Hi everyone,
I am having trouble finding research about the natural history of lumbar scoliosis. There seems to be a lot of info. saying that thoracic curves can lead to heart/lung problems if allowed to progress to 90+ degrees. But what happens with lumbar curves? Does anyone know of any studies on this? Linda?
Given the complexities of lumbar surgery and the strong likelihood of post-surgical pain, as well as the possible need for follow-up surgery, it would be nice to know if there is some research supporting surgery in the lumbar spine.
Here's what I know:
Chances for chronic post-surgical lower back pain when fused to L4 or L5: 70-80%
Chances for need for additional surgery: 26% (varies somewhat by study)
Here's what I don't know:
If you just let your lumbar curve go and it gets to 100+ degrees, is the problem mainly cosmetic? What about 125 degrees?
Yes, you have pain, but you have pain anyway from surgery and the stress it puts on your lower back. Which is worse?
Are there vital organ complications if it gets that big?
One doctor I saw said he sees "lots of little old ladies with very significant lower back curves who come in, get their pain epidural, and basically get along just fine."
Any references would be much appreciated!
Thanks,
Evelyn
I am having trouble finding research about the natural history of lumbar scoliosis. There seems to be a lot of info. saying that thoracic curves can lead to heart/lung problems if allowed to progress to 90+ degrees. But what happens with lumbar curves? Does anyone know of any studies on this? Linda?
Given the complexities of lumbar surgery and the strong likelihood of post-surgical pain, as well as the possible need for follow-up surgery, it would be nice to know if there is some research supporting surgery in the lumbar spine.
Here's what I know:
Chances for chronic post-surgical lower back pain when fused to L4 or L5: 70-80%
Chances for need for additional surgery: 26% (varies somewhat by study)
Here's what I don't know:
If you just let your lumbar curve go and it gets to 100+ degrees, is the problem mainly cosmetic? What about 125 degrees?
Yes, you have pain, but you have pain anyway from surgery and the stress it puts on your lower back. Which is worse?
Are there vital organ complications if it gets that big?
One doctor I saw said he sees "lots of little old ladies with very significant lower back curves who come in, get their pain epidural, and basically get along just fine."
Any references would be much appreciated!
Thanks,
Evelyn
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