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Just found out my 12 yr old has Scoliosis :o(

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  • Just found out my 12 yr old has Scoliosis :o(

    Hello everyone, I just found out that my 12 yr old has Scoliosis. Our Chiropractor said she got it from a sports injury from a month ago. She was swinging her bat at a batting cage and she heard something snap in her back. She was in escrushiating pain. Sorry cant spell LOL...She said it hurt to breath. So I took her to the doctors that night and they told her it was a pulled muscle. I noticed that night she was walking crooked but just thought it was from her muscle being pulled. Well the pain finally went away after a week but then slowly started getting worse again. She had been complaining for the past week that she couldnt breath. I thought it was because she was conjested from a cold. Then she started saying her back was hurting really bad and she couldnt get up out of bed. So I let her stay home on Friday. Well I finally told her to let me see her back and I looked at it and noticed her spine was curved. I didnt really think much about it being scoliosis I was just thinking she must have something else wrong. So we went to this same doctor and this time they actually didnt do the xrays like they did the first time they asked her to bend over and touch her toes. She could only been over half way and right away the doctor goes "shes got scoliosis" I freaked! So I said ok and called my husband right away to let him know and told him to call our Chiropractor and tell him immediately so we could come in. So he called and they said bring her in right away. When we saw the Chiro my husband said the look on his face said it all! He even told me that my daughters back did NOT look like this the last time we saw him. It has been a few months since we last went. So he is also worried because he said their are two types of curves I guess one that goes to the left and one that goes to the right, he said hers goes to the right. He said the right one is the worse one!!! So now my husband and I are both freaking out now! He did an adjusment on her on Friday and he wants us back in on Monday. He also wants us to get more xrays so he can see where he needs to fix. Im assuming he will be seeing us at least 3 times a week. I know its not about money with him because he knows we wont have insurance for a few months so he is seeing us for FREE! This place is awesome. Any thoughts or suggestions I would really appreciate. Thanks so much Also, my daughter would love to hear from any children her age so she isnt so worried. She is really worried she wont be able to play softball again. Thanks so much!

    Mom of Lanna

  • #2
    Mom of Lana,
    You need to get your daughter into an Pediatric Orthopedists right away. I don't know where your nearest Shriner's Hospital is, but I recommend them. We didn't have insurance when all three of our daughters were diagnosed. Our oldest is having surgery (she's 16) on the 15th of March and the Shriner's Hospital, at no cost to us other than transportation. Our youngest daughter has a brace that was no cost to us. They are a wonderful hospital and come highly recommended. They don't just jump to surgery. They do alternative therapy. They will measure your daughters curves, etc. This is so important to know all of this and not just jump in with the Chiropractor. I've been that route too. Wish we would of seen the Orthopedist first. Would of saved a lot of time and possibly my 16 year old wouldn't be having surgery. It would help if you chiropractor would do a referral to Shriner's Hospital for you. You can download an application off the internet. Don't hesitate on getting this done. Your daughter is young enough that chiropractic care and a brace may stop her curves from getting worse. Chiropractic work cannot correct the problem, but can slow down the rate of the curves.

    As far as baseball goes, she will play again. All three of my girls play basketball in school. They all play post positions, which are probably the roughest position to play. They haven't been told to stop and the doctor expects that our 16 year old will be back on the court next winter playing basketball. So, tell her chin up. Keep her active. Don't put bubble wrap around her. Let her lead a normal child's life.

    Please see a Pediatric Orthopedist. Shriner's Hospital is free services. There are no hidden costs. A lot of people worry about that stuff.

    Been there, done that. Let us know what you do.

    'til later,
    Nikki

    Comment


    • #3
      Hi

      I would tread with much caution with going down the chiropractor route alone with scoliosis. A chiropractor can help with pain, and relax muscles, but can't fix scoliosis.

      "Our Chiropractor said she got it from a sports injury from a month ago. She was swinging her bat at a batting cage and she heard something snap in her back"

      If you believe that it has come from the sports trauma, one of the first things which I would suggest finding out (from a paediatric orthapaedist or your own doctor) is whether it is functional scoliosis; which is a structurally normal spine which appears curved, and is a temporary curve, which can result from things such as muscle spasms, trauma or injury, difference in leg length etc. Or whether it is structural scoliosis, which is where the vertebrae (the spine) itself is actually curved. The treatment path that needs to be taken for each is very different; functional scoliosis, the underlying cause needs to be fixed, whereas for structural scoliosis the path includes bracing, surgery etc.

