Does the curve get worse with age?

[txmarinemom]

why does the scoliosis get worse? mine is at 19 degrees and was at 16 degrees a couple of years ago and i am only 34. what would cause it to get worse? i am done growing.its only been 4 years time i am not wearing any braces. can any one help?

ccd -

While it's possible for a curve to progress in adulthood (some just do, unfortunately), I wouldn't be *too* alarmed by what might or might not actually be progression in a curve that mild.

The Cobb measurement is generally held accurate to ±5°, and it's especially prone to vary if x-rays are measured by different doctors. It's entirely possible your Cobb *was* 19° four years ago, it's 16° today, or somewhere between the two measurements.

My Cobb has bounced around in adulthood (50°, 48°, 53°) - but is considered stable because it's been within the ±5° range since early adulthood.

Also, it's somewhat rare for a 16° curve to start moving at your age. That's not to say it *never* happens, but it's just as likely it hasn't moved - and the Cobb's are suspect.

The only real way to know is have it checked every year and watch for more definite signs of progression.

Best regards,
Pam

[Miki]

I have now 20*/60-65*/38* and I am 19 year old. Do you think should I have a surgery ??

I don't know what to do ..

[txmarinemom]

I have now 20*/60-65*/38* and I am 19 year old. Do you think should I have a surgery ??

I don't know what to do ..

Miki, you really need to discuss that with a qualified surgeon.

60-65° thoracic curves at 19 are most often recommended for surgery due to likelihood for progression - and risk of organ impingement.

What does your doctor say? Obviously, if you know your curve details, someone has read your x-rays (and it sounds like recently).

You're already headed into the category of severe curvature, and while not always (mine hasn't, but I'm right at the ±50° line), *generally* > ±50° curves progress in adulthood at approximately 1° per year. And you're obviously far beyond 50°.

How has the curve progressed thus far? Were you braced, and if so, how long have you been out of it? Did you progress IN a brace?

You really need to find a spinal deformity specialist (although it's not an all-inclusive list of competent doctors, there is one available from the Scoliosis Research Society) and discuss your options.

Regards,
Pam

[Miki]

I had 2 cheneau braces one for day and one for night.
My doctor allowed not wearing brace for day in 08.2005. Night brace I have now and I sleep with it.
My scoliosis :

60*/ 45* march 2001
58*/ 45* december 2003
20*/60-65*/38* october 2005

Between 2001-2005 I was wearind cheneau braces.
In risser scale from photo 2005 I have had 4/5

[txmarinemom]

I'd encourage you to get a second opinion, Miki (and a 3rd, 4th, etc. until you feel you have all the facts pertinent to your situation) ... and (just me, but you asked the question I'd suggest consults with SRS physicians.

Again, while there are other competent non-SRS surgeons, these surgeons devote at *least* 20% of their practice to spinal deformities.

60-65° curves are borderline severe at ~any~ age, but certainly at 19.

Best of luck to you regardless which path you choose. Knowledge, by far, is your most powerful weapon ... arm yourself!

Regards,
Pam