Older Scoliosis?

[aa44]

Hi, anyone here developed scoliosis as an older adult? All info I read seems to be addressing teenagers.

I'm agonising about surgery, there are so many risks. Younger people have good results, but can any one relate to me, 65 and female? Thank you

[marilynmcl]

Hi, sorry that you are having to have surgery on your back...I have been informed that I have scoliosis too...but I understood that because of the damage done to my lungs I would not be able to have anaesthetic so no ops for me. I have had x-rays,MRI's and cat scans over the last few years and have been told I have a few problems with my vertebrae ..fractures and an exposed nerve bundle at the base of my spine. Then told I have arthritis [scoliosis] in my back too now. I am 68 ..no problem with my back until I was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis. Good luck on your op and am sure you will be fine so take care pet.x

[aa44 in reply to marilynmcl]

Oh dear Marilyn, that sounds bad. No fun for you then. I’m just thinking hard about having it done. Whether to have it and the attendant risks, or to cope with the pain for the rest of my life.

[777dove]

Hello, I do not 'talk' on here very often, but I do know what you are saying. The last image done on my lower back listed scoliosis. I was very surprised! No wonder my back hurts. I am 63 years old. My mother is 86 and her back is so skewed to one side now its awful.

What kind of surgery can they do to help with this? I am on track to be as twisted as my mom only sooner

[aa44 in reply to 777dove]

Hi, think it’s rods that they put in, but it’s a long hospital stay and recovery. I just don’t know if I can put up with the pain for the rest of my life. I just don’t know which way to jump.

[777dove in reply to aa44]

Hi aa44,

I agree with autumnsonnet. I would likely try to find a good osteo dr or even a chiropractor first to see if there is anything else that could be done. Surgery is a scary word for me. Matter of fact I am going to look for a good chiro this coming week. Massage or even acupuncture could help some too.

[Hidden]

65 and female.

It depends on how severe the curvature is and how it's going (stable or getting worse).

Personally, I'd run a mile.