Newbie question about pain

[tstevens]

Hello everyone!

I am a 25 year old who was diagnosed at age 12. I dont remember what the degrees of my curves were at that time but I recently went to the dr. for updated x-rays and found that I have 15 deg T curve and 18 deg L curve. The T curve goes to the left and the L curve goes to the right. I am waiting on a referral to the spine specialist. I have been having lots of back pain, is this unusual with such mild degrees? Any suggestions on how to decrease the pain?

Thanks for the help :)

[marmyte]

hi there! the problem with scoliosis pain is that it's really random - some people have substantial curves and no pain, and at the other end of the spectrum are people like yourself who have relatively minor curves but lots of pain :( i'm an active member of another forum where i know a few people in your situation (untreated curves and experiencing pain) and i think they generally manage their pain with painkillers and perhaps stretching exercises or heat pads. if you wanted to come over and talk to them for yourself, there's a link at the bottom of my signature. hope you get some answers and some relief soon :)

[Karen Ocker]

What kind of doctor did you just see? ... because if he is not a scoliosis specialist the measurements might not be correct. It is a good idea to see a scoliosis specialist and monitor the curves to make sure they are not progressing ---if not you do not have to worry.
Karen

[BaDnOn]

I also have a great deal of pain, particularly in the lower back. This is only augmented by the extreme discomfort I feel at most times. There is a detestable sensation that my body is collapsing in on itself, and I feel "bloated" perhaps... Very hard to describe, but I will try at a later date. I have found no true relief for the haunting anathema of pain that has me in it's iron grip so often. Saying that if the curve doesn't progress, that we'll be alright, is relative and surely doesn't apply in my case or perhaps in Tstevens' case. I can't really fathom an entire life of this with no relief. I too, have only 18 degree curves, and it's made everything a nightmare. I find no solution in eating drugs for the rest of my life, nor do I for the most part. I only continue through relentless perseverance, chasing the wraith of hope as far as need be.

-BaDnOn

[Karen Ocker]

Have you been evaluated for syringomelia as a cause for your pain? It can be associated with scoliosis. Here are links explaining it:

http://www.conquerchiari.org/awareness/Syringomyelia%20Awareness%20Sheet.pdf

http://www.conquerchiari.org/Education.htm

Karen