I am 29 years old I have scoliosis 28 degree upper thoracic. Do you think it will be worse in the future?

Question

I have also 26 degree lower. Do you think I need a surgery or to wear a brace in this age? What kind of exercise do you suggest me to do? Thank you

Answer 1

you can never tell. i would get an xray about every 4-6 months to see how bad it is. if it gets worse ask around. i have a 36 degree curve and i am fine. 40 is immediate surgery.

Answer 2

I would just keep an eye on it. That curvature is not usually one they would brace for at your age. See a good orthopedic Dr. and keep monitoring it. It could still get worse as you age.

My oldest is having surgery for scoli. in Aug. Her curve is much greater than yours and she's just 11. Good luck!

Answer 3

As a general rule, if the curve stays below 40 degrees until you finish growing, it is not likely to get worse later in life. However, if the curve is greater than 40 degrees, it is likely to continue to get worse by 1-2 degrees each year for the rest of the patient's life. If this is not prevented, the patient will eventually be at risk for heart or lung problems.

Keep current with your follow up appointments with your spine surgeon to monitor your curve.

Answer 4

You're done growing so a brace won't be effective.  Surgery isn't normally done until your curve is around 45-50 degrees so that probably won't be done.  I also doubt that your curve will increase.  Curves tend to increase when they're over 30 degrees (after you're done growing).

You didn't say if you have back pain.

Exercises are swimming, walking, yoga, and/or pilates.  These, along with PT (if needed), will strengthen your core muscles which will help keep pain away or reduce it.  Exercises won't permanently fix your curve.

What I'd really suggest, though, is to see a scoliosis specialist for an evaluation.  A doctor that isn't specialized for scoliosis doesn't have the expertise to treat it.