13 YO Just Diagnosed with Scoliosis

Updated on July 19, 2010
M.M. asks from Allen, TX
10 answers

My 13 yo was just diagnosed with scoliosis. Can anyone give me advice about good and bad things that you have experienced.

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

My husband had the same problem when he was that age. His parents bought an inversion table and he hung upside down everyday and had regular chiropractic care. He has absolutely no signs of it now.

Regards,

M.

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L.M.

answers from Dallas on

I was a little younger than that when I was diagnosed and I have to say it hardly ever effects anything in my life. Mine is not that severe, and I got wonderful, wonderful care at Scottish Rite Hospital. I danced and excelled in drill team without it ever being an issue. You can tell in certain pictures or if you stare hard enough that my hips aren't even and sometimes I'm a little self conscious of that, but we all have something we're self conscious about! The biggest issue I've had with it came 9 months ago when I gave birth for the first time though.... 3 failed epidurals. I know this is not the case with everyone who has scoliosis, but I was never prepared that it might be an issue. Other than that though, no big issues and it was actually pretty cool to get to prove to myself that I can give birth without an epidural!

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S.A.

answers from New York on

I had scoliosis surjery when I was 12. I am 46 now with six children. I have had a still have a very active life. I have a rod in my spine and had a splice taken from my hip.I beleive there is laser surjery now. I would liik into that. When I was a kid that was not an option and I had to wear a body cast for nine months. Not fun!! But, I am fine and in great shape!

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Y.I.

answers from Dallas on

I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 11. I wore a back brace for 15 hours a day for about 2 years until I stopped growing. They told me that as a female I would probably stop growing about 2 years after I got my first period and it was pretty much right on. My curve was not very severe and the earlier it is caught the better. I am 21 years old now and although my spine is still slightly crooked which causes one of my shoulders to be lower than the other, it is not noticeable at all. I almost never think about it now. I don't know how bad your childs curve is or how far along it is but things can be done to help it. Just don't freak out or worry too much. Don't let your child be self concious about it because it will only be for a small portion of their life, whatever treatment they receive. I did date a guy who had scoliosis so severe that he had to have two metal rods fused to his spine when he was 17. But that is worst case scenario. For now I would just find a good doctor and I actually highly recommend yoga because it helps to straighten the spine and it may help to relieve any discomfor that he/she is feeling. Good luck, I hope this helps!!!!!

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J.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I was diagnosed at the same age. I never needed a brace, and my back never really bothered me until I had babies. Now I've been seeing a chiropractor and I think if my kids have scoliosis I would take them to a pediatric chiropractor too. My chiropractor says with regular adjustments she can help reduce my curvature at my age, and if you did it while kids were growing, she may be able to prevent the curvature from getting worse.

Jessica

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P.O.

answers from Jacksonville on

Enroll her in a good yoga class. That will help stretch and strengthen.

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C.S.

answers from Medford on

My older brother has scoliosis. It never stopped him from doing anything in life. Riding Motorcycles, working on cars, jet skiing, climbing trees and falling out (oh the memories) etc... In high school he was hit by a drunk driver and we were REALLLY scared because he could have been killed because of the impact. It was a close call, but even that didn't stop him.

My highschool best friend also had scoliosis and hers was pretty severe. She had surgery in grade school to correct it. There is still a lot that she can't do and she often regrets her parents choice to do the surgery. However, she is an amazing woman and is doing great.

My little brother doesn't have scoliosis, however his neck bones curve the opossite way than they are supposed to, doctors are amazed that he can play basketball and has little pain from it. He does traction once a week at physical therapy, but other than that he does great. He was one of the star players on our highschool team (he is 6'4").

I guess my point here is that a lot of people have to deal with these types of deformaties (thats what I think of them as), but as long as you don't teach your daughter that it means anything more than her back is a little crooked, she will be great! Good luck to you!

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D.D.

answers from Dallas on

I was diagnosed at the age of 12 (I am now 42). I had a severe "S" curve, "C" curve, and my spine was twisting to the point that my ribcage was crushing my lungs. The doctors performed surgery during which they placed to Harrington Rods in my back to assist in the the straightening of my spine.

Since the surgery I went on to : water ski, ride 3-wheelers, skate board, roller and ice skate, danced on my HS Dance Team , did weight lifting, and had a baby. In short, having rods in my back has not slowed me down one bit!

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L.V.

answers from Dallas on

I was diagnosed when I was 21, I never knew that I had it until I had a chest xray done and it showed up. I believe I never had problems with it because I was active in sports and yoga. My back looks normal but from time to time I get an ache on the right side. I would suggest just keep her active and do alot of stretching and if you develop problems then see a chiropractor.

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J.B.

answers from Tyler on

My daughter was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 11. She had a 45 degree curve causing one hip to be higher than the other. We used chiropractors. She was in chiropractic treatment for about 9 years and today is straight and beautiful. My girlfriend's son had the rod put in his back, but today it is broken in 3 places and he doesn't have the insurance nor the money for surgery. If I were you, I'd opt for chiropractic rather than invasive medical methods.

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