If I go from a 22 degree curve to a 39 degree curve is spinal fusion needed for !
Question: I am 16 years old (female) and I found out that I had scoliosis when i was in 6th grade. my doctor told me that it "should not" progress, but it did. I went to a bone doctor at the end of my sophomore year and I just had a 22 degree curve. They told me again that it "should not" progress, but it did. So I went back at the end my 1st semester Junior year and it increased to a 39 degree curve in my lumbar (lower back). The curve in my spine is shaped like an "S" which is called a cobb angle. This friday (December 19th, 2007) I am getting fitted for a back brace and on December 27th, 2007 I have to go see a spine specialist to see if surgury is nessessary. All that i have been doing is think about this type of surgery called spinal fusion and I have done so much reasearch to help me figure it out. I am so scared about this, I just want to know what is going to happen.
If you have anything to say or add please comtact me at my email address asap!
Thank you so much and happy holidays
Answers: I am 16 years old (female) and I found out that I had scoliosis when i was in 6th grade. my doctor told me that it "should not" progress, but it did. I went to a bone doctor at the end of my sophomore year and I just had a 22 degree curve. They told me again that it "should not" progress, but it did. So I went back at the end my 1st semester Junior year and it increased to a 39 degree curve in my lumbar (lower back). The curve in my spine is shaped like an "S" which is called a cobb angle. This friday (December 19th, 2007) I am getting fitted for a back brace and on December 27th, 2007 I have to go see a spine specialist to see if surgury is nessessary. All that i have been doing is think about this type of surgery called spinal fusion and I have done so much reasearch to help me figure it out. I am so scared about this, I just want to know what is going to happen.
If you have anything to say or add please comtact me at my email address asap!
Thank you so much and happy holidays
your story sounds just like mine!
i am 17, a junior in high school, have scoliosis, (47 degree curve), and was diagnosed with a fairly minor case (24 degrees) just before 6th grade. mine also increased rapidly recently 10 degrees in 6 months, so i will need sugery in a few months.
you, however, may or may not need surgery, it just depends on whether the doctor thinks that the brace will be able to prevent your curve from increasing or not.
don't worry to much, it is kinda major surgery, but almost everyone who has had it is glad they have- they don't have to wear a brace anymore, they lose much of their visible humps, curve, uneven hips, shoulder blades, ect. basically, you will look better and should not have to worry about anything at all 6 months after surgery and will be mostly better after 6 weeks. i think it will be worth it.
like i said, you might not need surgery it just depends on your doctor, your curve, and how much growing you have left. (do you know your riser number?)
iscoliosis.com and spinekids.com have both been great sites for getting info and support!
i hope this helps, good luck, and i hope all goes well for you?
P.S. what is your email address, maybe we can get in touch so i can try to help answer any of you other questions
Hi,
I've been there and know how you feel.
Btw, I'm not criticizing, but a Cobb angle is the angle that your curves are; it describes how the angle is measured.
You can either email me with questions or ask them in this post. I'll answer as best I can.