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  • Looking for a Specialist

    Hello,

    I have a 10yr old son (will be 11 in April) that was recently diagnosed with scoliosis. His upper curve is 19deg and 6deg lower (X-rays taken in early Dec 06). Like many of the new parents on here I was in total disbelief and shock. I have not heard that word since I was in Junior High. To make a long story short (at least shorter then it could be) he is very athletic, has been playing Baseball and Hockey from a very young age. I think this is what bothered me most at first----that he may need to change his life style (I thought---I know better now after reading post on here). His back was feeling stiff during a hockey practice and the next day he could hardly move. I took him to the doctors and they said he had a pulled muscle and also appeared to have scoliosis. She referred him to a specialist and to have an x-ray done at a children’s hospital. We had the x-ray done in Dec but could not get an appointment with the specialist until yesterday (Jan 23). Between the x-ray and the appointment I was driving myself crazy reading on the internet. Stories that the curve can increase rather dramatically over just a few months. I tried to get in early but was unable to. The appointment yesterday was very unsatisfying. He just confirmed what I already new from my Ped. After reading the x-ray the doctor just told us he had a mild case and we should not worry. I asked him about what I read (about the progression) and he stated “that is why we want to see him in 6 months”. If it has progressed they will take action i.e. a brace. I know I am long winded (sorry)….My questions are.
    1. Do any of you know of a good doctor in or around Jacksonville Florida that specializes in scoliosis? I have been told several times I am lucky they caught it early but feel like we are not taking advantage of our so called luck. We are not doing anything about it, just waiting for another x-ray. I want to be proactive in his treatment.
    2. Does anyone know where I can find a probability chart----the chance of his getting worse due to his age etc?
    3. I have read on some web sites that Chiropractic care may work, has anyone had any success with this? Or physical therapy?

    I know I need to do something but not sure what. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks

    Gene Tyler’s Dad

  • #2
    Hi Dad...

    You can find a good summary of scoliosis treatment, including a progression chart here:

    http://www.scoliosis-australia.org/s...scoliosis.html

    Chiropractic care has never been shown to reduce or stop the progression of scoliosis curves.

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...&dopt=Abstract

    Regards,
    Linda
    Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
    Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

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    • #3
      Welcome Gene.

      In addition to the information Linda mentioned, there are some great exercises found here: http://www.iscoliosis.com

      Being active and eating healthy is the best thing Tyler can do for himself. It is important to keep the muscles of the back and sides strong and supporting the spine. The exercisese mentioned on this website will concentrate on the back and keeping his back strong. Unless the doc told you to restrict activity, keeping him active in all his sports will be great.

      One thing I'm a little concerned about is his age. He is at a borderline age of "typical" scoliosis and scoliosis that may have an underlying cause. I don't mean to alarm you, but maybe watch for some subtle things. If these things happen occasionally, you need to mention them to the doc so they can follow up. Does he ever have changes in his bowel or bladder habits? Does he have occasional leg/foot pain/tingling? Does he ever have low back pain for no apparent reason? Does he have any outward markings on his lower back that would indicate an internal problem (ie, a hairy patch, a lump above the sacrum, a dimple at the bottom of his sacrum, etc.)? Does he have occasional unexplained fatigue?

      Again, not to alarm you, just be aware of things.

      I do not know of any good PEDIATRIC orthopedic surgeons in the Jacksonville area. I did find a link to the Nemours.org group. They have good orthos within their group. Not sure about Jacksonville specifically, but you can do your own research. http://www.nemours.org/internet?url=.../services.html

      Best wishes.
      Carmell
      mom to Kara, idiopathic scoliosis, Blake 19, GERD and Braydon 14, VACTERL, GERD, DGE, VEPTR #137, thoracic insufficiency, rib anomalies, congenital scoliosis, missing coccyx, fatty filum/TC, anal stenosis, horseshoe kidney, dbl ureter in left kidney, ureterocele, kidney reflux, neurogenic bladder, bilateral hip dysplasia, right leg/foot dyplasia, tibial torsion, clubfoot with 8 toes, pes cavus, single umblilical artery, etc. http://carmellb-ivil.tripod.com/myfamily/

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      • #4
        I also have a son with scoliosis. Much of the info on websites will refer to progression in girls and will tell you that boys are less likely to progress. Likelihood of progression is an individual thing, however, the info I've seen tends to indicate that the earlier scoliosis occurs the greater chance it will progress. But don't obsess too much on progression probabilities or scare yourself with all that info that's out there.

        Your son's degrees are less than 20 so probably you are looking at monitoring. That means xrays and dr visits every 4 to 6 months, and waiting and wondering and worrying. My son is 13 and has a 30 degree thoracic curve so he's got a brace. In a way, I'm happier with that since it feels like we're doing something.

        Many scoli docs are big on exercise for their patients, so the hockey, etc. is a good thing. As I've learned from this site and Spine Kids, other exercises that are good include swimming, pilates, and yoga. Additionally, in our family we have decided that pheasant hunting counts as exercise (walking miles and miles through tall grass over uneven ground carrying a shotgun is hard work)

        Good luck! It will get better!

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