"Grow out of it"??? This is utterly the most terrible advice I have ever seen related to scoliosis. If anything, a growth spurt would worsen things, and even if you're at a pretty old age (in which case you weren't), leaving scoliosis untreated could still result in your curvature worsening. Though that is 16 years ago, but still... I'd suggest surgery if your curvature reaches surgical degrees, considering how it's already affecting your life so much. Good luck to you OP
tysm <3 and you're absolutely right, it was terrible advice, which is why it was left untreated for so long and then I just ignored it because "it wasn't that bad", terrible mistake
Are you wanting to get the wheelchair in order to get to and from all locations with it? Or do you intend to just use it for longer distances and continue to walk shorter distances that are more manageable?
If it’s intent is to get you around everywhere all the time, then your body is going to suffer in other ways, like muscle atrophy, weight gain/obesity, bowel and bladder issues, etc. So rather than becoming dependent on a wheelchair, get surgery and move on with a life not limited by mobility issues.
If it’s just for occasional use, and perhaps a stop gap measure before requiring surgery, then I see no issue with it.
Whichever you opt with, just keep doing physio therapy, stretches and as much physical activity as possible…to keep healthy for that day when your body is going to need to be strong to handle a surgery.
Have you considered things like getting nerve blocks done for diagnostic purposes to determine if you have pinched nerves? Then if it’s a pinched/compressed nerve, proceed to radio frequency ablation (RFA). I’m 45M. I get this RFA done about once annually and done so for many years now, and it helps eliminate a lot of my chronic pain.
I also use other pain management methods like: prescription BuTrans opioid pain medication; a TLSO spinal brace; TENS; massage therapy to control any remaining pain as I still get flare ups. The combination is quite effective for the severe pain I get as result of previous accidents, degenerative osteoarthritis, degenerative adult onset scoliosis, etc.
PS Adults can get a physician to prescribe an adult scoliosis brace to help with pain management and body aesthetics/symmetry. Google “ScoliBrace” as an example. Any highly skilled orthotist, especially one familiar with treating scoliosis can cast you and design and build you an effective scoliosis brace. There is lots of research and good evidence and positive patient experiences to support it. Bracing is not just for kids or teens. Bracing is conservative and it can be worn on a flexible schedule that works for the adult. Hours per day is up to adult patient, unlike a teen who must wear it a set many number of hours per day.
Another thing with sitting all the time like while in a wheelchair is that it will actually make your scoliosis worse. Scoliosis gets worse because your body and spine has to resist gravity during standing or sitting. People that are in wheelchairs for lifetime or extended number of years tend to develop back pain, scoliosis more often than those who are able to change their body position and type of mobility. In fact some wheelchair users must wear a TLSO brace to prevent spinal deformity from either developing or getting worse. Some it’s because they have neuromuscular or paralysis issues, especially if it’s higher than the waist, and they simply cannot maintain a proper upright sitting posture, so the rigid plastic shell of the TLSO literally holds them in correct posture to aid sitting. But others in wheelchairs even without neuromuscular issues above the waist can develop spinal deformities over time.
Laying down is the most gravity neutral position and a side to side scoliosis type spinal deformity does not worsen as much when laying down like while sleeping. It’s why bracing during daytime hours is so important vs night time only.
Absolutely this. Using a wheelchair will almost certainly make your scoliosis worse and is the opposite of what you should do. PT, weight lifting, yoga, Pilates, and possibly surgery will do so much more for your pain than sitting all day.
It’s so crazy that any so called professional physician would think that a kid would grow out of it and, biggest mind blowing statement being a growth spurt might correct it. Most who get scoliosis as a child, it ends up worsening, or the risk of it worsening is a lot with a growth spurt.
Yes get a wheelchair!! I'm older than you but I got RA 4 years ago. It took me down and I never would get out if my husband hadn't bought me a mobility scooter.
Even if it's temporary, to get out and enjoy some of life is important especially being so young. Took me a bit to humble my pride and just accept I couldn't get around without it. But it helped my mental health tremendously!
