Can my scoliosis be fixed?

Question

i have constant pain in my lower back from it being curved. Its not a sharp pain just a little pressure, its just really annoying. i was just wondering if i could work my back muscles so they would get stronger and straighten it out.? idk know if this is possable but i thought it woould be worth a try. my dr says i cant do anything about it, is she right?

Answer 1

Scoliosis can only be diagnosed by a x-ray. If the problem is a muscle problem, then Pilate's type exercises will help. See a Physiotherapist. Best of Luck

Answer 2

Your doctor is right.  Exercise will keep your core muscles strong, but it won't treat the curve.  There isn't a lot that you can do to keep your spine from curving. You have only a few choices, assuming that you have structural scoliosis. (Keep reading...)

o You can exercise - that strengthens your core muscles which may reduce pain or help keep pain away, but it won't treat your curve.

o You can wear a brace - Many people, myself included, have worn them. They are supposed to keep your curve from getting worse, or at least slow down the speed at which your curve is increasing. They usually don't fix your curve.  Bracing is only effective if your curve is around 25-40 degrees and you are still growing.

o pain management - pain pills or injections bring many of us with major pain to the point where most people are without the meds. There are many meds that are either taken by themselves or in combination with other meds. The key is to keep your pain doc informed when something isn't working (after giving it a reasonable chance to work). This should be done only if surgery isn't possible or you still have problems even after surgery.

o Surgery - This is done usually if your curve is greater than 50 degrees or it is increasing fast enough that there's little doubt that the curve will soon be greater than 50 degrees. This is the treatment you get when all else fails.

I've posted the following a few times for other people with questions. I hope I'll answer the things that have you concerned.

Scoliosis comes mainly in two flavors - functional (the curve is caused by another issue (uneven leg length for example) and structural.  There are two main kinds of structural scoliosis - congenital (present at birth) and idiopathic (unknown cause).  It is important for you to know what kind you have.

If you have functional scoliosis, a chiropractor may be able to help.  Shoe lifts may help with uneven legs, but there can be many causes of functional scoliosis.  I don't have much experience with functional scoliosis.

If you have structural scoliosis, there's not a lot you can do.  The main treatments depend on how bad the curve is and how much more growth you have to go.  Its not possible to predict how much or how fast a curve may increase.

You need to see a scoliosis specialist if you're not doing that already. A doctor that is not trained as a scoliosis specialist doesn't have the expertise to treat it.

Any curve under 10 degrees is considered normal and probably isn't monitored.

Curves from 10-25 degrees are mild but should be monitored, especially if you're still growing.

Curves from 25-40 degrees are moderate with bracing possible. You will need monitoring, especially if you're still growing.

Surgery may be recommended if your curve doesn't respond to bracing. Bracing will do no good if you're through growing. The purpose of a brace isn't to make your curve better, but rather to keep the curve from becoming worse.

Curves greater than 45 degrees is major. Surgery may be recommended. This depends on many things, but whether you're done growing, whether your curve is increasing, whether your heart and lungs are in danger of being squeezed by your curve, whether you're in pain, quality of life, etc.

If your curve is over 30 degrees, there is a good chance that it will increase even when you're through growing.  (Mine did.)

Unfortunately, nothing can *fix* idiopathic scoliosis. Surgery can keep the curve from getting worse, and in most cases, will reduce the curve but most likely your spine won't be straight (unless you are very flexible in the area to be fused, then you might be lucky).

Chiropractors, message therapists, acupuncturists, etc., can't fix idiopathic scoliosis. These people adjust the soft, connective tissues and that may (or may not, you can't tell ahead of time) make you feel better, but remember, idiopathic scoliosis is not a connective tissue disease. Your spine is growing curved.

Answer 3

First, be sure you see a spine specialist, either neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon. I don't trust chiropractors. I had my back manipulated once or twice, it always hurt worse after they were done with it. As a nurse, I've also cared for a few patients who required surgery after seeing a chiropractor because the chiropractor actually caused nerve damage.

Next, how old are you and what is the size of your curve? Treatment of scoliosis is based on the severity of the curve and the chances of the curve getting worse. The more growth you have left, the more likely it is your scoliosis will worsen. There are three main categories of treatment: observation, bracing, and surgery.

If you're still growing and the curve is small when first diagnosed, it can be observed with routine x-rays and measurements. If the curve stays below 25 degrees, no other treatment is needed. If the curve is between 25-40 degrees, a brace may be recommended. If the curve is greater than 40 degrees, then surgery may be recommended.

If the curve stays below 40 degrees until you finish growing, it is not likely to get worse later. However, if the curve is greater than 40 degrees, it is likely to continue to get worse by 1-2 degrees each year. If this is not prevented, the you'll eventually be at risk for heart or lung problems.

In most cases, scoliosis is not painful. There are other causes of back pain, which your doctor will want to look for as well.

Talk with your spine specialist. He/she can send you for a PT evaluation if indicated. You can be placed on a PT program to strengthen your core muscles. Phase 1: education, posture, and flexibility to decrease pain. Phase 2: strength and fitness activities.

Additionally, massage and exercises, including yoga, can help strengthen core muscles and relieve back pain. You can also talk to your physician about a referral to pain clinic.