      I hope i've given you some food for thought on some things, and I wish you the best of luck.

      Alison

      Comment


      • #4
        One thing I forgot to add, is that if it is structural scoliosis, it wouldn't have come from the sports trauma, but may have become more visible to you, because you were focusing on her shoulders/back from trying to releive her discomfort.

        Alison

        Comment


        • #5
          Mom of Lana,

          It doesn't surprise me that your chiropractor didn't notice your daughter's Scoliosis and "suddenly" it was there. A number of things could have contributed to that: has she had a growth spurt in that time? has she recently started her period? Those are just a few things that come to mind. My daughter was checked on a regular basis, but we never picked up her Scoliosis until after she started her period and had a major growth spurt at the same time. I honestly think she had Scoliosis for sometime, but it had really progressed once she starte puberty.

          I agree with the others that have responded to you--get her to a Pediatric Orthopedic doctor. Don't settle on what that one doctor tells you--get at least two or three opinions. Keep asking questions. You've come to the right place for support. You'll find everyone on this forum are great and very supportive.

          Mary Lou

          Comment


          • #6
            Thanks for the advice :O)

            The only thing I noticed with our daughter for a while now is her shoulder blades stick way out because she has poor posture. She is extrememly thin. I will see if I can add her photos on here so you can see what she looks like now. She didnt look like this until after her sports injury just a month ago. I am going to find a orthopedic surgeon to go to. I will look for one as soon as I get off this computer. I told her not to be carrying her backpack on her back anymore to roll it. I will keep you all updated..Oh and no she hasnt started her period. I heard girls usually dont start until they are at least 100 lbs? I dont know how true that is but she is 5'3 93 lbs...She is really thin.

            Mom to Lanna

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            • #7
              I forgot to ask about back braces. The only one we have seen online is the one that goes all the way up the back and under the chin. Is that the only on their is? She is freaking out and so am I. I would hate for her to have to wear that 23 hours a day!


              Mom To Lanna

              Comment


              • #8
                Hi mom to Lanna,

                Welcome to the board.

                I, too, question the cause of the scoliosis. A pediatric orthopedist will be able to tell you more details about the curve of her spine, and whether or not she needs treatment. Scoliosis is a long term deal - rarely an emergency situation, which means you have plenty of time to research and find out what is the best medical/treatment option for her.

                Most adolescent scoliosis cases are idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause. The bone structure in the spine is normal, but curved. There also could be underlying soft tissue causes (i.e., spinal cord issues, etc.). Only a ped. ortho. can give you the specific answers you need. Like someone else said, chiropractic care may help with the soft tissue pain, but it won't cure the scoliosis.

                Being active and having healthy/strong abs and back muscles is probably the best way to maintain good health and support her spine. My daughter used to dance. When she was diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at age 13, she continued to be active with her dance. Once she stopped dancing, her back pain/discomfort increased. She could see a very distinct difference between being physically fit and not physically fit. She no longer dances, but does Pilates regularly. Otherwise, her back is the focal point of her day. She'd rather not have it be that way.

                I also have a 9yr old son who was born with severe congenital scoliosis. You'd think "I" would know what to watch for in my other children. I missed the diagnosis of my daughter's scoliosis. It was after a pediatrician's hunch that she was diagnosed. Scoliosis can sneak up on you and your child. It's not something to dwell on or be worried about (the missing the diagnosis part). Your focus now should be on finding out what exactly is going on with her; if there are any structural problems with the bones of the spine; if she has a spinal cord problem (has she had a recent growth spurt?); and if the injury needs to continue to heal... things like that.

                I wish you the best. Keep us posted.
                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/

                Comment


                • #9
                  I made an appointment with her Pediatrician so I can get the referral to go to a Ortho doc..I hate having to go to one doc to get to see another doc. I think they love to make our lives a living hell lol...Im going to pick up the xrays of her back from Jan 20th of this year and Im taking them to my Chiropractor tonight. He wanted to see how her bones looked after the accident. I cant wait until I get an appointment with the Ortho doc to see what he/she says! I will keep ya updated! Oh did anyone happen to see my daughters pics I posted? To me she doesnt look all that bad compared to the pictures ive seen on the internet. What do you think?

