Help me with scoliosis problem!??
Question: Hi!!
I am 15 years old and was recently discovered to have scoliosis. The readings of my scoliosis based on a scoliometer and forward bending test are as follows:
Left Thoracic Hump : 08 Degrees
Left Thoracolumbar Hump : 07 Degrees
Left Lumbar Hump : 06 Degrees
I don't know why, i just feel worried and really wish to solve this problem. Please give me advice to treat or improve my scoliosis. Thank you!
Answers: hmm..usually, measurements over 7 degrees on scoliometer calls for additional follow up study..such as x-ray.
by the time you develop that much rotation, lateral curve will be in somewhre in 20's to 30's..
Only corrective device for scoliosis with studies to back it up is Spinecor. Check it out at http://www.myscoiosis.net
Addendum...
OK...here it goes. Scoliometer measures rotation of your spine. But that's only used for screening purpose and is not an accurate way of measuring severity of scoliosis. The rotation happens because of what's called coupling movement. When your spine curves sideway, rotation occurs together because that's the only way spine moves. So by measuring rotation, you can surmise that there's corresponding lateral curvature..or side curve...
In order to get accurate measurement of your curvature, you need to take an x-ray and measure the curvature using Cobb Angle Measurement. This is the most accepted way of measuring lateral curvature of the spine. By 20-30 degrees, I was talking about this cobb angle. Often, people with at least 20 or more degrees of lateral curvature tends to have 7 degree rotational measurement on scoliometer.
If scoliometer measurement is all you've got, you need to see someone to further evaluate your condition. As I've stated, scoliometer is only a screening tool.
Another addendum lol:
OK...now, here's the deal. Most doctors do not know how to manage scoliosis properly. Yeah..it's not quite something you expect. I often find that parents of the patients are better informed than vast majority of doctors out there. That's so sad. The reason is this. There's really no treatment option other than bracing conventionally and it's so hard to do that they don't prescribe in unless it's absolutely necessary or you are close to being surgical case. And orthopedic surgeons don't really want to deal with the case unless it is a surefire surgical case.
This is the proper way to be managed. First, x-ray is indicated in your case. If scoliometer reading is above 7 degrees, that's the guideline. Those doctors who did not order x-ray have failed you. Once you take an x-ray and they do initial Cobb measurement, depending on your age or bone maturity, they may re-do the x-ray 3-6 months after to see if it progressed...
I think I can see why your doctors did not order x-ray. You being 15 may already be out of danger zone as growth spurt is the most dangerous time. However, I've seen some patients as severe as 50 degrees with only 7 degree rotation and didn't looks so bad from outside. That's because of the way spine compensating for it....
But they are missing something important. Even if you are 15, there might be still ways to correct some of the curvatures. As I have mentioned above, spinecor brace will do that. And exercise therapy does exist. However, I couldn't describe it here. It is very specific and it does effect your curvature. If it can improve it, it can also make it worse if done wrong. There are many different curve types and there's no way of giving you proper exercise verbally without knowing your case or seeing your x-ray...
At your age, if curvature is not over 40-50 degree, it may be just cosmetic issue...
Please do not worry! Your scoliosis is almost zero and easy to cure! You dont need to wear a brace OR have surgery. Your also close to finish growing. If you are still worried talk to your doctor on how you can fix it.
Be happy you dont need a brace or surgery!
I am 15 years old and was recently discovered to have scoliosis. The readings of my scoliosis based on a scoliometer and forward bending test are as follows:
Left Thoracic Hump : 08 Degrees
Left Thoracolumbar Hump : 07 Degrees
Left Lumbar Hump : 06 Degrees
I don't know why, i just feel worried and really wish to solve this problem. Please give me advice to treat or improve my scoliosis. Thank you!
Answers: hmm..usually, measurements over 7 degrees on scoliometer calls for additional follow up study..such as x-ray.
by the time you develop that much rotation, lateral curve will be in somewhre in 20's to 30's..
Only corrective device for scoliosis with studies to back it up is Spinecor. Check it out at http://www.myscoiosis.net
Addendum...
OK...here it goes. Scoliometer measures rotation of your spine. But that's only used for screening purpose and is not an accurate way of measuring severity of scoliosis. The rotation happens because of what's called coupling movement. When your spine curves sideway, rotation occurs together because that's the only way spine moves. So by measuring rotation, you can surmise that there's corresponding lateral curvature..or side curve...
In order to get accurate measurement of your curvature, you need to take an x-ray and measure the curvature using Cobb Angle Measurement. This is the most accepted way of measuring lateral curvature of the spine. By 20-30 degrees, I was talking about this cobb angle. Often, people with at least 20 or more degrees of lateral curvature tends to have 7 degree rotational measurement on scoliometer.
If scoliometer measurement is all you've got, you need to see someone to further evaluate your condition. As I've stated, scoliometer is only a screening tool.
Another addendum lol:
OK...now, here's the deal. Most doctors do not know how to manage scoliosis properly. Yeah..it's not quite something you expect. I often find that parents of the patients are better informed than vast majority of doctors out there. That's so sad. The reason is this. There's really no treatment option other than bracing conventionally and it's so hard to do that they don't prescribe in unless it's absolutely necessary or you are close to being surgical case. And orthopedic surgeons don't really want to deal with the case unless it is a surefire surgical case.
This is the proper way to be managed. First, x-ray is indicated in your case. If scoliometer reading is above 7 degrees, that's the guideline. Those doctors who did not order x-ray have failed you. Once you take an x-ray and they do initial Cobb measurement, depending on your age or bone maturity, they may re-do the x-ray 3-6 months after to see if it progressed...
I think I can see why your doctors did not order x-ray. You being 15 may already be out of danger zone as growth spurt is the most dangerous time. However, I've seen some patients as severe as 50 degrees with only 7 degree rotation and didn't looks so bad from outside. That's because of the way spine compensating for it....
But they are missing something important. Even if you are 15, there might be still ways to correct some of the curvatures. As I have mentioned above, spinecor brace will do that. And exercise therapy does exist. However, I couldn't describe it here. It is very specific and it does effect your curvature. If it can improve it, it can also make it worse if done wrong. There are many different curve types and there's no way of giving you proper exercise verbally without knowing your case or seeing your x-ray...
At your age, if curvature is not over 40-50 degree, it may be just cosmetic issue...
Please do not worry! Your scoliosis is almost zero and easy to cure! You dont need to wear a brace OR have surgery. Your also close to finish growing. If you are still worried talk to your doctor on how you can fix it.
Be happy you dont need a brace or surgery!
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