Adolescent Scoliosis...so worried!

[Charliesunnysky10]

My 16 year old daughter is extremely active and sporty, but currently hospitalised with pneumonia. The x-ray showed a curve to her spine as well as fluid and a partially collapsed lung.

She had a cold virus in Dec and then we went on holiday at New Year. The bacteria found in her system is possibly from the aircon. Her recovering but compromised immune system might explain why she contracted pneumonia and the rest of our family haven't.

She had a slight cough for the last 3 months but when I asked our GP, he said a lingering cough is common after a virus. A week ago she experienced sharp pain as she drew breath so we went to the GP again and he referred us to A&E.

Obviously its all been a lot to take in. I've asked the medical staff but they say they're not experts in MSK or scoliosis. I'm wondering if she will need an operation to straighten the spine? If the scoliosis curve brought on or contributed to the pneumonia, it might therefore happen again?

Any experiences or advice would be very welcome. I've included the x-ray and a photo of her back already on my phone. The right shoulder blade does seem a little more prominent but her spine appears normal, so we had no clue externally before being shown the x-ray.

I know some of my worry is because of the scary last few days, and having time to worry myself silly while she dozes of course, but some help would be very much appreciated

I have a scoliosis not discovered till I was in my twenties when I went for a medical for a job. It was deemed not severe enough for surgery. My left rib cage sticks up at the bottom and one of my legs is half an inch shorter. My left side on my waist really ‘goes in’ as well.

No issues till I hit my forties, my joints have not worn in the best way, what I should have had was an insole made for one shoe when it was discovered. I did have some pain, physio helped, never go to a chiropractor I did once and it was a mistake, an osteopath also really helped me.

I just had a look online and it says a curve of 40 degrees or more is considered for surgery

One thing scoliosis can contribute towards is a condition called costochondritis. I get it when I’m stressed or run down it’s an inflammation of the intercostal muscles around the rib cage. I use stretches to sort mine out though some use meds. People with scoliosis are more susceptible because our body pulls in an unnatural way when we walk, that’s not the best explanation but my body pulls to the left naturally.

I had viral pleurisy once, I’m late fifties and that’s the only lung issue I have ever had . But I had a really compromised immune system as I had caught some horrendous bug in Africa that left me weighing about 7 stone as a 30 year old woman who was normally 9 stone. I dint think the scoliosis was anything to do with that.

Hope she feels better soon.

@ViciousCurrentBun Thank you so so much for your reply. Your experience with pleurisy sounds similar to my daughters situation - more down to being immuno-compromised than the scoliosis. I'm glad you made a full recovery.

Sometimes being aware of a condition early can assist in making better lifestyle choices to prevent repercussions, so I'm trying to see this as a positive.

Just looking at photos on the net, her curve is 39/40 degrees so right at the top of the moderate bracket. Its too late for bracing and I know she wont want surgery unless shes having issues with it - no guarantee of success either.

It's just really good to hear someone's experience who's the same age as me.

My DD was also diagnosed with scoliosis at 16. At the minute your DD’s curve looks relatively mild - certainly well under the 50 degree point where surgery becomes necessary. DD was diagnosed at 40 degrees, it did look quite a bit more severe so I’d say that judging by your DD’s X-ray she’s sitting around 30/35. You should definitely still push for her to be seen though by an orthopaedic spinal surgeon, they will continue to monitor her as it’s not unusual for curves to progress through adolescence, especially during growth spurts. DD’s curve very rapidly progressed (even beyond the consultant’s expectations!) by 15 degrees in the space of a year, hence she ended up at 55 degrees and therefore had to have surgery.

I’d say re: her lung problems the scoliosis is likely a red herring and just an incidental finding. Lung compromise is really only an issue when it comes to very severe (70 degree+) curves

@goldenretrievermum5 Thank you - that's incredibly helpful. I'm sorry you've had to go through this. How was your daughter's curve discovered? How is she now? Has the surgery been a good thing for her?

My DD is a similar age and has scoliosis, though hers was diagnosed when younger & she wore a brace for a few years. Your DD should be referred to orthopaedics for them to x-ray and assess the degree of the curve. There is a point below which surgery isn't recommended, and a point above which they would suggest surgery. Then there is an in between range where it would be up to the person if they wanted it. My DD had to fill in forms at every appointment which asked her if / how it affected her / if it stopped her doing anything / how she felt about her appearance etc. She chose not to have surgery - they did say that in some people it does carry on worsening even after they stop growing, but hopefully she won't need it, as she is horrified by the idea.

My daughter and youngest son both have scoliosis and have had spinal fusion. They are both doing really well and leading completely normal lives. The charity Scoliosis Support and Research is very helpful for information, support and resources.
ssr.org.uk/

She had been having what we thought was just persistent shoulder pain, took her to a physio about it who got got her to do the forward bend test and we got the shock of our lives..! Her back still appeared very straight to the naked eye at the time, even her consultant commented on it so to be honest I hadn’t expected scoliosis in the slightest.

She’s now aged 19 and is 2 years post-op, doing really well. She has just returned from a ski season on her gap year and is now a fully qualified ski instructor! Surgery was definitely the right decision for us, absolutely no regrets and a fantastic recovery. She’s completely straight and has 0 pain when beforehand she was incredibly self conscious of her curve and was often coming home from school in tears as her back was so sore. It has honestly changed her life for the better - we are very thankful

Thank you! It's so reassuring to read these positive outcomes!

The Scoliosis UK Facebook group is fabulous, I’d really recommend joining. Such a wealth of advice, information and experiences from parents and kids all over the country - it has been invaluable for us over the years

@goldenretrievermum5 Thank you! I joined!