                  Mom To Lanna

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Mom to Lanna,
                    Glad that you are going to see your Pediatrician for a referral. You can thank our health care system/insurance for having to go to one doctor to see another. We had to do the same. It just seems so time consuming, especially when you know where you need to be. We started our process the middle of August and got in to see the Pediatric Orthopedic specialist on October 13, 2004, and our oldest is having surgery on March 15, 2005. That is why time is of the essence, sometimes it takes time to get through the process. But, our loss of time was wasting a year and a half before that with the Chiropractor. It wasn't a total waste of time, as she got some pain relief from it, but we could of been treating the problem before surgery became the issue. She went into the Chiro Mon, Wed, Fri, and got special appts. before and after every basketball game she played, just to keep her playing.

                    I did look at the pictures of your daughter. She does need to be seen by a Pediatric Orthopedist. I am still not convinced that this is from an accident. I think the pulled muscle, or whatever it may have been, just drew your attention to it. You say that she didn't look that bad compared to others. My 16 year old that is scheduled for surgery doesn't look bad either, but she is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday of next week. She has a lot of pain resulting from her problem. The docs are also hoping that by straightening her back it will help with her severe asthma.

                    Does your Chiro have xrays of before she pulled her back? If he doesnt, he has nothing to compare them to. You need to take these xrays to the appointment for the pediatrician also. I can't express how important it is that you keep those xrays for every appointment with every doctor. The almighty comparison is really the degree of the curves, and those curves need to be measured by someone that knows how. You can't just look at the xrays and decide what needs to be done, that is a specialists job. That's why you need to see the Pediatric Orthopedist. I am just concerned because you are doing the same thing I did. And, I wasted valuable time. My daughter didn't even get the chance at a brace because we went to the Chiro first. I am not saying that I don't believe in Chiro's. Because, at our house we use one on a regular basis. But, there are somethings they can't fix, and this is one of them. The Chiro can relieve the pain by making an adjustment, but can't fix the problem.

                    You asked about back braces. There all different types. You can't even tell my youngest daughter (13 years old) has hers on. Other than, she stands up so nice and tall. So don't be bummed out about braces. And, if she is put in one, it is so important for her to wear it. It can prevent a possible surgery. Everyonce in a while I ask my youngest were her brace is, because it doesn't look like she has it on. She raises her shirt and laughs at me to show me she has it on.

                    I am so sorry for being on my soap box, but I don't want you to loose valuable time like I did by messing around with other things. The specialist may even recommend chiro treatment for her, in addition to other things.

                    Let us know how your appointment goes.

                    'til later,
                    Nikki

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Mom to Lanna,
                      I am 13 years old and I have worn a brace and now I am having surgery. When you asked about braces, not all braces are like that. I am assuming that you probably saw a milwaukee brace. There are several different kinds.(a few I think of right away are boston braces, milwaukee braces and charleston braces)

                      You said that your daughter would love to hear form any children her age so I will offer her some advice so she isn't worried.

                      Alanna,
                      Try not to be to scared! It isn't going to be to bad! A brace may seem like the end of the world right now, but trust me, form the words of someone who wore a brace, it isn't that bad! It may hurt at first but you WILL get used to it! It took me about a month to get used to the brace and then sometimes I even forgot I was wearing it! You WILL be able to play softball again. Don't worry about that! You would take the brace off for it but you could still play it! My docotr actually encouraged me to take part in more sports because it would keep my back nice and flexible (which is true, my back is very flexible) and the muscles would be strong. I was very surprised by this. All you have to do when you play soem sports that include twisting and things like that is you take the brace off. If you have any questions just ask! Good luck and keep smiling!
                      ~*Lauren*~
                      Braced for 5 months
                      Decided on surgery with 65 and 54 degree curves
                      Pre-op curve measurements were in the 70's and 80's
                      Surgery on April 26th 2005
                      Fused from T3-L4
                      Post-op curve is 15 degrees

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        I went to the Chiropractor

                        Well we went to the Chiro and he said he doesnt think she will need a back brace. I told him I was still going to go see the Ortho doc and get some xrays from them also. The xrays that I showed him was from Jan 20th when she got hurt swinging a bat. But whoever said that he didnt have any xrays before to compare her to you were right. The only thing he has is this machine that he takes and puts these little plastic knobs on each side of your spine and steps on a button and he does this all the way up your spine. It tells you how far out of line each lumbar is. Ive never seen one before until we met him. So now I have to wait until Wednesday to see the family doc to get the referral and hopefully they will do xrays again. He has adjusted her twice since we found out about the scoliosis this past Friday. I see a little bit of a difference. The hump on the back is still their but her hips arent as crooked as they were. I will keep you updated

                        Mom To Lanna

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Mom to Lanna
                          Glad to see you going to the specialist. Like I said, I do believe in Chiro's, we use one on a regular basis. But, if he can't give you degrees of curvature, he hasn't done his homework on your child. Did he tell you if your daughter has one curve, or two curves. You can't just look at the xray and say this or that. This stuff can progress, and very well could as she get older. On the other hand, it may be as bad as it's going to get too. This could be functional and not structural. But, the specialist will get to the bottom of it, and if it is functional, get to the source of the problem.

