Upset about 12-year-old's scoliosis diagnosis (Part 1)

You sound so unhappy about this - I had to respond. I'm sorry you are hurting so much, and I hope you get many responses with good leads for people to talk to.  I would like you to know that my wonderful husband has scoliosis, also diagnosed at about the age your son is now, similar degree (45).  He wore a brace, which didn't do what he had hoped. But that hasn't stopped him one bit.  He does exercises, to relax the back muscles that are working (too) hard to try to compensate for the asymmetry, and, true, he has back (and leg) problems. But: He is healthy and happy. And gorgeous!   

About twenty years ago, we had a seminar at our hospital about using electrical stimulation at night for scoliosis instead of the bulky brace. Maybe Google that? And doing yoga type exercises and symmetrical sports like swimming. Not the end of his life!

I'm so sorry you're having a tough time with your son's diagnosis. It's really hard to hear your child has a medical condition. Please do not despair! Luckily, we live in one of the best areas of the world for children's medical care and I am confident your son's medical care will be excellent.  My daughter was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 11, in the middle of 5th grade. She wore a brace for a few years but unfortunately her curve progressed and she had to have fusion surgery in June 2014. However, she recovered quickly and is now living a very normal life with no health issues. She is currently spending her sophomore year of high school as an exchange student in Europe, as a matter of fact. I am happy to talk with you about our experience and about other supportive treatments (yoga, physical therapy, swimming and the big ones).

I am so sorry that you are feeling depressed - as a mother, I know my hearts breaks at times for my child when really the situation is not that dire and my child will be just fine in the end. So will yours. I was diagnosed with scoliosis around the same age as your son. It sucks. My back hurts frequently, one shoulder is a bit higher than the other, and my back sticks out a bit on one side. I wish it didn't. I don't like it. But...My health is fine. I live a full, active life. Everyone has something they don't like about themselves (in terms of their physical appearance), and lots of people live with daily aches and pains. Life goes on. Everyone has something crappy they have to deal with in life and, as far as things go, there are a lot worse things than scoliosis. I know it hurts far more to see your child deal with something like this than to just deal with it yourself, but it's really not something so serious to let it take over your life. It sucks, but there are people with much worse problems than this. As someone with scoliosis, I do count my blessings. Your son will be fine.  

I'm so sorry you're struggling so much. I just want to say that I know many people with scoliosis, all of whom are living full and productive and happy lives. A few had to wear a brace, one had spine surgery, all are going great! I would get treatment for your child and follow the medical advice you are given. I would also seek out therapy for yourself to help you cope with the stress. Feeling suicidal because your child has a non-life threatening medical condition suggests to me that you need some serious support to help you learn some coping methods. Please get yourself some help- it will benefit you and allow you to be fully present to help your child.

Hi,

I was diagnosed with pretty severe scoliosis at age 12 (back in 1994). I think my curves were verging on 60/40, and I had to have spinal fusion surgery soon after being diagnosed. It was a scary experience at first for me and my parents, but I had a great recovery, and a couple of years later could do absolutely everything I used to do. Now I'm actually glad to have gone through that experience. I think it taught me a lot and made me a stronger person. I know how scary it is to first find out about scoliosis, and would be glad to talk with you or your son if you have questions. Sending support!

It's always hard to get an difficult diagnosis for one's child.   Try not to despair.  As I can see in the responses below, there is plenty of hope for your son.   

My friend, Dr. David Lepp works out of clinics in both Berkeley and San Jose where he was just telling me of the great treatment results they're seeing with scoliosis and a non-invasise, multi-pronged approach to care. You might want to explore at least an opinion from this team.   http://www.janzenandjanzen.com/treatment-options.html

David is a wonderful person and also has an office in Berkeley.   

hang in there.

I have helped several children with varying degrees of scoliosis via treating them frequently with Network Chiropractic.  I am certain many Chiropractic techniques are useful in straightening the spine.  Non-force techniques, such as Network, BGI, Activator, SOT, etc. are my personal preference but all Chiropractic works & is powerful & can eliminate scoliosis.  Children's spines are flexible & malleable.  Don't despair.  Take action with a Chiropractor you trust.  Good luck!

I had a similar degree severity of scoliosis when I was a teenager requiring me to wear a brace. My degree of severity did decrease over time after wearing the brace for a year and have had absolutely zero health complications. Occasionally I would have mild aches in my mid back, went to physical therapy and have felt great ever since. Please don't feel depressed, millions of people live with scoliosis that goes undiagnosed and untreated.