts to pinch when I breathe deep. I freak out and see an Ortho. He takes xrays, says do what you can to manage the pain, and come back in 4-5 years with another set of xrays and we'll revisit options.
Fast forward (2004): I've done ongoing chiropractic, homeopathic, yoga, water, massage, exercise, heating pads, etc... and I'm getting shooting pains down my arms into my fingertips, sciatica (shooting nerve pains down my leg), constant back aches, headaches and 'popping' down the length of my spine. I get another set of xrays.
NOW: I've met with an orthopedic doctor at Kaiser and upon comparing the two sets of xrays, both curves have progressed to 60 and 50. Dangit. I've been referred to see an orthopedic surgeon and discuss surgery. I've ordered Dave's book and am settling in to do some heavy research. I've already been told "you're young (28), do it now before you have kids," "Rolfing will correct the curve- I've seen pictures!" and "you'd be a fool not to get surgery."
And so it begins. Thanks for being here, for the information and your willingness to share your stories- it feels much better to know I can have a place to ask questions (my current obsession is the chance that I'll die during the surgery ).
Thank you!
Marian
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