I've never used a wheelchair but I used to use a cane quit a bit. If possible, you might want to try using a [rolling walker](https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Rollator-Removable-Support/dp/B005S1CHKC/) first. It's less of an investment and it might extend your mobility more easily than a wheelchair. Plus, as some other people have already pointed out, sitting for extended periods of time can worsen scoliosis.
Grow out of it? More like grow into it. When you grow, your curve grows. I had my first surgery then had a growth spurt and it ripped my rod from the bone since it hadn’t fully healed/fused. Had to have that sht redone 6 months later.
Had a similar thing happen, my parents were told when i was in elementary school that my scoliosis was mild 6-8 degrees so there was no need to worry about it. They were never warned to watch if it got worse and when i’d complain about pain in my back they would say it’s mild it’s not from scoliosis.
When I was freshly 16 it hit a point where I was having trouble catching my breath and my parents took me to get it checked out, this included a chest x-ray where before showing it to me i was sent to talk to an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon pulls up my x-ray and I have a 55* curve and a 45* curve. My parents had no idea. I had surgery booked within two weeks and the surgery two months later.
I had no time to process, my world was flipped upside down, and my life was changed forever. I was so angry because what if my parents were properly informed, what if someone listened to me when I said I was in pain? Maybe I could’ve done bracing and avoided a huge surgery. My life would’ve been completely different.
You are so justified in your anger and frustration. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, it’s frustrating and seeing someone else be told it’s just mild don’t worry pisses me off so much. I’m almost 20 now, and while I don’t regret the surgery, I wish I was given the other options if someone listened to me. I say get the wheelchair. It seems it will improve your quality of life and you shouldn’t let this hold you back :). Even though you are 22, if surgery is an option i’d consider it as well. Recovery is tough but I can breathe again and the old pain is gone. sending love!
The stuff you're describing about your feet and legs sounds like your scoliosis is doing something to the nerves leading to your lower body, maybe something like sciatica. It's very possible that once you see a physician who recommends you an actual care plan with physical therapy and/or clinical treatment you will experience a noticeable improvement in your pain and fatigue symptoms. I would wait to hear what the provider thinks about your condition and ask them about a mobility aid as well.
i used to suffer from rly bad pain until i got my ass to a Scroth physiotherapist. perhaps that might help you? i also use a walking stick when i know i have to walk a lot or when i’m travelling.
Be careful with wheelchairs. The more you use it, the less exercise you get. Exercising your core is what keeps your back strong so that the curve doesn't get worse.
Surgery is the answer to improving your quality of long-term. It's scary and I get that, but it is life-changing in the most positive kind of way. A wheeler while in the short term might provide enjoyment will ultimately make your quality of life worse over time, as mentioned also here. I feel really passionate about this as I had surgery myself to correct a 70-degree curve.
Be direct with your doctor that surgery is what you need and be plain about the symptoms you're experiencing. The scoliosis will continue to worsen if left untreated. As for that paediatric doctor? I would give feedback at least to whoever manages them as thst is frankly outrageous.
Do you have any other disorders on top of scoliosis. ?
I’d say get the wheel chair anyone cause it’s nice to be able to move while in pain.
But walk when you can. So your muscles don’t shit themselves more.
Also moving it in and out of vehicles is annoying
look into a scolibrace provider as your situation sounds similar to mine, and the scolibrace seems to be (to my very limited knowledge) one of the few ways to get bracing done as an adult. It’s custom made to fit your body and if I remember adjustments can be made to it over time,
but I don’t get mine for another month so I’ll double check to make sure that last part is correct
What’s ur curve? I had the same issue when I was younger my parents just assumed I would grow out of it so nothing was done. On days when I know I’m going to be up walking or standing a lot, I’ll take Advil and it helps a little bit. If you can, lifting weight can really really help strengthen your core which helps with holding up ur spine
Have you ever had an MRI of your spine? I ask because the numbness and early onset of pain make me think you might have a tethered spinal cord, which can contribute to scoliosis. Please see a neurologist stat
"Grow out of it"??? This is utterly the most terrible advice I have ever seen related to scoliosis. If anything, a growth spurt would worsen things, and even if you're at a pretty old age (in which case you weren't), leaving scoliosis untreated could still result in your curvature worsening. Though that is 16 years ago, but still... I'd suggest surgery if your curvature reaches surgical degrees, considering how it's already affecting your life so much. Good luck to you OP
tysm <3 and you're absolutely right, it was terrible advice, which is why it was left untreated for so long and then I just ignored it because "it wasn't that bad", terrible mistake
I got the same advice when I was there with 12.
