Hi there. I am new to this thread and I'm certain it will be of great help to me. I am a 55 year old female who has had scoliosis since I was a teenager. The doctor diagnosed me as havint this and my parents were to take me back to the doctor weeks later and because I stopped complaining, they did not take me back! I have never worn a brace or had surgery. My pain is minimal, cosmetically I can live with it. I guess I just started thinking, what will life be like for me (and my family) as I get older. My curve is 70 degrees, lower lumbar. I have some discs that are slipping. I am scared to death of surgery but want to the best thing. I have just started physical therepy to strengthen stomach and back muscles. How does a person make such an important decision on surgery or not. I know the longer I put it off, the worse it will be. I would appreciate some input from people in my shoes.