Went to the doctor today for some back pains, and the such. I've had back problems for 5-6 years now. Way back when a Nurse told me I had a slight curve to my spine (When I was 12), my Dad said it was bullshit and that there's nothing wrong with me. Today, I find out that I actually DID have a slight curve to my spine all those years ago. Now that I finally went to the doctor (Age 18), She told me that I have "Significant Scoliosis". Well, that explains my back pains for all these years. How about some proof? Okay, they took X-Rays of my back. Wow, that's quite the curve. Many thanks to my Wonderful Dad, who now is to blame for my really fucked up spine. Love you lots. (Go die, you bastard.)

Do you have a marked up x-ray with the lines and angles that shows the curvature? Or do you know the angle of curvature?

My sister has got bad scoliosis, to the point that she would need an operation, except that she actually has 2 curves and the second curve largely corrects the first one. So overall she's not too badly off.


Also, if you live in the US, it's likely that your dad didn't want to admit you had a health issue, due to the health costs in the US.

Wow. That really sucks. sorry dude.

My spine was curved like that in middle school, it turned out my legs were growing at different rates so my spine was curving to maintain balance...

I hope you can get treatment.

Hmm, nope, I don't know how to make the lines and angles come up. The doctor gave me a CD of my X-Rays, and I just took a picture of them with my phone.

But the Doctor did give me some pain killers, and muscle relaxers, so I'm actually not so bad off. Been living with a curved spine so long, I had gotten used to it.

I really don't want the Surgery, because that would be awful. I do live in the US, and I agree that health costs here are terrible. My family is Middle-Low class, so getting slapped with medical bills would ruin us.

Though I was referred to another Doctor, who specializes in Spine treatments/therapy. So I might be able to just go to some therapy classes, and learn to cope with my spine. Thanks for the concern, but I'm sure I'll be just fine for awhile longer. Just as long as my spine doesn't keep curving.

Since you're 18, therapy may not be enough to straighten your back.
It may severely hinder your job/career opportunities later on.
Really talk to your doctor and ask him about his suggestion and decide. Surgery may really be the best way to go.

Finally, I'm sorry to hear this. I hope you and your dad have raised awareness and consciousness about today's science and medicine. There's a lot to be learned, and being ignorant about it is the worst thing to do.
Keep your head up.

The surgery is pretty major, it's not an easy thing to correct.

You could try seeing a chiropractor, but it would have to be a really good one that knows what he is doing (there are bad ones, just like there are bad medical doctors). There's really no substantial evidence to support the claim that it can aide scoliosis, but there's really no negative evidence either. And it's certainly worth checking out -- chiropractic is a valid medical discipline.

Upon reviewing several studies I am rescinding the previous suggestion, while chiropractic shows some promise for certain kinds of spine problems, it's plagued by antiscientific thought and outdated information. I would be remiss to suggest something so unproven. Your best bet is going to be physical therapy.

Post has been edited 2 time(s), last time on Aug 23 2012, 12:17 am by Sacrieur.

My blood pressure is 180/120

Your dad isn't as bad as the worst doctor, ever.

The father of a friend of mine went to said family physician to get him to perform a preventive checkup. The doctor told him to get lost because he's in fantastic health.
Some time later they found out the father has a malignant cancer and it might be too late to save his life.

You don't just assume cancer unless you're my father, and he only does that as a joke.

Now if the cancer was hereditary, or there were signs of the cancer, or it's a commonly checked cancer, then there's a problem.

You don't assume it but as a doctor you know it's possible. So when a patient asks for a preventive checkup he should commend him for not being lazy like the rest of the world and thank him for making him money.

Post has been edited 1 time(s), last time on Aug 23 2012, 11:16 pm by NudeRaider.

Don't think I have a spinal problem, but the back of my neck regularly becomes extremely painful. It's usually a sign of a upcoming migraine which then renders the entire right side of my body in this burning, stabbing sensation that lasts for a few days. It is not a pleasant experience, and nothing I do can ease the pain.

I know some good chiropractors. I went a few times to get my bad feet fixed up. The guy I know is pretty level-headed for a chiro... and by that I mean he doesn't believe in all the anti-scientific homeopathic bull that you hear from some others. If there's something that can be done there are people that can help. Maybe if you're interested I could give you the guy's number and he could recommend someone who is more nearby than West Virginia?