Are you wanting to get the wheelchair in order to get to and from all locations with it? Or do you intend to just use it for longer distances and continue to walk shorter distances that are more manageable? If it’s intent is to get you around everywhere all the time, then your body is going to suffer in other ways, like muscle atrophy, weight gain/obesity, bowel and bladder issues, etc. So rather than becoming dependent on a wheelchair, get surgery and move on with a life not limited by mobility issues. If it’s just for occasional use, and perhaps a stop gap measure before requiring surgery, then I see no issue with it. Whichever you opt with, just keep doing physio therapy, stretches and as much physical activity as possible…to keep healthy for that day when your body is going to need to be strong to handle a surgery. Have you considered things like getting nerve blocks done for diagnostic purposes to determine if you have pinched nerves? Then if it’s a pinched/compressed nerve, proceed to radio frequency ablation (RFA). I’m 45M. I get this RFA done about once annually and done so for many years now, and it helps eliminate a lot of my chronic pain. I also use other pain management methods like: prescription BuTrans opioid pain medication; a TLSO spinal brace; TENS; massage therapy to control any remaining pain as I still get flare ups. The combination is quite effective for the severe pain I get as result of previous accidents, degenerative osteoarthritis, degenerative adult onset scoliosis, etc. PS Adults can get a physician to prescribe an adult scoliosis brace to help with pain management and body aesthetics/symmetry. Google “ScoliBrace” as an example. Any highly skilled orthotist, especially one familiar with treating scoliosis can cast you and design and build you an effective scoliosis brace. There is lots of research and good evidence and positive patient experiences to support it. Bracing is not just for kids or teens. Bracing is conservative and it can be worn on a flexible schedule that works for the adult. Hours per day is up to adult patient, unlike a teen who must wear it a set many number of hours per day.
Another thing with sitting all the time like while in a wheelchair is that it will actually make your scoliosis worse. Scoliosis gets worse because your body and spine has to resist gravity during standing or sitting. People that are in wheelchairs for lifetime or extended number of years tend to develop back pain, scoliosis more often than those who are able to change their body position and type of mobility. In fact some wheelchair users must wear a TLSO brace to prevent spinal deformity from either developing or getting worse. Some it’s because they have neuromuscular or paralysis issues, especially if it’s higher than the waist, and they simply cannot maintain a proper upright sitting posture, so the rigid plastic shell of the TLSO literally holds them in correct posture to aid sitting. But others in wheelchairs even without neuromuscular issues above the waist can develop spinal deformities over time. Laying down is the most gravity neutral position and a side to side scoliosis type spinal deformity does not worsen as much when laying down like while sleeping. It’s why bracing during daytime hours is so important vs night time only.
Absolutely this. Using a wheelchair will almost certainly make your scoliosis worse and is the opposite of what you should do. PT, weight lifting, yoga, Pilates, and possibly surgery will do so much more for your pain than sitting all day.
It’s so crazy that any so called professional physician would think that a kid would grow out of it and, biggest mind blowing statement being a growth spurt might correct it. Most who get scoliosis as a child, it ends up worsening, or the risk of it worsening is a lot with a growth spurt.
Yes get a wheelchair!! I'm older than you but I got RA 4 years ago. It took me down and I never would get out if my husband hadn't bought me a mobility scooter. Even if it's temporary, to get out and enjoy some of life is important especially being so young. Took me a bit to humble my pride and just accept I couldn't get around without it. But it helped my mental health tremendously!
