Scoliosis diagnosis at 52 - any one else with this? Keen to hear how it affects you.

[BigbreastsBiggerbeard]

Diagnosed with scoliosis, saw the x ray and there's definitely a bend in my spine! I'm 52, have had issues with one leg seemingly being longer than the other for years, affecting my gait. This was the first consultant who actually suggested it may be scoliosis. I do lean slightly to the left, have done for a long time, and it's my right leg that seems to be shorter (I understand it isn't actually shorter, but the way my body has been compensating for the imbalance).

Anyone else found out they have scoliosis later in life and has it caused any particular problems for you?

I found out recently that I have scoliosis, this was picked up on an unrelated chest X-ray. Mine is upper back thoracic. GP didn't seem concerned and said because it causes no problems they wouldn't refer to a specialist. I paid to see a spinal consultant as I was so anxious about the whole thing. He said i had probably had it all my life and it was only joke (25 degree curve). I was 37 when I found out and I only have occasional upper back ache.
Are you being referred to socialist for the scoliosis?

I would recommend a DEXA scan to assess bone density because scoliosis is often linked to it and if bone density is low, you should take action now .

@Cormoran
Can you have a bone scan at any age? I'm 37 and have scoliosis and broken bones more than a couple of times with osteoporosis in the family. Would I be too young for a scan?

Talk to your GP and if you are not entitled with the NHS, consider having one privately.
I am in Australia, and do not qualify for one because I don't have osteoporosis, but I have a genetic condition that affects bone turnover so I pay for one myself every year. It is not expensive, the equivalent of 45 pounds I would say converting 90AUD.

@countdownison321 - thanks for your reply. The consultant said the next step is an MRI scan "to rule out any interspinal pathology" - not sure what that means but it could be to see if it is the scoliosis that's causing my abnormal gait. It's thoraco-lumbar according to the report. Sorry to hear that you have it too, though good to hear it doesn't cause you any major problems.

@Cormoran - that's useful to know, thanks, will look into that.

[quote countdownison321]@Cormoran
Can you have a bone scan at any age? I'm 37 and have scoliosis and broken bones more than a couple of times with osteoporosis in the family. Would I be too young for a scan? [/quote]
I had a premature menopause, had my first bone scan at 40, and every ten years after that.

Just ask your gp for a referral and explain why.

My scoliosis was diagnosed when I was in my late teens. I don't think it has got worse over time (late 50's), but I do have to go to the osteopath every so often to be pulled and pushed and tweaked about. One of my legs is about half an inch longer than the other as well.

After the MRI, the consultant may refer me on to other specialists. Or not, if he decides there's nothing to do except monitor it. Don't know how these things go! My back does ache from time to time but I always put that down to the gym work. Not even sure if everything I do at the gym is safe for scoliosis. Those of you who have it, have you been told what you shouldn't be doing, if anything? Exercise wise, I mean.