                          Let us know how your appointments go. Keep in mind that the treatments for this can get expensive and Shriner's Hospital does all the services, from start to finish, for free. Keep this in mind since you don't have insurance. I don't want you daughter to miss out on treatment because of its expense and you don't have insurance yet. Even when you do get insurance, Shriner's still provides it services to you and does not bill your insurance for them. My daughter's surgery is going to cost somewhere between $175,000-250,000. My insurance doesn't get billed for this and I don't pay a dime for it. Next time you see a parade and you see a bunch of men in Red Fezz Hat's, tell them thank you for the work they do. They raise money all year long to support the Shriner's Hospitals.

                          Please keep us posted as you go down the road. Don't get upset over anything you find out. These things happen. All three of my daughters have to deal with this. We don't slow down, we just pick up the pieces as we go along and go on with life. I know it is easier said than done. I am going down that same road with a surgery on next Tuesday.

                          I will keep you in my prayers.

                          'til later,
                          Nikki

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Lanna
                            I have 2 daughters that have scoliosis. I have had it since 11 1/2. I want to let you know first that being scared is o.k. But to your daughter this is the most horrible thing she can imagine. By all means downplay it. It will consume everything she does or doesn't do. I remember my mom telling me no p.e. The only thing I loved. Let her be normal.

                            Secondly even though the Chiropractor that you see may seem like his intensions are legit second guess his actions. As with the doctors. Never be totally in there hands. If that was the case my 7year old would not have been diagnosed. My 9 year old would have been treated for a pinched nerve.

                            I saw the pictures and wanted to remark that she has a curve about like my 7 year olds. It is starting out. By no means did that bat swinging cause it, maybe from the swinging it caused a slight shift that would feel like burning. I did that way after I knew I had scoliosis. There are many treatments out there. I have a left curve and if I am not mistaken the left is the worst due to the pressure on the rib cage near the heart. So dont let them scare you like that whichever way. It is no where near the terrible sickness children go through with say cancer. This is a mild to sever deformatey it can be fixed and she will live a great life. she can have kids work whatever she wants to do.

                            Tell her for me to stay in school and have a nice cushy job LOL. I opted to go a different route and now another surgery is inevitable. I give my girls a massage to ease the stresses on there backs. I go to a chiropractor my self BUT he is not into telling you he can fix it all. Pain management has been wonderful. I am now off all pain meds and dont need stomach meds now. i was never good a taking meds anyway.lol. Stay calm for her sake. Tell her it is all good.
                            Krystal
                            Last edited by krystal; 03-07-2005, 10:53 PM. Reason: font was not properly put in
                            Diagnosed 11 at school screening, surgery 16.
                            Had Harrington rods w/fusions.
                            Luque-thorasic.
                            Full term pregnancies,no major issues.sciatica with the first. Epidurals with C-sections
                            2005:lumbar reconstruction, 2 plates, 6 screws in sacrum, and 2 cages with my own bone.
                            2007: cervical surgery to correct 4 bulging discs, two fusions with cages using cadaver bone.
                            Both of my daughters have scoliosis. Both were diagnosed by 7.
                            http://spinedoctors.md/ Dr, Jospeh Flynn Jr

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Also just letting you know that there is a Shriners Hospital in Jacksonvile Fl. If you need the number I will look it up. It is worth the trip they help you with staying during surgeries the whole nine yards.
                              Diagnosed 11 at school screening, surgery 16.
                              Had Harrington rods w/fusions.
                              Luque-thorasic.
                              Full term pregnancies,no major issues.sciatica with the first. Epidurals with C-sections
                              2005:lumbar reconstruction, 2 plates, 6 screws in sacrum, and 2 cages with my own bone.
                              2007: cervical surgery to correct 4 bulging discs, two fusions with cages using cadaver bone.
                              Both of my daughters have scoliosis. Both were diagnosed by 7.
                              http://spinedoctors.md/ Dr, Jospeh Flynn Jr

                              Comment

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