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I am finally trying to address my Scheuermann's Disease aged 50. I have never had any surgery or bracing and have just lived a life where I dressed to cover the hump (as much as that's possible) and avoided standing for any length of time as my lumbar region started to really hurt. Over the past few years I've noticed my lumbar spine complaining more and more and I've tried to do something about it. Obviously I always knew that that something would be either or both painful, ineffective, risky, disappointment-prone. I tried non-rigid velcro-fastening supports, visits to osteopaths, physiotherapists and Schroth therapists, lots of exercises I'd seen on YouTube and have visited my doctor. Sometimes I think I'm winning, most of the time I know I'm not and I just want to stop the curve worsening and to stop the pain in my lordotic lower back. I know that somewhere down the line, if I'm considered suitable in spite of my age, I might end up having a spinal fusion. I read this forum avidly and have learnt lots from other posters. I have just ordered a Chaneco rigid brace with moldable aluminium components and pectoral and dorsal pads. I am both excited and aware that it probably won't help.
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Lawyer IHaveAHunch
Posted
I was always aware of the curve: caused by mis shaped vertebrae. It did not cause particular problems until c. 3 years ago. I was told it is common that nerve pain starts when you are older.
A specialist can advise, but probably it can not be remedied. Rather pain management and appropriate exercises.
Jay91157 IHaveAHunch
Posted
margaret85310 IHaveAHunch
Posted
I have scholiosis, and I had my upper vertabrae fused and Harrington rods inserted when I was a child, which was very successful for me. I also have a short leg, and over the years I developed a compensatory curve in my tailbone, which started crippling me in my late 40s. The doctor told me that another surgery to fuse my lower vertebrae was my only option. Instead, I started practicing Bikram yoga, which is a healing yoga practiced in a hot, humid room. My pain was GONE within the first week of starting my practice and 3.5 years later it has not returned, and I am completely able- bodied...
IHaveAHunch
Posted
All of you - thanks for reading and taking the time to offer advice. I will try Bikram yoga. And I won't consider that age is an automatic bar to surgery. Chaneco is a UK orthotics maker and, unlike some manufacturers, does let me buy direct. I figured that it makes adult-sized braces and says they are for hyperkyphosis, so why not? I don't think wearing it will make matters worse. I can start off wearing it at a loose setting and see if tightening helps. I was disappointed my Gp didn't refer me to a specialist when I went along last year and, with hindsight, think I should have pushed for it - I just got referred to a physio clinic. But then my hyperkyphosis wasn't picked up at one-on-one annual school medicals in the critical growing years nor by my parents. I guess the operation was more of a big deal back in the early 80s when, from what I read, I get the impression they much more commonly had to access anteriorally and deflate the lung and cut a rib out for access etc. So I guess the school medical examiner would probably not have considered it anything but a last-resort option. Another girl in my school year had the condition too and nothing was done about her hump either as far as I could tell.
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