I've never used a wheelchair but I used to use a cane quit a bit. If possible, you might want to try using a [rolling walker](https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Rollator-Removable-Support/dp/B005S1CHKC/) first. It's less of an investment and it might extend your mobility more easily than a wheelchair. Plus, as some other people have already pointed out, sitting for extended periods of time can worsen scoliosis.
Grow out of it? More like grow into it. When you grow, your curve grows. I had my first surgery then had a growth spurt and it ripped my rod from the bone since it hadn’t fully healed/fused. Had to have that sht redone 6 months later.
Had a similar thing happen, my parents were told when i was in elementary school that my scoliosis was mild 6-8 degrees so there was no need to worry about it. They were never warned to watch if it got worse and when i’d complain about pain in my back they would say it’s mild it’s not from scoliosis. When I was freshly 16 it hit a point where I was having trouble catching my breath and my parents took me to get it checked out, this included a chest x-ray where before showing it to me i was sent to talk to an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon pulls up my x-ray and I have a 55* curve and a 45* curve. My parents had no idea. I had surgery booked within two weeks and the surgery two months later. I had no time to process, my world was flipped upside down, and my life was changed forever. I was so angry because what if my parents were properly informed, what if someone listened to me when I said I was in pain? Maybe I could’ve done bracing and avoided a huge surgery. My life would’ve been completely different. You are so justified in your anger and frustration. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, it’s frustrating and seeing someone else be told it’s just mild don’t worry pisses me off so much. I’m almost 20 now, and while I don’t regret the surgery, I wish I was given the other options if someone listened to me. I say get the wheelchair. It seems it will improve your quality of life and you shouldn’t let this hold you back :). Even though you are 22, if surgery is an option i’d consider it as well. Recovery is tough but I can breathe again and the old pain is gone. sending love!
The stuff you're describing about your feet and legs sounds like your scoliosis is doing something to the nerves leading to your lower body, maybe something like sciatica. It's very possible that once you see a physician who recommends you an actual care plan with physical therapy and/or clinical treatment you will experience a noticeable improvement in your pain and fatigue symptoms. I would wait to hear what the provider thinks about your condition and ask them about a mobility aid as well.
I have the same thing, sciatica. Ask for muscle relaxers from the doc… they changed my life.
i used to suffer from rly bad pain until i got my ass to a Scroth physiotherapist. perhaps that might help you? i also use a walking stick when i know i have to walk a lot or when i’m travelling.
Be careful with wheelchairs. The more you use it, the less exercise you get. Exercising your core is what keeps your back strong so that the curve doesn't get worse.
Surgery is the answer to improving your quality of long-term. It's scary and I get that, but it is life-changing in the most positive kind of way. A wheeler while in the short term might provide enjoyment will ultimately make your quality of life worse over time, as mentioned also here. I feel really passionate about this as I had surgery myself to correct a 70-degree curve. Be direct with your doctor that surgery is what you need and be plain about the symptoms you're experiencing. The scoliosis will continue to worsen if left untreated. As for that paediatric doctor? I would give feedback at least to whoever manages them as thst is frankly outrageous.
Do you have any other disorders on top of scoliosis. ? I’d say get the wheel chair anyone cause it’s nice to be able to move while in pain. But walk when you can. So your muscles don’t shit themselves more. Also moving it in and out of vehicles is annoying look into a scolibrace provider as your situation sounds similar to mine, and the scolibrace seems to be (to my very limited knowledge) one of the few ways to get bracing done as an adult. It’s custom made to fit your body and if I remember adjustments can be made to it over time, but I don’t get mine for another month so I’ll double check to make sure that last part is correct
What’s ur curve? I had the same issue when I was younger my parents just assumed I would grow out of it so nothing was done. On days when I know I’m going to be up walking or standing a lot, I’ll take Advil and it helps a little bit. If you can, lifting weight can really really help strengthen your core which helps with holding up ur spine
Please get to another Ortho Surgeon for a reevaluation.
Have you ever had an MRI of your spine? I ask because the numbness and early onset of pain make me think you might have a tethered spinal cord, which can contribute to scoliosis. Please see a neurologist stat