No "significant" change!?!??

[Mobee211]

When I was 18 my curves measured 23 degrees (both lumbar and thoracic). At 22 they were both at 30 degrees. The orthopedist said that this was not a significant change at all. Now 3 years later they are at 34 (thoracic) and 30 (lumbar) and the radiologist report again says "no significant change". Um, how is 12 degrees of progression in only 7 years NOT SIGNIFICANT?! Am I nuts or something? What the hell is wrong with these people?!!!!!!!!

[briarrose]

Hi Mobee

I had a similar situation. At 16 my curves measured 18* and the doctor said I was done growing so the curves wouldn't progress. Well in January of 2003 I was in extreme pain so I went to a new doctor and found my curve to be 33*! My doctor also didn't think this was significant. I had xrays done in May of 2005 and my doctor said the curve was 37*. I had another doctor measure that xray and he found it to be 41*. This doctor, which I saw today, is taking my curve progression very seriously and thinks I will need surgery. I went to 3 different doctors and all didn't think it was a big deal. It seems to be all about finding the right doctor. This current doctor seems great. Good luck in your search.

[imanbabesmom]

my two cents

I saw the same orthopedist for 4 years. (age 16) After being finished with the braces I went to my local orthopedist...just as a check up on the degree of curve, at age 25 and it was just a degree or two off compared to the other orthopedist's xrays. He said this could be the difference in machines.

I went back 6months later and still no change.

I went back today at age 36 and I have changed 5 degrees in 11 years. He says that 1 degree per year is average...and that I have 1/2 degree going right now. He wants me back in one year to see how it goes.

[Jinseeker]

I know it can be very confusing. The only way to really tell if it did progress is if you overlayed both previous and present x-rays on top of each other, and just see the shape of the curve itself. I wouldn't trust measurements since each doctor will likely take measurements of different vertebraes, and also depending on how you were postured during the shoot. Sometimes, x-rays don't get taken from a flat view of your back, it can get taken at a slight angle resulting in an x-ray that's not a complete front or back view of your back.