Understanding Scoliosis
Posted by Adi - 28/09/08 at 01:09 amUnderstanding Scoliosis
scoliosis
Liv went to the doctor yesterday to have her check-up. She’s pretty healthy in all other aspects except for one thing, she has scoliosis and it developed for the past few years. She’s been through an ongoing series of therapy sessions already, her condition does not seem to get any better, but at least it eases the back pains that she’s suffering from due to scoliosis. Even if one is not a doctor, you can tell if it’s scoliosis because of the obvious difference from a normal spine’s form.
For the benefit of those who doesn’t know, Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the upper (thoraic) portion of the spinal vertebrae. In mild cases there may be symptoms, or because the malalignment causes muscle tension, there’s usually a complaint of backaches. In severe cases, there’s a danger of collapse of the vertebrae that can lead to injury of the spinal cord, causing paralysis. Therefore surgical correction has to be done.
Usually, operation is needed if an-gulation is at least 50 degrees. The operation involves insertion of a metallic pole or support that will prevent further progression of the curvature.
In Liv’s case, it’s only less than 35 degrees, and basically she’s been advised by the doctor to wear a brace and to continue the therapy. If you have the same case, or if you suspect that you or anyone you know is suffering from scoliosis, the best thing to do is to consult a certified orthopedic surgeon so that you can be properly evaluated and treated.
I’m not quite sure how much longer will Liv have her therapy and wear a brace, but I pray that her spine abnormality due to scoliosis will be treated without having to go through any operation of some sort. That’s why it’s really better to detect an early stage of scoliosis and have it corrected right away before it gets any worse. Scoliosis is a serious condition, never take it for granted.
September 28th, 2008 at 8:56 am
My mom-in-law’s spine is shaped like the dollar sign. She cannot undergo any operation since she has brittle bones as well due to osteoporosis. I can’t even imagine how painful it is for her but she is still very active, specially around the house, despite of the fact that every movement must be awefully difficult for her.
September 29th, 2008 at 2:48 am
I have a dear friend who had this operation and her only regret was that she hadn’t done it earlier in her life. yes, she still had problems, but her pain was so substantially better - it was well worth it.
I’m certain you will make a great choice!
Claudia from Denver Cereal
September 29th, 2008 at 6:55 am
My Dann has scoliosis. He got it from his mom. He’s having back pains too.. and he’s not making it a big deal. I’ll ask him to read your post.
October 4th, 2008 at 6:14 am
hi,
i also have this scoliosis, was diagnosed when i was 18. The doctor also recommended for an operation kaso i declined kasi i heard horrid stories din of bad effects. What i do, i regularly go for therapy na lang and massage. I also refrain from carrying heavy stuff and i take lots of calcium rich foods.
I guess kung di naman talaga tabingi pa ang katawan ko, like hunchback but sideways, i won’t go for this.
God bless.
October 4th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
@Timi - I think it’s really painful, because Liv’s case of scoliosis isn’t that worse yet, but she always complain about pain.
@Denver - Yeah I really think that people should do the necessary corrective measures when it comes to scoliosis before it’s too late. Because it’s our spine that is affected.
@Lei - I think Dann should take scoliosis seriously, He wouldn’t wanna grow old with a disfigured spine.
@Anne - Well yeah I think there are many pros and cons when it comes to operation of the spine for scoliosis, can u imagine that tube being inserted… that must hurt a lot! that’s why we’re happy that Liv is just on the wearing a brace part and a continuous therapy. I hope that your scoliosis would be treated still..
Thank you guys for sharing your thoughts!