When is surgery necessary?

[yabadoba]

Hello I am an 18 years old girl with a 43 degree curvature, narrowly missing the range that needs surgery. The question that bothers me is whether i really need surgery as i don't have any back pain at all and my physical appearances are normal. Do you think i should wait and see until further symptoms develop befor i turn to surgery? When do one absolutely need a surgery? Pls help! Thanks...

[LindaRacine]

Yaba...

Yes! There are relatively few of us who ABSOLUTELY need surgery. However, in teens, when one's curves hit 50+ degrees, it's time to seriously consider that option. In adults, I think that when a thoracic curve reaches 60-70 degrees, or when there is significant pain, surgery is usually considered.

Regards,
Linda