I have been reading this forum on and off for several years. I am going to post my situation for what it is worth. This might be long, so bail now if you haven't the patience or interest.
I was finally diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis in 2002 at age 39. I have a thoracic curve of about 70 degrees.
My family physician finally noticed and got curious. I had been told I had a curve, but no one, including chiropractors and osteopaths, ever said how big or ever discussed treatment. I have always had some back pain. From standing too long. Fom walking too far. I have described it as feeling like someone is driving the tip of a broomstick into the middle of my back. Back pain was just a fact of life. I have been asked many time how much it hurts, but I don't know how one quantifies that in a meaningful way. My pain might debilitate some or be a blessed relief to others, I don't know.
Upon diagnosis, I underwent tests and x-rays. They decided it wasn't going to kill me. My lungs would be fine. My heart would be fine. I get annual x-rays to monitor the curve. It has remained stable since diagnosis. Since it wasnt going to kill me and, at my age, not much aesthetic reason to do so, surgery has not being recommended. The risk, I am told, would be greater than the benefit. Although the degree and kind of benefit is a matter of opinion.
I was quite bothered by the discovery and the failure of the medical community (and my family) for some time. The first time I saw the x-ray, it was very startling for me. I am sure many can relate.
Were my back straight, or at least straighter, I would be 2-3 inches taller, would not look or feel crooked. I would not have had the years of my youth feeling so awkward about my body.
Water under the bridge, now. I cannot change the past. I have been doing my best to take control of the present. Doctors told me there was nothing in particular that I ought not do physically and I have taken them at their word.
I have been weight training for several years now. Back pain does not go away, but it is better and I move better.
I can squat 365 lbs. I can deadlift 405 lbs. I can leg press over 900 lbs.
I am going to enter a natural (steriod-free) bodybuilding contest this July. I am still crooked. I look crooked. My hips meet my ribs. And symmetry is one of the judging criteria. I will enter at a weight of approx 180 (hopefully less in the next couple of weeks!) and I will stand in very skimpy trunks in front of a sold out auditorium.
This is very scary for me as I have always been very self-conscious about my body shape. But its been hard (but fun) work and a fear I will overcome.
I won't win anything, but I will show well enough.
I realize my way of coping won't be and can't be for everyone. Some days it really hurts. Some days its fine. RMT helps a lot, but there is no cure. Some days looking in the mirror just makes me angry.
I post this because it is cathartic. I hope others might find it informative. Some might just give me heck. All reactions welcome, if any.
I was finally diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis in 2002 at age 39. I have a thoracic curve of about 70 degrees.
My family physician finally noticed and got curious. I had been told I had a curve, but no one, including chiropractors and osteopaths, ever said how big or ever discussed treatment. I have always had some back pain. From standing too long. Fom walking too far. I have described it as feeling like someone is driving the tip of a broomstick into the middle of my back. Back pain was just a fact of life. I have been asked many time how much it hurts, but I don't know how one quantifies that in a meaningful way. My pain might debilitate some or be a blessed relief to others, I don't know.
Upon diagnosis, I underwent tests and x-rays. They decided it wasn't going to kill me. My lungs would be fine. My heart would be fine. I get annual x-rays to monitor the curve. It has remained stable since diagnosis. Since it wasnt going to kill me and, at my age, not much aesthetic reason to do so, surgery has not being recommended. The risk, I am told, would be greater than the benefit. Although the degree and kind of benefit is a matter of opinion.
I was quite bothered by the discovery and the failure of the medical community (and my family) for some time. The first time I saw the x-ray, it was very startling for me. I am sure many can relate.
Were my back straight, or at least straighter, I would be 2-3 inches taller, would not look or feel crooked. I would not have had the years of my youth feeling so awkward about my body.
Water under the bridge, now. I cannot change the past. I have been doing my best to take control of the present. Doctors told me there was nothing in particular that I ought not do physically and I have taken them at their word.
I have been weight training for several years now. Back pain does not go away, but it is better and I move better.
I can squat 365 lbs. I can deadlift 405 lbs. I can leg press over 900 lbs.
I am going to enter a natural (steriod-free) bodybuilding contest this July. I am still crooked. I look crooked. My hips meet my ribs. And symmetry is one of the judging criteria. I will enter at a weight of approx 180 (hopefully less in the next couple of weeks!) and I will stand in very skimpy trunks in front of a sold out auditorium.
This is very scary for me as I have always been very self-conscious about my body shape. But its been hard (but fun) work and a fear I will overcome.
I won't win anything, but I will show well enough.
I realize my way of coping won't be and can't be for everyone. Some days it really hurts. Some days its fine. RMT helps a lot, but there is no cure. Some days looking in the mirror just makes me angry.
I post this because it is cathartic. I hope others might find it informative. Some might just give me heck. All reactions welcome, if any.
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