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Scoliosis and constant pain

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Olivia295
Olivia295

When I was 16 I was diagnosed with scoliosis. I had a 17 degree curve to the right. I know this is mild but I am now 22 and experiencing more and more pain.

I can't walk for more than 15-20 mins without my back burning with pain, I can't carry a bag or my shoulders really hurt, I can't stand up for too long... I could go on.

My scoliosis doesn't look sever but it certainly feels it.

I spoke to my doctor a few weeks and and was referred for physio therapy. Both told me that scoliosis categorically doesn't get worse once you're a certain age but I've ready many things about progression in adults.

Should I keep pestering until I'm given another X-ray or am I wrong? should I just take the physio and see what happens.?

I'm concerned that my curve may have progressed but nobody cares to check.

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Jay91157
    Jay91157 Olivia295

    Posted

    Hi, Your curve is considered mild at 17degrees. I would take the physio even if it helps just with the pain momentarily, then you have some kind of back up if you decide to go back to your doctor. Scoliosis does progress unfortunatley. There are loads of sites that will tell you this. There is also a Scoliosis website worth checking out. An MRI would be better if you could get your GP to book you one. Pilates is good for back pain so this could be an option. I think you are in a difficult situation as the curve is not bad enought to have anything done and unfortunately scoliosis does bring pain. Give the physio a go and then go back to GP if no improvement. Best Wishes
    • Olivia295
      Olivia295 Jay91157

      Posted

      Yeah, I will definitely give the physio ago and if it doesn't help I'll go back to the doctor and request and X-Ray or Mri.
    • Olivia295
      Olivia295

      Posted

      I wasn't supposed to post that yet!

      It's super annoying how it's considered mild so nobody can really do much but it causes me such pain. I'm really worried that it could have progressed but nobody will check because according to my GP 'it just doesn't happen'.

  • lynsey1976
    lynsey1976 Olivia295

    Posted

    I was diagnosed with scoliosis as a teenager and was told surgery was not an option. I am now 39 with a 98degree curve- my scoliosis has got worse with age and will continue to to do so.

    I go in for my operation in August.

    Keep pestering them and good luck x

    • Olivia295
      Olivia295 lynsey1976

      Posted

      Oh that's pretty scary, I will definitely keep trying!

      Good luck with your op!

  • JENNY1968
    JENNY1968 Olivia295

    Posted

    I'm 45 have had this since birth but the last 2 years have been

    awful. My pain is unbearable and I'm having difficulty in breathing. I'm on a waiting list with Orthopaedic in hospital for nearly 2 years and no idea of when I'm going to be seen, I'm suicidal at this stage, so much for the politicians going on about waiting lists can anyone tell me that 87 weeks is an acceptable waiting list and even though I'm waiting longer than this I've still no help.

    Scoliosis kyphosis deteriorates with age despite what some doctors try to tell us.

    • Olivia295
      Olivia295 JENNY1968

      Posted

      That sounds awful Jenny, I hope you get seen soon. 87 weeks really isn't acceptable at all, especially when you're living in constant pain!

      I just can't understand why doctors tell us that it never progresses, maybe mine hasn't but the pain is getting worse so I thought they'd at least want to re-X-ray to check. Besides it not like we don't google things, there's loads of stuff online that proves that I can progress with age but they still maintain that it doesn't!

    • Jay91157
      Jay91157 JENNY1968

      Posted

      Hi Jenny,

      Are you in the Uk?  If so where? 87 weeks on a waiting list seems unreal. Is this for Surgery?

      I saw my consultant initially, privately  for a trapped nerve in neck. By chance he was the top spinal surgeon  who specialised in Scoliosis in my area, He  saw my curve and decided to see me as one of his NHS patients, as the scoliosis presented in my teens so would not be covered on my private policy. He did the paper work and I saw him in the March, had several other appointments and last Feb 28th he operated,T2- L2. About a year in all. 

      Have you checked with your hospital  trust to see what they have as time scales. Most have 6months and If they go over you could effectively ask for choose and book and been seen privatley. You at least may get a consultation this way. If the trust do not advice on their website try PALS. Then their is always the CCG again should be found on the hospital website. 

      Sometimes patients need to push things forward. I know I had to with some of my appointments.

      I feel for you as this seems a crazy wait particulalry when you are in pain. 

    • JENNY1968
      JENNY1968 Jay91157

      Posted

      Yes I'm in UK. I've had private appointment and have been referred to pain clinic but it's having to pay for these appointments that gets to me, despite paying NIC why do we need to pay again? Our health system is disgraceful 87 weeks for an orthopaedic referral, it's well over 87 weeks now and each time I phone the appointments I am greeted by a,very irrate woman who is so rude
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