Scoliosis

[GetMeOutOfHere20]

Hello my 13 year old has scoliosis, she’s a dancer and very very sporty (plays performance level netball).

she’s been complaining that her back aches, and I’ll be honest I’ve just brushed it off but DH has been more worried and now it turns out she has scoliosis. We are waiting to see a doctor and get an xray. Has anyone experience of this?

Hi OP, my DD was diagnosed with scoliosis at 16 and I also happen to be a physio who spent a large chunk of my career specialising in spinal conditions.

Treatment options will depend on the severity of your DD’s curve - at 13 I suspect that at least initially they’ll want to brace her in order to try and hold the curve as she grows and prevent things from worsening. As a rule of thumb they will only operate if the curve is severe (over 50 degrees). For anything below this bracing, watchful waiting with x-rays to measure the curve every 6 months and physiotherapy are usually recommended. It’s great to hear that your DD is so sporty as this will be very beneficial to her from a scoliosis point of view - consistent work on core and spinal strength are really important

My DD did end up needing surgery as unfortunately she had a very fast progressing curve - she now has a rather impressive array of metalwork in her spine. Although of course it was daunting I can honestly say it was the best thing she ever did and it hasn’t held her back whatsoever. Before surgery she struggled a lot with pain, nowadays she doesn’t have any whatsoever and as a bonus she has a perfectly straight spine again. From 6 months post-op onwards she was out competitively horse riding again like nothing had ever happened. She’s now 21 - currently loving life backpacking in Australia! You’d never look at her and think she ever had major surgery, or scoliosis for that matter.

Are there any questions in particular that I can answer for you?

Oh wow this is so so good to hear. How did your DD handle the brace? I’m worried about her sport and psychological well being with the brace.

I can’t help with the bracing side of things unfortunately - Since DD was diagnosed quite late and the consultant reckoned she didn’t have much growth left (and therefore scope for the curve to worsen was likely limited) she was never braced. She was just unlucky and had an unexpected late growth spurt which caused things to become severe

Oh ok. Thank you though that’s very helpful. I’m so glad your daughter has had successful surgery. Yesterday I was so sad about it all, we’ve just had an autism diagnosis for my other child so I’m feeling very sensitive about everything

Thank you @ScoliMum
does anyone have experience of braces?

My son had a severe curve and had a whole spine fusion just over a year ago. He’s fully recovered now and so much better for having had it done. He was never braced so I have no experience of that I’m afraid.

There is a Facebook group that I joined in the run up to his surgery - Parents of Scoliosis children UK - and I found it helpful to read about experiences of surgery and the practical things I’d not thought of like getting larger sized front buttoning shirts for post surgery.

I have to say there is a lot of information shared in the group, and it might feel daunting if you’re already feeling sensitive so perhaps wait until you’ve seen the consultant so you know what treatment is most likely and you can search for relevant posts or ask your own questions.

Thank you @Bluecrumblei was seeking out experiences. I’m so glad your son is well now.