Back brace and Schroth Method

Hi, Doing exercises every day is a big commitment for an 12  year old to make. She may have a different opinion as she gets older. I did look into the Scroth Method but my curve was too big for it to make a difference not only physically but mentally. Also the moves need to be guided by someone who is trained as I believe you can do more damage if they are done incorrectly or may not have any impact on the desired effect.  There is pain after the operation as it is a big op, this goes over time. By five weeks you feel a whole heap better, the first two weeks are tough.  I am almost pain free, as I know how much I can and can't do now, in terms of bending and stretching, I am  7months on. You  will need to take into account how big the curve is and could it get worse as your daughter ages. Assuming your  daughter is  being monitored this should be picked up by your cosultant. They do have rods that are adjustable now for a growing people that still alllows them to do sports.It is adjusted outside of the body by some kind of monitor that stretches the rod inside. Physio is generally to stop the spine getting stiff .  I have read on this site people who a year on have taken up sports again,

 40/ 50 degree curve  and more would be considered operable. 

You will make the right decision with your daughter and the consultant  so don't worry. Hope this helps and best wishes. 

In regards to the Scroth Method, I can't say that I have ever tried it, but I agree with Jay in that it is a big commitment to make, especially for someone as young as 12 - but I do have experience with the surgery.

You desribe the surgery as 'hit and miss', and you have also named a few of the possible complications, and whilst yes, they do sound scary, they are EXTREMELY rare. Pain after any surgery is to be expected, but chronic pain constantly is, again, very rare and unlikely. Methods and surgeons are advancing every day and making strides to reduce the possible complications involved in SFS, and by the sound of it your daughter doesn't specifically need the surgery yet, so perhaps it will never come to that, or maybe if it ever does, the operation will be safer. I know that no operation is ever safe, but sometimes they are necessary.

Myself, I had the surgery and I have never regretted it for one moment; I am so much more comfortable, both physically and mentally than I could ever have hoped to be without the surgery, and so I do recommend that you listen to your doctor - if he/she suggests surgery as a recommendation, then please do consider it.

I am happy to answer and questions that your daughter or yourself has - feel free to get in contact.

Izzie x